Kant on the Nature of Genius

Kant was an 18th century German philosopher whose work initiated dramatic changes in the fields of epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, and teleology. Like many Enlightenment thinkers, he held our mental faculty of reason invests the world we experience with structure. In his works on aesthetics and teleology, he argued that it is our faculty of judgment that enables us to have experience of beauty and grasp those experiences as part of an ordered, natural world with purpose.In the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, genius is the ability to independently arrive at and understand concepts that would normally have to be taught by another person. An essential character of â€Å"genius† for Kant is originality, or a talent for producing ideas which can be described as non-imitative. In the Critique of Judgment (1790) Kant defines genius as an artist capable of articulating truths or understanding in an imaginative, and uniquely creative way [1]. The articulation of the truths or understanding involves both a judgment by a viewer and the methodology by which it is created, and that specific criteria for both must be present for the designation of â€Å"genius†.   Kant assumes that the cognition involved in judging art is similar to the cognition involved in judging natural beauty.Thus, while two objects may have aesthetic beauty but the way they are created imparts the object with â€Å"soul†.   Kant argues that art can be tasteful (that is, agree with aesthetic judgment) and yet be ‘soulless' – lacking that certain something that would make it more than just an artificial version of a beautiful natural object.   He further claims that what provides soul in fine art is an aesthetic idea that unlike rational ideas can’t be adequately exhibited sensibly.A genius generates aesthetic ideas, exhibits them tastefully, in a way that is universal and capable of being shared. While observing the work of art the viewer should experience the same state of mind the artist had while creating it.â€Å"The power of communicating one’s state of mind, even though only in respect of the cognitive faculties, carries a pleasure with it, as we can easily show from the natural propension of man towards sociability (empirical and psychological). But this is not enough for our design. The pleasure that we feel is, in a judgement of taste, necessarily imputed by us to every one else; as if, when we call a thing beautiful, it is to be regarded as a characteristic of the object which is determined in it according to concepts; though beauty, without a reference to the feeling of the subject, is nothing by itself.† (Kant Section 9, pp 1)One analogy that has been made is that to make a chair, one must know, in advance what a chair is, and create it with the intention of creating it.   In this respect Kant assumes that the creation of art is an exercise of will.   This is a convenient definition because it allows him to also distinguish art from nature because he assumes there is no prior notion or will behind the activity nature. This leads to a dilemma in whether one can call some forms of modern art a reflection of genius, if those works are created randomly, or allowed to self shape based on the physical properties of matter such as glass or ceramics.Another dilemma it raises stems from our definition of who has will or intention. For humans it is clear that the intention to express a thought or feeling through the creation of a physical art is an act of will, but do other animals have will is a matter of metaphysics rather than philosophy. According to Kant’s definition it would be difficult to know for sure if art painted by cats [2] or other non-mammals [3] would qualify, since for Kant non humans are part of the natural world and not endowed with will. Yet, as all of us know who own pets, animals have both distinct personalities and wills.For Kant, art also means somet hing different from science, since it is a skill or practical ability that is more than just an understanding of awareness of something.   He also distinguishes from a labor or craft which has a vested interest or purpose in having the product itself. This also limits who can be a genius since any art that has a function separate from the function of being observed and understood for the idea it expresses, must not be real art, and its creator not a genius but a craftsman. This definition seems anachronistic since in many fine art museum there are displayed fragments of pottery or metalwork that are considered art today yet when they were produced, were produced by craftsman so that they could be used by ordinary people who were not concerned with the deeper meaning of what that plate may have represented.It would seem that the ability of the craftsman to mix metals or use new firing techniques to achieve a texture or impression of strength not found when traditional materials wer e used is expressing a form of genius. His idea was to create an object, regardless of its popular usage, that was different from the ones before that, when viewed by the recipient or purchaser gave them the impression that this new object, such as a sword, was better, stronger, more reliable or more facile. Thus according to Kan’s first definition of art, the expression of a concept by exercise of will is fulfilled. It would seem then that the use of the object later has no relevance on whether or not the object is art, and as a consequence no bearing on whether its producer is a genius.Kant spends much effort to categories arts into mechanical and aesthetic, agreeable and fine art. What it is defines the state of mind of the creator when producing it, and therefore creates the criteria of whether the final product actually reflects the thought or will of the person creating it.   Kant introduces yet another rule to this confusing definition by stating that it should not b e obvious (which would be in poor taste) what the intentions actually were.   Thus it would seem that for an art to be truly genius it should convey a message of concept, somewhat unclearly so that no one is 100% sure what the creator’s intentions were.   Thus the less obvious a message (though no message is also bad) the more likely the creator is to be a genius.According to Kant genius is the talent (natural endowment) that makes it possible to produce art which is an object that has no predefined definite rules or concepts for producing or judging it in a way that satisfies aesthetic judgment that is more than a functional object, or a representation of something natural. To make things art must have elements of originality for it to be a characteristic of genius. This means also that fine art properly is never an imitation of previous art or nature, though it may ‘follow' or be ‘inspired by' previous art and nature. To be radically original is difficult, b ecause all human production is in some form an imitation or a trained action through other artistic influences, schools, and culture.Kant's approach to art emphasizes our interest in it rather than the artwork in itself. The artwork is beautiful insofar as it instigates an intellectual activity termed reflective judgment. For Kant, the viewing of art rouses us to an intellectual involvement with the world in which the very sense of order by which the whole world can be articulated as a whole and be kept in balance is brought to light.   Reflective judgment does not determine whether something exists or not. It also does not determine what specific qualities a particular object might actually possess. Such judgments are cognitive and belong to the field of science. Reflective judgment judges whether something is beautiful. Beauty is never experienced as a determinate thing. We do not experience beauty directly, although it is always implicated in our experiences of the world. Beaut y is a feeling induced by our sense of an ordering, a valuing, at work in the world that lies beyond any explicit demonstration.   The ability of the artist to generate such thought in the observer is thus deemed genius.There is a dilemma with this point of view, since what generates such thoughts for an individual is that individual’s experience. So one is left to wonder is the genius in the artist who created an object that could elicit that experience, or is it in the observer who is open to allowing that experience to occur in themselves? Thus if I look at a painting such as American Cubist Stuart Davis (1894-1964), Report from Rockport, 1940, and feel no understanding or connection, is it my lack of genius or his? If I feel a negative response is that a sufficient criteria of genius?Kant indirectly makes the artificial requirement that for something to reflect genius, it must be liked by the observer, not disliked. This is evident in his effort to define taste as invol ving the judgment that a thing is beautiful. Taste is a subjective judgment in which an object is referred by our imagination to our subjective selves, to the feeling of pleasure or displeasure that the object arouses in us. The representation of the object rather than the object itself is what is at issue in this judgment–not the building itself but its manner of being formed would be the matter of an aesthetic judgment. Though perception is always colored by experience, and is necessarily subjective, it is commonly taken that that which is not aesthetically satisfying in some fashion cannot be art. However, â€Å"good† art is not always or even regularly aesthetically appealing to a majority of viewers.In other words, an artist's prime motivation need not be the pursuit of the aesthetic. Also, art often depicts terrible images made for social, moral, or thought-provoking reasons. For example, Francisco Goya's painting depicting the Spanish shootings of 3rd of May 180 8, is a graphic depiction of a firing squad executing several pleading civilians. Yet at the same time, the horrific imagery demonstrates Goya's keen artistic ability in composition and execution and his fitting social and political outrage.Kant defines several aspects that lead to the formation of an individual’s taste. The first is quality which is supposed to be an objective evaluation of the object being considered. This means that a science of art appreciation has to be developed to define good from bad art in a way that is agreeable to everyone since it follows some pre-set rules, as w ell as generating a psychologically positive impact.â€Å"†¦ when [a man] puts a thing on a pedestal and calls it beautiful, he demands the same delight from others. He judges not merely for himself, but for all men, and then speaks of beauty as if it were a property of things. Thus he says that the thing is beautiful; and it is not as if he counts on others agreeing with him in his judgment of liking owing to his having found them in such agreement on a number of occasions, but he demands this agreement of them. He blames them if they judge differently, and denies them taste, which he still requires of them as something they ought to have; and to this extent it is not open to men to say: Every one has his own taste. This would be equivalent to saying that there is no such thing as taste, i.e. no aesthetic judgment capable of making a rightful claim upon the assent of all men.† (Kant, p. 52; see also pp. 136-139.)Another aspect of taste is quantity of positive appreciation (which means many people have to agree).   This judgment cannot, however, be proven. We can only ask others to look again with more attention to some aspects in hopes that can be induced to see something that eluded them in the first place. Thus genius of the artist grows with the contemplation of the observers, again indicating that it is as much attributable to the viewer as it is to the producer. A third criteria of taste is the purposeness of an object, or that it should have a reason for being there, greater than just the artists desired to memorialize the object.   Finally the last aspect of taste is the feeling of satisfaction in the object by the observer.To summarize, according to Kant, art encourages an intuitive understanding, was created with the intention of evoking such an understanding or an attempt at such an understanding in the audience, has no other purpose or function, may communicate on many different levels of appreciation, leads to many different interpretations, or reflections, demonstrates a high level of ability or fluency, and creates an appealing or aesthetically satisfying structures or forms upon an original set of unrelated, passive constituents.   This definition leads to a vagueness and subjectivity to art appreciation that varies from person to person, and an uncertainty who is most responsible the artist or the observer.De spite the attempt to attribute genius to the creator of the artistic object, all the definitions suggested to help the observed form a value judgment externally define what is artistic, or beautiful. Thus it would seem that for an artist to be truly appreciated and considered, he has to conform to the opinions of non artists, and tailor his work to stimulate their positive responses within the rule network they created.   This is undoubtedly responsible for statements like â€Å" he was ahead of his time† and why truly innovative artists are seldom appreciated during their lifetime.  [1] Critique of Judgment. Trans., James Creed Meredith. (Oxford: Clarendon, 1988)[2] Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics Heather Busch, Burton Silver, Ten Speed Press, Berkeley CA, 1994.[3] Museum of Non-Primate Art. http://www.monpa.com

Endorsement of the Reproductive Health Bill as a Law Essay

The â€Å"The Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2011† or simply the RH bill, has been a very controversial topic for the past decade. Not a few disagreements came between MalacaÅ„ang and the Catholic Church. The later making every step of the acts approval a hard one. Whose side should we support? There are several points in the Reproductive Health Bill that should be reconsidered. The third guiding principle which states that ‘since human resource is among the principal asset of the country, maternal health, safe delivery of healthy children and their full human development and responsible parenting must be ensured through effective reproductive health care’, is being challenged by the bill’s Section 11 ‘Procurement and Distribution of Family Planning Supplies’. The phrase full human development will be put in jeopardy because some of the items that will be distributed are not good for the development of the first stages of life. One of its functions is killing the fertilized egg – a stage where life started – which is no difference to aborting an infant, or killing an adult. In addition, the fifth guiding principle states that the State shall promote, without bias, all effective natural and modern methods of family planning that are medically safe and legal – the supplies would all be legal, safe for the mothers but definitely dangerous for their babies. Another hole to this Section (11) is the funds to be used. Instead of using the nation’s money on items for killing the beginning of infants the government could use it on more reasonable projects – project that might help the poor, develop the services offered, or stop corruption perhaps. The amended last phrase of Section16 ‘Mandatory Age-Appropriate Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education’ states that Age-appropriate Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education shall be integrated in all relevant subjects – but the section says that this kind of education is mandatory, once again violating its own principle for freedom of choice. The Section 20 ‘Ideal Family Size’ opposes the first guiding principle of the act. Section 3 no. 11 talks about freedom of choice, a matter not considered in the making of the 20th section. On the other hand, there are also good points to consider in the act. Sections 5 and 6 promote the protection of the health & lives of mothers and saving babies undergoing dangerous delivery, support and deploy more public midwives, nurses and doctors. The Bill also responds to those who want smaller families, in the form of promoting various family planning methods and at the same time it helps prevent induced abortions. It also guarantees funding for & equal access to health facilities. Section 15 ‘Mobile Health Care Service’ promotes the medical services in the mountainous areas in the country – it would be such a help to the indigenous people who cannot reach the aid of medical facilities in their town. There are pros and cons to be considered in the endorsement of the Reproductive Health Bill as a law. There may be more pros we could gain through it but there is one con that should be well thought-out first and foremost, that is the use of substances to destroy a natural process – the process of reproduction. By making this bill a legal law we are violating the law of nature, as well as the God’s. No one was given the right to kill anybody. There are many ways to avoid unwanted pregnancy without consciously or unconsciously killing a life from developing, we should implement that instead and with it all we need is discipline and responsibility to make the Philippines a better country and its people better citizens.

The Bean Trees- Outsider

In The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, being an outsider is not just one main theme, but it is one theme that is reoccurring throughout the whole book. When someone is an outsider, they are different from everyone else, and somewhat stand out. Right off the bat, outsiders don't fit into commonly used stereotypes. Kingsolver uses Taylor, Turtle, Esperanza, and Estevan to portray this theme. Taylor is an outsider because she is just not a typical girl. Unlike many other girls in her town, Taylor does not want to become pregnant. In fact, she wants to graduate from high-school, or at least intended to, and wants to have a good future.Even though Taylor doesn't want to get pregnant, she gets stuck with being a mother anyways. Taylor travels to find a more meaningful life, but she still feel like she doesn't fit in, or even belong. Because Taylor doesn't share any specific ‘bond' with anyone, she is an outsider. Later on in the novel, she meets Esperanza and Estevan, who share com mon values as her. Turtle, Taylor's adoptive daughter is as well an outsider. As Turtle was abused, she suffers to be an outsiders to her own body. Because of this, Turtle will never develop mentally as quick as other children her age. For the first half of The Bean Trees, Turtle is silent.She cannot communicate with others, as her own words are trapped inside of her body, causing her to be an outsider from the ones who love and surround her. Kingsolver converts the message that many different barriers can cause people to become outsiders, as Turtle's is a language barrier. When turtle finally overcomes these barriers and finds someone who shares common strengths and weaknesses, she is finally an insider. Esperanza is living in a country where she is not welcomes because of her culture. She was forced to give up her own child, and does not express herself because of a language barrier.Everyday, she lives holding her emotions inside, feeling as an outsider, thinking she doesn't even belong here, which eventually bottles up, and leads her to try and kill herself. Although she is married, she is still missing a puzzle piece, her daughter. Estevan is clearly an outsider, as well is his wife, Esperanza, because they are immigrants. Estevan is used to all of the hate against immigrants, and he becomes accustomed to being an outsider. Estevan states â€Å"What I really hate is not belonging in any place. To be unwanted everywhere. † Conveying these thoughts, Estevan believes him nor his wife, Esperanza, have a place in society.Later in the novel, Taylor, Esperanza, and Estevan become insiders as they find outsiders who they share common morals and bonds with. In life, everyone has numerous obstacles and barriers they think they may never overcome, but once they do, they are finally able to communicate to the world and create friendships with people who have similar interests. When everyone comes together as a family, each and every person is finally appreciate d for every attribute that makes them unique. Being an outsider is not particularly a bad thing, as it might just be what keeps one human and especially different from everyone else.

Citizenship in Thailand Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Citizenship in Thailand - Essay Example The generators of the nation-states tried to typify the people so that it would be easier for them to be controlled through the standardization of citizenship. However, individual rights as well as the formal correspondence of citizens have given rise to new-fangled limitations and borders, whereby, international disparities such as class, gender, ethnicity, and faction have been caused to be invisible by the national discourse fore the reason that it stressed on the completeness and unity, nevertheless, have failed to identify the prohibitions or disparities which people have experienced so far2. This paper talks about the background notions and discourse that associates to nationality as well as citizenship with meticulous reference to Thailand. With regards to the private laws and human rights and how it relates to the international law provisions as well as notions about nationality are a subject of concern here. In views of Huddleston and Kerr, in its simplest interpretation, citizenship refers to the stand of being a citizen or member of a particular community or state3. In such a sense, citizenship hinges upon certain rights and responsibilities which are described in the law. The rights could be the right to vote, the liability of paying tax, etc. Citizenship is sometimes construed as nationality which is interpreted when an individual mentions about applying or acquiring citizenship. The Thai constitution has served the segregation of the rules of play in the politics of Thailand. The sole rationale of subsequent constitutions as well as amendments has always been to provide and sustain the authority and benefit of whichever military or political faction occurred to be overriding enough at the time of proliferation4. Without appropriate citizenship, an individual in Thailand is efficaciously a non-person who is unable to vote, purchase land, look for legal vocation, and tour between regions. Moreover, they are denied admittance to secondary education and liberated government health care. The process of acquirement of Thai citizenship is quite an intricate process due to the snag of bureaucracy as well as substantial corruption. To acquire Thai citizenship, it is mandatory for an individual to prove that both he and one his blood parents were born in Thailand. More to it, a child in need of proving that one of his parents were born in Thailand, is initially supposed to prove that one of his grandparents was born in Thailand, and so on5 (Newsletter, 2008). 2.1 Governance Issues In terms of the governance concept, Thailand lacks the quintessential type. The judicial processes which are the foundation of facilitating the common citizen

Current and Future Economic Issues Impacting Healthcare Sector Coursework

Current and Future Economic Issues Impacting Healthcare Sector - Coursework Example This paper thoroughly analyzes these five factors that are affecting the demand and supply, as well as the costs, of health care services in the United States. It also suggests specific strategies that relevant entities may use to address these issues from an economic perspective. Physician sovereignty implies that health care professionals, such as doctors, largely influence or regulate the demand for health care. People believe that they require the checkups, medicines, and therapies that the physician advises. Health care demands professional knowledge or expertise. People depend on the doctor. The physician could consider cost, but they are obviously minor (Culyer et al., 2011). Decisions are made based on established clinical knowledge and practice and the guarantee of appropriate, correct health care. The usual thriftiness of a consumer who weighs prices against one another thoroughly and makes budgets is nonexistent in health care. Although this is not essentially negative, it does further result in a greater demand for, and thus increasing costs of, medical care. Moreover, within conventional ‘fee-for-service insurance’, the higher the number of services that are suggested the greater the income the physician or hospital gets (Aizer, 2007 , 405). This situation could result in unnecessary services with gains that are not equal or more than their costs. In fact, physicians may be inclined to over-service, over-test, and overprescribe, particularly if this excessive medical care lessens the possibility of an expensive medical malpractice case (Hicks, 2014). The over-demand produced by third-party payments is a perfect illustration of how consumer decision-making and behavior can be influenced by financial incentives. Consumers are simply acting in response reasonably to the incentive of a lowered price, and the unused or misused medical care is an indication of consumer preference. The result may not be socially desired, yet the consumer remains

Public relation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Public relation - Essay Example ns having democratically oriented cultures and governments; rather, it could be argued that the historic affinity between democracy and capitalism fosters the greater use of public relations practice in capitalistic economic systems while one could submit the corollary proposition that symmetrical practice of public relations inevitably will encourage nondemocratic nations to become more democratic’. The power of public relations to influence the opinion of the public even in severe issues like the political system of a particular state can be sometimes a threat for the market especially in cases where the targeted opinion has been formulated and imposed after a severe pressure from the party that will gain significant profit both directly or indirectly. However, in many cases public relations can lead to positive outcomes. For this reason, Levy (2002, 34) stated that ‘PR power used early can not only reduce the consequences of human error and frailty but also help create positives -- more business, a better legislative climate and improved standing with the media -- via mass media coverage on social service activities; PR can make advertising claims more credible, and give the claims more impact, because when the mass media tell scores of millions that something is so, the ads that follow are not only more trusted but more interesting’. As an example to the above assumptions, the case of Wal – Mart is presented by the above researcher in an effort to support the credibility of his statements. More specifically, the research made in the area has revealed the existence of a case where public relations led to an increase of the performance of the company involved. As Levy found ‘Wal-Mart has increased its sal es of high school class rings -- at 2,800 stores and online -- by including "how to buy" information in news releases; the stories make potential customers feel more comfortable about buying (Levy, 2002, 34). From a similar point of view it has been

Issues in child development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Issues in child development - Essay Example Every childs development is judged by their intellectual function, their inventiveness, their ego strength, their relatedness to their peers and adults, and capacity to deal with new events that come across their like each day in their social life. Depression may be simply defined as a state of sadness. Many may feel depressed for a short time when things do not go their way, but when this feeling persists and interferes with daily activity a doctor may diagnose an individual with clinical depression and order medication. Genetic predisposition, personal problems, and seasonal hormonal changes are some of the many things that may trigger depression. A depressed individual may encounter feelings of despair and sadness, constant fatigue, constant headaches, among other things. If left untreated, depression may lead to suicide. (Mood Disorders, 2003) Most mothers aspire to provide a nurturing environment for their children. Depressed mothers generally want the best for their children, but their illness prevents them from achieving this goal. Depressed mothers have a much different opinion of themselves as mothers and of their childrens behaviour. They may see themselves as inadequate and think that they have little control over their childs development and they may perceive many aspects of their childs normal behaviour in a negative light. (Gurian, 2003) Many report feeling overwhelmed at the responsibilities of raising a child. Under so much stress, depressed mothers will face the normal frustrations of raising children much differently than normal mothers would. In many cases, the mother may criticize the child to the point of insulting him. Verbal abuse has been linked to lack of self esteem in children, especially when done at a young age. Some depressed mother will go even further and react violently to her childs petty

Engineering Practice Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Engineering Practice - Assignment Example This essay stresses that ethics is a normative science which differs in some way with the positive science. The science which is studied in laboratories of the universities is described as the positive science. Positive science is depicted as what we observe through our eyes or through other sensory organs. There is another science which does not directly deals with the observation rather it is based on the standard of rules and norms by which certain objects are judged, this science is known as normative science. Normative science is also responsible for testing the validity of the set standard of rules. This paper declares that a person gets his ethical principles and values form the moral education at home, lessons taught at school or in some special religious training. Some people also acquire the principles and values from the messages of society via radio, television, newspaper, books and magazines. Some of the individuals also acquire values and principles through real life experiences. Engineering and management are both relevant areas of study. Now Engineering can be defined as a profession where there is knowledge of mathematics and natural science gained through theoretical, practical studies and experience, is applied to develop different forces of nature for the welfare of people. Management can be defined as a process of planning, designing and controlling the environment in which persons, working together in group, successfully accomplishes their desired goals. (Weihrich & Koontz, 2006, p.5-6). Control plays an effective role in the management of an enterprise. An organ isation comprises of different types of employees on the basis of their needs, want and interest, in that area management control creates coordination and give directions (Flamholtz, 1996, p.4-6). Ethical Issues Ethics in workplace is the set of values and beliefs which guides an employee.

Impact of Information and Communication Technology Policy on Firms Essay

Impact of Information and Communication Technology Policy on Firms worldwide Operations - Essay Example Please continue to update the olders ones, "A good study should use approximately 100 + peer reviewed references with 80 to 85% being published within the last 3 – 5 years." Please review my comments below: Abstract [Impact of Information and Communication Technology Policy on Firm’s worldwide Operations] By Nisrine Hammache DBA, Walden University, 2010 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2011 Abstract In the contemporary world, information and communication technology is being rated as one of the basic requirements for the success of a business organization. Lately, it has been observed that even after implementing well dedicated architecture of information and communication technology, businesses have still failed. This has created a spur in the minds of small business owners on whether it is worth undertaking such a huge investment. The research paper is div ided into three sections. The first section provides a general overview about the importance of the discipline of information and communication technology; it offers the background, purpose and nature of the study. The hypothesis and the assumptions along with the implications of the social change are clearly stated in this section. The second section deals with the particular project. This comprises the narration and analysis of data, as well as the reliability and the validity of the process and output. Section three encapsulates the presentation of the study and the application of the frame work of information and communication technology in terms of professional practices. The section also comprises the implications of social change, as well as the recommendations and the reflection. In the reading of the subsequent chapters, the essence of information and communication technology increases profitability; better management of international operations is increasingly substantiate d and so the hypothesis is proved in due course. [Impact of Information and Communication Technology Policy on Firm’s Worldwide Operations] by Nisrine Hammache DBA, Walden University, 2010 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University December 2011 Dedication Acknowledgments Table of Contents List of Figures 9 Section 1: Foundation of the Study 10 Background of the Problem 10 Purpose Statement 12 Nature of the Study 13 Research Question 13 Assumptions 15 Reduction of Gaps 17 Implications for Social Change 18 A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature 19 Transition and Summary 20 List of Figures Fig 1 – Page 15 Fig 2 – Page 16 Fig 3 – Page 17 Fig 4 – Page 18 Fig 5 – Page 19 Fig 6 – Page 20 Fig 7 – Page 21 Fig 8 – Page 22 Fig 9 – Page 23 Fig 10 – Page 24 Section 1: Foundation of the Study An official script w ritten to resolve an immediate business predicament by addressing an existing gap in business practice is referred to as a DBA Doctoral Study. This study will focus on the impact that information and Communication technology policies have on firm’s worldwide operations. In overall, the study comprises three main segments: foundation of the study, the project and application to professional practice, and implications for change. Background of the Problem In every sphere of life change is inevitable, and the information and c

Global Media and the Nestle Boycott Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Global Media and the Nestle Boycott - Essay Example One of the main concerns for the widespread use of infant formula among children is the high number of deaths especially in the least developed countries (LDC) where mothers substitute breastfeeding with infant formula. Nestle has been accused of its aggressive marketing strategies that convinces mothers in poor countries to abandon breastfeeding their children and resort to infant formula. This has attracted the longest boycott in history known as Nestle Boycott where organizations concerned with the Nestle’s marketing practices of its controversial infant product in third world countries despite the linkage of the product to the high rates of deaths among babies in those countries. The organizations that participate in Nestle Boycott have a number of arguments that they believe are worthy stopping Nestle to engage in the marketing of infant formula in LDC. In view of the immense social, cultural, and economic differences between first and third world countries, it is acutely unethical for core nation corporations such as Nestle to implement their marketing techniques in peripheral nations without realizing the severe consequences. The Genesis of the Boycott Henri Nestle, the founder of Nestle, S.A. is credited with inventing the first artificial food products for babies in the world in 1866. After New Internationalist  magazine published a story about the unethical marketing strategies that Nestle employed to sell its product to mothers in 1973 and in a booklet called  The Baby Killer,  in 1974, the company continues to face a boycott of its product infant formula. Nestle became the topic of consumer boycotts in the 1970s owing to its marketing practices. Powdered milk formula for infants was distributed free in hospitals to mothers who had given birth to newborn babies. What attracted the attention of consumers was the fact that this practice had not been witnessed in core countries like United States of America and England but only in less deve loped countries where the mothers were concerned about breastfeeding their babies. One of the most well known controversies involving Nestle involves the advertising and marketing of infant formula products to mothers in LDC around the world. The issue came up and attracted world attention in 1977 because of the Nestle boycott. Nestle continues to face criticism that the company violates the 1981 World Health Organization code that instituted regulations for marketing and advertising of breast milk substitutes (Solomon, p. 2).   The controversial issue led to the formation of groups such as the  International Baby Food Action Network  (IBFAN) and Save the Children  who continues to provide evidences that the promotion of infant formula over breastfeeding lead health problems and deaths among infants in less economically developed countries. Nevertheless, Nestle has continuous counteracted these claims by initiating company policies that are geared towards encouraging mothers to breastfeed their children and only resort to infant formula in cases where it is completely impossible to breast feed. Because of aggressive marketing strategies by Nestle, free samples were distributed at maternity units, and by Nestle sales representatives who addressed as quasi-medical personnel. The critiques of this marketing strategy pointed out that poor mother were being persuaded to resort to infant

Computerized Scheduling System Essay Example for Free

Computerized Scheduling System Essay A computerized reservations and scheduling system is provided which alternately allows transportation consumers to select from pre-scheduled transportation services provided by transportation providers or to negotiate and contract with transportation providers who have available unscheduled transportation space. The system comprises a central computerized data base. Transportation providers and consumers alike access the computer via a plurality of terminal units. The central computerized data base comprises a maybe file for storing information regarding available unscheduled transportation space which may be offered by a provider for service if a suitable consumer demand exists and for storing information regarding unscheduled transportation space which is needed by consumers. The maybe file facilitates negotiating and contracting between the parties. Scheduling is the process of deciding how to commit resources between a variety of possible tasks. Time can be specified (scheduling a flight to leave at 8:00) or floating as part of a sequence of events. The word may also refer to: * I/O scheduling, the order in which I/O requests are submitted to a block device in Computer Operating Systems * Scheduling (broadcasting), the minute planning of the content of a radio or television broadcast channel * Scheduling algorithm * Scheduling (computing), the way various processes are assigned in multitasking and multiprocessing operating system design * Scheduling (production processes), the planning of the production or the operation * Schedule (workplace), ensuring that an organization has sufficient staffing levels at all times * Job scheduler, an enterprise software application in charge of unattended background executions. * Job Shop Scheduling, an optimization problem in computer science. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scheduling Scheduling is a key concept in computer multitasking, multiprocessing operating system and real-time operating system designs. Scheduling refers to the way processes are assigned to run on the available CPUs, since there are typically many more processes running than there are available CPUs. This assignment is carried out by softwares known as a scheduler and dispatcher. The scheduler is concerned mainly with: * Throughput number of processes that complete their execution per time unit. * Latency, specifically: * Turnaround total time between submission of a process and its completion. * Response time amount of time it takes from when a request was submitted until the first response is produced. * Fairness Equal CPU time to each process (or more generally appropriate times according to each process priority).

International and Intercultural Communication Essay Example for Free

International and Intercultural Communication Essay International and Intercultural Communications have been of great interest to the Hofstede Centre for many years. In fact Geert Hofstede’s dimensions of culture have been the most widely disseminated of all theories. Hofstede’s five cultural dimensions are, â€Å"1) Power Distance, 2) Individualism or Collectivism, 3) Masculinity-Femininity, 4) Uncertainty Avoidance, and 5) Short or Long Term Orientation.† (Donald Baack, 2012, Chapter 2.4). â€Å"Professor Geert Hofstede conducted one of the most comprehensive studies of how values in the workplace are influenced by culture. He analyzed a large database of employee value scores collected within IBM between 1967 and 1973. The data covered more than 70 countries, from which Hofstede first used the 40 countries with the largest groups of respondents and afterwards extended the analysis to 50 countries and 3 regions.† (The Hofstede Center, n.d.). In the next few pages I will compare the similarities and differences in scores between the countries of Croatia and Slovenia in relation to Hofstede’s five cultural dimensions as well as provide a scenario involving two organizations, one located in each country and their business practices relating to the different cultural perspectives. In the dimension of Power-Distance Croatia scores high with a score of 73 which means the people accept a hierarchical order in which everybody has a place and which needs no further justification. In this type of society people expect to be told what to do and this is accepted as the norm. (Hofstede Centre, n.d.). Slovenia also scored high in the dimension of Power-Distance with a score of 71. What this displays is two of the former eastern European countries, are very similar in their societal beliefs in hierarchal order and the populace was still routed in a culture where subordinates do as they are told by the boss and the boss is an aut ocrat in the bigger sense. In the second of the  five cultural dimensions Individualism or Collectivism, Croatia scored 33 which are considered a collectivistic society. â€Å"This is manifest in a close long-term commitment to the member group, be that a family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount, and over-rides most other societal rules and regulations. The society fosters strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group. In collectivist societies offence leads to shame and loss of face, employer/employee relationships are perceived in moral terms (like a family link); hiring and promotion decisions take account of the employee’s in-group, management is the management of groups.† (The Hofstede Centre, n.d.). Slovenia, had a score of 27 is also considered a collectivistic society just like we saw in Croatia. Once again the two bordering countries are nearly identical in their collectivist societie s. Our third dimension of Masculinity-Femininity resulted in a score of 40. With this score they are considered a relatively feminine society. Feminine societies focus on the theory of work to live. In a feminine society it is also common for managers to seek consensus. Even with such a disparity in scores and Slovenia’s’ score of 19 on this dimension, they too are considered more of a feminine society. Like the culture of Croatia they work to live and the people value things like equality, solidarity and pleasure in their working lives. â€Å"Conflicts are resolved by compromise and negotiation. Incentives such as free time and flexibility are favored. Focus is on well-being, status is not shown.† (The Hofstede Centre, n.d.). The fourth dimension of Uncertainty Avoidance resulted in a score of 80 signifying a very high preference for avoiding uncertainty. As stated in the Hofstede report, â€Å"Countries exhibiting high uncertainty avoidance maintain rigid codes o f belief and behavior and are intolerant of unorthodox behavior and ideas. In these cultures there is an emotional need for rules (even if the rules never seem to work) time is money, people have an inner urge to be busy and work hard, precision and punctuality are the norm, innovation may be resisted, security is an important element in individual motivation.† (The Hofstede Centre, n.d.). Slovenia also scored quite high with an 88 signifying they too choose to avoid uncertainty and need rules regardless of the effectiveness of them. Our final dimension is the dimension of Short or Long Term Orientation. In the comparison statistics this is referred to as  pragmatism and indulgence. Croatia achieved scores of 58 and 33 respectively. These figures indicate that the Croatian society believe truth is dependent on situations, context of what is said and the time. â€Å"They show an ability to adapt traditions easily to changed conditions, a strong propensity to save and invest thriftiness, and perseverance in achieving results.† (The Hofstede Cen tre, n.d.). The 33 score received for indulgence is an indication of a restrained country. â€Å"Societies with a low score in this dimension have a tendency to cynicism and pessimism. Also, in contrast to indulgent societies, restrained societies do not put much emphasis on leisure time and control the gratification of their desires. People with this orientation have the perception that their actions are restrained by social norms and feel that indulging themselves is somewhat wrong.† (The Hofstede Centre, n.d.). Slovenia had scores of 49 in pragmatism and 48 in indulgence. These scores both result in no clear preference for one or the other. As I have demonstrated by comparing the results for these two countries, bordering countries can be quite similar in some aspects of International and Intercultural Communications but quite different in others. As an example if I opened a car repair business or franchise in these two countries and expected them to work together some of the things I could expect is, they both would struggle with working together since they both prefer autocratic leaders and operate under the concept of being told what to do. What this means to me is that regardless if I am physically there with them or providing communication from afar they will execute all actions to benefit the business in a positive manner. These societies rely on face and losing face through failure is not an option they accept easily. In contrast to this is they both enjoy the benefits of family time, strong ties to immediate and extended family (the organization), managers often seek consensus and conflict is resolved through compromise and negotiation. This later part about conflict resolution is because both societies are feministic in nature and as we all know, women are often times more level headed and less apt to fly off the hand le over little issues that can be resolved in an agreeable manner when thought out and discussed properly. This could be beneficial or difficult since us Americans believe in more time at work than time with family in today’s working environment. I believe this is an instance where I would need to adjust my work ethic in order to  gain more from these two countries in keeping with their societal beliefs and standards. From my perception of Hofstede’s five cultural dimensions is that two companies in these two countries of Croatia and Slovenia would work very well together and in fact complement one another nicely, leading to great success for the organization. What I have done in the past few pages is to demonstrate the similarities and differences in scores between the countries of Croatia and Slovenia in relation to Hofstede’s five cultural dimensions as well as provided you with the scenario involving two organizations, one located in each country and their business practices relating to the different cultural perspectives. I believe Hofstede’s five dimens ions were quite relevant when originally complied and are still quite relevant today. References Baack, D., Management Communication, 2012. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/books/AUBUS600.12.1 Mind Tools Ltd, 1996-2014. Retrieved from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_66.htm The Hofstede Centre, National Cultural Dimensions, n.d. Retrieved from http://geert-hofstede.com/national-culture.html The Hofstede Centre, National Cultural Dimensions, n.d. Retrieved from http://geert-hofstede.com/croatia.html

Vodafone Strategy Analysis

Vodafone Strategy Analysis Jump to: Vodafone Business Strategy | Internal and External Analysis | Strategy Evaluation | Strategy Implementation | Conclusion 1.0 INTRODUCTION This report presents an in-depth business; strategic analysis of Vodafone Group Plc. The report provides a comprehensive insight into the company, including strategy formulation, strategy planning, strategy evaluation and selection as well as strategy implementation. This will involve in investigating the organizations external environment, to identify Opportunities and threats it might face, and its strategic capacity, capabilities to isolate key strengths and weakness as well as indentify the significant of significant of the stakeholder analysis and environment and organizational audit OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY A Multi-National Company named Vodafone is one the leading companies in Telecommunication Industry. Vodafone PLC Vodafone is a leading global player in mobile telecommunications. It operates in over 26 countries worldwide. Vodafone has grown rapidly since it was originally formed in 1984. It has responsibilities to its 60,000 staff and 151 million customers and shareholders. Vodafone offers a wide range Products/Services, such as Voice Services Social Products Messaging Services Vodafone live Vodafone live! With 3G USB modems Vodafone Mobile Connect Data Cards Roaming Services Other Business Services Vodafone was formed in 1984 as a subsidiary of Racal Electronics Plc. Then known as Racal Telecom Limited, approximately 20% of the companys capital was offered to the public in October 1988. Task 01: Strategy Formulation 1.1 Business Strategy Johnson and Scholars defined business Strategy as follows Strategy is the direction and scope of an organization over the long-term: which achieves advantage for the organization through its configuration of resources within a challenging environment, to meet the needs of markets and to fulfill stakeholder expectations. Business strategy is the foundation and core competition of successful business. But there are different types of business strategy. The best business strategies must steer a course between the inevitable internal pressure for business continuity and the demands of a rapidly changing world 1.1.1 Vodafones Business Strategy Vodafones current business strategy is to grow through geographic expansion, acquisition of new customers, retention of existing customers and increasing usage through innovations in technology.This is proving a very successful strategy, as is evident from Vodafones UK success. Vodafone opened the UKs first cellular network on 1 January 1985. It has been the market leader since 1986; its UK networks carry over 100 million calls each week. Vodafone currently has the largest share of the UK cellular market. Vodafone business strategy and their sustainability strategy are inseparable. Meeting societys needs creates enormous opportunities to grow business. Vodafone aim to identify and focus on the areas where their interventions can address sustainability challenges most effectively at the same time as offering an attractive commercial return for their shareholders. Expanding Vodafone business strategy in emerging markets such as Africa and India is extending access to communications and the social and economic benefits this brings. Vodafone can also make an import ant contribution to development and to environmental sustainability by enabling a low-carbon society through bespoke products and services that meet specific needs in local markets. 1.2 Stake Holder Analysis Stakeholder Analysis is the technique used to identify the key people who have to be won over. On other words it analyse key stakeholders, an assessment of their interests and the ways in which these interests affect the project and its viability. 1.2.1 Videophone s Stake Holders are as follows 1.2.2 Significant of Stakeholder Holder Analysis The extent to which stakeholders affect the activities of an organisation depends on the relationship between the stakeholder and the organisation. Mendelows matrix provides a way of mapping stakeholders based on the power to affect the organization and their interest in doing so. It identifies the responses which management needs to make to the stakeholders in the different quadrants. Stakeholder Holder Analysis is very important to any organization. Significant of Stakeholder Holder Analysis of Vodafone PLC. Vodafone PLC can use the opinions of the most powerful stakeholders to shape companies projects at an early stage. Not only does this make it more likely that they will support to organization, their input can also improve the quality of Vodafone future. Gaining support from powerful stakeholders can help Vodafone PLC to win more resources. This makes it more likely that your projects will be successful. By communicating with stakeholders early and often, company can ensure that they know what company is doing and fully understand the benefits of companys project .this means they can support companies actively when necessary. Vodafone PLC can anticipate what peoples reaction to companies future project may be, and build into companies plan the actions that will win peoples support Draws out the interests of stakeholders in relation to the problems which the Vodafones future plans which seeking to address. Vodafone cans identifies conflicts of interest and potential conflict Helps provide an overall picture Helps identify relationships between different stakeholders helps possible coalition. 1.3 Environment and Organizational Audit 1.3.1 Environmental Audits Environmental audits are intended to quantify environmental performance and environmental position. In this way they perform an analogous (similar) function to financial audits. An environmental audit report ideally contains a statement of environmental performance and environmental position, and may also aim to define what needs to be done to sustain or improve on indicators of such performance and position. 1.3.1.1 Environment Audit of Vodafone Vodafone s an environmental audit report ideally contains a statement of environmental performance and environmental position, and may also aim to define what needs to be done to sustain or improve on indicators of such performance and position. It includes Environment Policy Vodafone. Such as Improving energy efficiency Reducing waste Increasing reuse and recycling Environmental audit report includes how Vodafone plc committed to reducing the energy and natural resources they use, and the amount of waste they create. As well as a clear moral obligation, there is a sound business case for good environmental management. It can help them to reduce costs and meet the expectations of our customers and employees. Many of their larger customers now include environmental performance as criteria in their procurement process Energy and waste reduction targets are included in the personal development plans for relevant employees. Vodafones standards encourage suppliers to improve their environmental performance. 1.3.2 An Organizational Audit An Organizational Audit is a procedure for examining the practices, procedures, programs, and policies of an Organization. The growing challenge of Organization Design is learning how to adjust strategies and internal operations to the rapidly changing business environment.Through The Organizational Audi program it help Vodafone PLC to change the very nature of how it operates by aligning internal structures, processes, and systems to strategy, while adjusting to the demands of the external environment The length of The Organizational Audit is based on the size and complexity of the organization. It can be completed in a single intervention or spaced over a period of several weeks or months. The Organizational Audi format will be tailored to fit the needs of the organization. 1.4 Strategic Positioning Techniques Strategic positioning is the positioning of an organization (unit) in the future, while taking into account the changing environment, plus the systematic realization of that positioning. The strategic positioning of Vodafone PLC includes the devising of the desired future position of the organization on the basis of present and foreseeable developments, and the making of plans to realize that positioning. The strategic positioning method is derived from the business world. The method is aimed at ensuring the continuity of the organization. The strategy determines the contents and the character of the organizations activities. Terms, such as survival, legitimacy, market positioning, relationship with environment and choice for a certain work area, come up in this context. When developing strategic positioning for Vodafone PLC we have to raise Various questions As follows: How does the Vodafone PLC future look like? How could the Vodafone PLC be roughly positioned in the future? How are things in the Vodafone PLC at present? How can opportunities be seized and how can threats be met? How can this be put into practice in a systematic way? Task 02: Strategic Planning 2.1 Strategic Planning Strategic planning is an organizations process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy, including its capital and people. Various business analysis techniques can be used in strategic planning, including SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats ), PEST analysis (Political, Economic, Social, and Technological), STEER analysis (Socio-cultural, Technological, Economic, Ecological, and Regulatory factors), and EPISTEL (Environment, Political, Informatics, Social, Technological, Economic and Legal) .Therefore before preparing strategic plan we have to understand external and internal factors affecting the Vodafone PLC as follows. 2.1.1 PEST Analysis for Vodafone (P)OLITICAL: Political factors involved the tax policy, labor law, environmental law, trade restrictions, tariff, and political stability. Due to the customer relationships that the company value most, Vodafone is willing to shift their approach away from unit pricing and unit based tariffs to propositions that deliver much more value to customers in return for greater commitment, incremental penetration of the account or more balanced commercial costs. (E)CONOMIC: Economic factors include the economic growth, interest rates, exchange rates and the inflation rate. The pricing factors the company usually do is giving the consumers a right and justly cost so that, everybody can avail or purchase their product in a broad sense. (S)OCIAL: social factors include the cultural aspects and include health consciousness, population growth rate, age distribution, career attitudes and emphasis on safety. The need for an equipment that can be a good device for every age range is available, since everybody are fully oriented in the use of the mobile technologies. (T)ECHNOLOGICAL: technological factors include ecological and environmental aspects, like RD (Research and Development) activity, automation, technology incentives and the rate of technological change. The technology is the thing that Vodafone is very proud of. The technological advancement enables the company to make a customer relationships stronger because of their customers trust that  built over the years. 2.1.2 SWOT Analysis for Vodafone PLC (S)TRENGTHS: The Companys strengths can be the reputation of the business in the local market because of the product in long run. The companys strengths are the strong bond of the company towards the customer and valuing them most as they craft another product. Another strength that can be depicted is the technology that is their greatest asset above the competitors. (W)EAKNESSES: The result of the weaknesses can be shortage of materials needed or more expensive purchase of materials in the target country. Meeting the customers demand is sometimes hard to cope. Every company must admit that reaching the customers taste and preferences are really hard to achieve. But these weaknesses will serve as a challenge in the company and they must prepare actions in answering these needs. (O)PPORTUNITIES: The opportunities can be a well established position when the business successfully landed in the foreign market. On growth opportunities, the three target areas are Mobile data, Enterprise and Broadband (T)HREATS: The threats can be large competitors that are waiting for the business that were undiscovered before conducting the study. This possibility is not that new. The Vodafone is not the only company that serving a kind of delicacy. SWOT Analysis for Vodafone PLC Dominance in Cellular Market Declining Market Share in Japanese Market Wide Geographical Presence Limited Exposure to Emerging Markets Expanding Geographic Presence Emergence of Low-Cost Brands Growth through 3G Market Saturation in Europe 2.1.3 STRATEGIC OPTION DEVELOPMENT Porters Generic Competitive Strategy Vodafone PLC has also been able to use Porters generic strategies to position itself in the marketplace.   This is a direct result of SWOT analysis. This framework also helps in deciding whether the organization is a cost leader, differentiator or a focus player accordingly, a company positions itself by leveraging its strengths. Porters three generic strategies are discussed in more detail in the following section. Cost leadership The companies that attempt to become the lowest-cost producers in an industry can be referred to as those following a cost leadership strategy. The company with the lowest costs would earn the highest profits in the event when the competing products are essentially undifferentiated, and selling at a standard market price. Differentiation When a company differentiates its products, it is often able to charge a premium price for its products or services in the market. Some general examples of differentiation include better service levels to customers, better product performance etc. in comparison with the existing competitors. Porter (1980) has argued that for a company employing a differentiation strategy, there would be extra costs that the company would have to incur. Focus Organisations can make use of the focus strategy by focusing on a specific niche in the market and offering specialised products for that niche. This is why the focus strategy is also sometimes referred to as the niche strategy (Lynch, 2003). Stuck in the middle According to Porter (1980), a companys failure to make a choice between cost leadership and differentiation essentially implies that the company is stuck in the middle. There is no competitive advantage for a company that is stuck in the middle and the result is often poor financial performance (Porter, 1980). Vodafone Generic Competitive Strategy is Low cost Competency Uniqueness Competency Border Target Narrow Target 2.1.4 STRATEGIC OPTIONS Vodafone PLC also aspires to uphold a high level of growth .Vodafones strategy up to date has been the key factor in its huge success and can carry on applying all of these strategies for the foreseeable future. Vodafones few strategic options are as follows 1. Merge between Vodafone and 3 Mobile Vodafone PLC and 3 mobile has proposed merger of the two companies. Both companies confirmed that, in the event of the merger proceeding as planned, all new and existing contract customers of Vodafone and 3 will be able to enjoy the same great value offered on all existing Vodafone and 3 mobile voice and data plans for the next 2 years. 2. Vodafone is considering a buyout of T-Mobile Vodafone is considering a buyout of T-Mobile Currently, O2 has the largest share of the UK market, but Vodafones 25% combined with T-Mobiles 15% would give the company two out of every five UK mobile customers. 3. Focusing for Diversification -Vodafone entering into Electronic equipment Market Diversification is the name given to the growth strategy where a business markets new products in new markets. This is an inherently more risk strategy because the business is moving into markets in which it has little or no experience. Vodafone PLC can enter into electronic equipment market by using diversification strategy. Vodafone can produce Vodafone Television, Vodafone Microwaves, Vodafone Washing machine etc. Vodafone diversification production Task 03: Strategy Evaluation and Selection 3.1 Evaluations of Options The evaluation of strategic options is an important part of the strategy process, whether largely incremental and implicit or an explicit stage within a formal planning system. The Evaluation of Business Strategy we can Use SAF module .In corporate strategy, Johnson, Scholars and Whittington present a model in which strategic options are evaluated against three key success criteria. Suitability (would it work?) Feasibility (can it be made to work?) Acceptability (will they work it?) For evaluating purpose, I have selected only few strategic options. Strategic Option 01 Focusing for Diversification -Vodafone entering into Electronic equipment Market Strategic Option 02 Merge between Vodafone and 3 Mobile 3.2 Evaluations of selected Options Suitability Option 01 Option 02 Does the strategy address the circumstances In which the organisation is operating? Yes Yes Is the strategy viable? Yes Yes Does the strategy exploit core competences? Yes Yes Does the strategy address the external environment? Yes Yes Is the strategy viable and achievable given conditions within environment? Yes Yes Does the strategy build upon or exploit the strategic capabilities of the organisation? Yes Yes Does the strategy fit with the current Yes Yes corporate culture of the organisation? Does the strategy create/maintain Competitive advantage? Yes Yes Acceptability Share holders Does the strategy provide adequate financial Yes Yes retunes? Does the strategy lead to unacceptable risk? No Yes Will there be issues at social responsibility? No Yes Management Will the Management support the strategy Yes Yes Will they leave they leave the organization No Yes Staff Will there be strike or turnover due to No Yes Implementing new strategy? Will they support to the implementing Yes Yes the Strategy? Does the strategy have impact over there salary? Yes Yes Does the strategy have impact over job security? No Yes Customers Will They use our new services? Yes Yes Will it satisfy there needs? Yes Yes Will it answer their complaints? Yes Yes Supplies Will the suppliers support to the strategy? Yes Yes Will the change there product, Process and location Yes Yes To support our strategy? Do we can make guarantee on financial security ? Yes Yes after implementing new strategy? National Government Will be misfit with the law? No No Will theses violating policy of the government? No No Will government provide support for us? Yes Yes Pressure Group Will it be damaging Outcry? Yes Yes Does it go far enough to satisfy three complaints? No No Feasibility Does the organisation have the resources and capabilities to deliver the strategy? Yes Yes Does Vodafone has previous experience in Yes Yes Similar Strategy? 3.2 Strategic Decision and Recommendation Strategy When evaluating selected strategic options ,option 01 would be most favourable option over option 2. Vodafone entering into Electronic equipment Market Vodafone PLC can enter into electronic equipment market by using diversification strategy. Vodafone can produce Vodafone Television ,Vodafone Microwaves ,Vodafone Washing machine etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Diversification is the name given to the growth strategy where a business markets new products in new markets. This is an inherently more risk strategy because the business is moving into markets in which it has little or no experience. Option 1 would fit to addresses the challenges of the external environment, is based upon or enhances the resources and capabilities of the organisation, builds or exploits synergies and is consistent with its corporate culture. This strategy complies with consideration of the anticipated rewards relative to the goals of the organisation. In addition, expectations of its key stakeholder groups. Anticipated rewards of option 1 will achieve possible returns relative to the risks incurred. Task 04: Strategy Implementation 4.1 Comparison of Role and Responsibility of Strategy Implementation Implementing Strategy gives a broad view of implementation and a thorough understanding of each piece of the implementation process. when implementing strategy will learn how to properly align corporate structure with corporate strategies and how to integrate strategy formulation and implementation by focusing on core areas. Strategy implementation skills are not easily mastered, unfortunately. In fact, virtually all managers find implementation the most difficult aspect of their jobs more difficult than strategic analysis or strategy formulation. When Implementing Strategy Someone needs to sign up as responsible for the action plan. Someone must say, yes, Ill do it. Youve got to identify that one person who will be carrying the ball. This is an absolute necessity for monitoring the plan. we must know whom to ask how is it going? And youve got to know whom to offer help to if, for whatever reason, the strategy isnt being accomplished. The manager responsible for the action plan is the same person responsible for the strategy the action plan is intended to implement. He signed up for that responsibility way back at strategy sessions. Selected Organization Marks Spencer (MS) M S is a major British retailer, with over 895 stores in more than 40 territories around the world, over 600 domestic and 295 international.. Virgin Trains: Virgin Trains is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. Although it is branded as part of the Virgin Group, the groups share in the company is only 51%, with the remaining 49% held by Stagecoach Group 4.2 Comparison of role and responsibilities in Strategy Implementation process. Even in the same industry the organisations practices different types of strategies to get competitive advantage over the industry and to become a market leader. In the strategy implementation process managers liable to carry out strategy implementation process as required. It should be lined with pre set standards. When comparing strategies of Virgin Train and Mark Spence they have their own strategies. The Virgin Train operates in the transport industry and where top management must make sure that strategy is comply with pre set objectives and it is going on in the right way. They need to always check whether there is any deviation from action plan. Resource allocation should be done throughout the implementation process as appropriate. Where top management need to concern about their major competitors while the strategy implementation process. In the Mark Spencer they are operating in the retail industry. Asda, Tesco, Morison, Sainsbury are their major competitors in the market. So that in the strategy implementation process Mark Spencer need to aware of their competitors strategies as well. Even organisations practices different types of strategies to get competitive advantages main roles and responsibilities are very common for every organisation. Common steps need to be fallowed in the strategy implementation process. Comply with action plan, resources allocation, identify deviation from objectives, monitoring and take control action, etc. Are can be seen in the every strategy implementation. In this process responsibilities have been allocated to relevant personnel and their responsibility is to act according to the action plan. 4.2 Resource Requirement of Implementing Selected Strategy When implementing strategy, Vodafone has to allocate resources in a logical order. . Those resources include financial, facilities and equipment, people and information. Vodafone PLC need to quantify the specific resources required to complete each of those action steps. Resources and capabilities of any firms can be measured through identifying its tangible and intangible resources and capabilities within. It ranges from financial, physical, technological and organizational; while intangible can be human, innovation and reputation assets Human Resource Normally most managers focus primarily on the financial resource. The resource which turns up scarce more often than any other is the human resource. Most often companies just plain run out of time or talent or time of their most talented people. No of employment must be decided by Line managers and floor Managers of the Vodafone PLC Financial Resources: Budget for Vodafone entering into Electronic equipment Market 4.3 Proposal for Vodafone Entering into Electronic Equipment Market This proposal is prepare to evaluate whether this strategy is success or not. After indentify external and internal factors affecting, Vodafone PLC has to decide whether all the selected strategy is financially viable and ability of meeting the selected target as well as it within the budget and time frame. 4.3.1 Target for Vodafone entering into Electronic equipment Market Introduce new product to existing customers and new customers by 10% within next six month [April 2011-September 2011] Improve frequency of purchase of Vodafone entering into Electronic equipment by 10% within each year. Re-position using the marketing mix. Increase Impulse segment by 25% within 12 month. 5.0 Conclusion Recommendation In a nut shell, the report examined Vodafone entering into Electronic Equipment Market. The report provided comprehensive insight into the company, including strategy formulation, strategy planning, strategy evaluation and selection as well as strategy implementation. This will involve in investigating the organizations external environment, to identify Opportunities and threats it might face, and its strategic capacity, capabilities to isolate key strengths and weakness as well as indentify the significant of significant of the stakeholder analysis and environment and organizational audit Business strategy plan is based on various business analysis techniques including SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), PEST analysis (Political, Economic, Social, and Technological), Marketing plan is based on SOSTAC framework. All activities integrated to achieve pre-established strategic objectives. External and internal forces have been evaluated by using SWOT analysis and PEST analysis model. Vodafone PLC could use its strong brand position. As financial aspect concerns NPV is positive, therefore based on financial points this strategy for into Electronic Equipment Market. The strategy is viable. But we need to take into account of non financial factors as well. Vodafone has to develop strong Marketing strategy when into Electronic Equipment Market .finally all These performances must be in line with bonus scheme to motivate employee 6.0 References Annual Report 2009. Vodafone. http://www.vodafone.com/static/annual_report09/downloads/VF_Annual_Report_2009.pdf. Retrieved 2009-10-31.   Who we are. Vodafone Group Plc. http://www.vodafone.com/start/about_vodafone/who_we_are.html. Retrieved 23 August 2010.   Our global footprint. Vodafone Group Plc. http://www.vodafone.com/start/about_vodafone/where_we_are.html. Retrieved 23 August 2010.   FTSE All-Share Index Ranking. stockchallenge.co.uk. http://www.stockchallenge.co.uk/ftse.php. Retrieved 2010-08-12.   David, F Strategic Management, Columbus:Merrill Publishing Company, 1989 Lamb, Robert, Boyden Competitive strategic management, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1984 Johnson, G, Scholes, K, Whittington, R Exploring Corporate Strategy, 8th Edition, FT Prentice Hall, Essex, 2008, ISBN 978-0-273-71192-6 Chandler, Alfred Strategy and Structure: Chapters in the history of industrial enterprise, Doubleday, New York, 1962. Ansoff, Igor Corporate Strategy McGraw Hill, New York, 1965. Drucker, Peter The Practice of Management, Harper and Row, New York, 1954. Chaffee, E. Three models of strategy, Academy of Management Review, vol 10, no. 1, 1985. Buzzell, R. and Gale, B. The PIMS Principles: Linking Strategy to Performance, Free Press, New York, 1987. chumacher, E.F. Small is Beautiful: a Study of Economics as if People Mattered, ISBN 0-06-131778-0 (also ISBN 0-88179-169-5) Krause, Reinhardt (1999-06-08). Vodafones Quest Begins With AirTouch Alliance. Investors Business Daily. http://investors.com/IBDArchives/ArtShow.asp?atn=324329775205550sy=kw=ps=440ac=WBM. Mannesmann rejects Vodafone bid. BBC News Online (BBC). 1999-11-14. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/the_company_file/519813.stm. Retrieved 2007-04-06.   Vodafone seals Mannesmann merger. BBC News Online (BBC). 2000-02-03. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/630166.stm. Retrieved 2007-04-06.  

How to handle your finance after divorce Essay --

How to handle your finance after divorce Divorce is a complex and heartbreaking episode in anyone's lives. You would not want to add in to your burden with monetary issues.This turn out to be a greater disaster if you were always being dependent on your partner or have money crunch. You can no longer afford to rely on anyone else other than yourself. So, gear up and get your act straight. We know it is difficult and at the same time important to start handling financial responsibility. Here are a few steps to help you to take the first step. Who owns the home In case the home is owned by your ex-spouse sole name, then you might want to consider registering for a share using a 'matrimonial home rights notice' or a 'restriction' notice. Both of these notices will help you in guaranteeing that your ex-partner won't try to sell, transfer or mortgage the property without your knowledge or agreement. Clear your mortgage concerns Explain your stand clearly, talk to the lender and discuss how you plan to manage the mortgage repayments. This also applies in case you are staying in...

Organic Coffee Essay -- Environmental Business Proposal Essays

Organic Coffee SAFARI PLANET COFFEE(S.P.C.) The best Minnesota organic Coffee Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦3 2. Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..4 3. Business Description †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...5 4. Management and Processes†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..7 5. Research, Marketing and Company Plan.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦7 6. Financial Projections...†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.9 7. Reference†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦11 8. Appendix†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..12 1. Executive Summary Coffee is one of the world’s most precious commodity second to oil at the same it is one of the most chemically treated products that cause consumer and farmers health problem and destroys environments for that reason, the main idea of Safari Planet Coffee (S.P.C) is very simple, we want to diversify Minnesota by importing and selling organic coffee with high quality grown from the land of its origin Africa, particularly from East Africa. Safari Planet Coffee (S.P.C)’s core value is to bring into focus an environment where this coffee product can become a vivid expression of belonging to customers who will enjoy our healthy organic coffee or purchase from our wholesale department. We want our customers, who are our greatest assets, to feel that inward uniqueness, the moment they step foot into SAFARI PLANET COFFEE(S.P.C), feeling like they were on the actual coffee producing farm in East Africa, particularly Ethiopia the birth place of coffee. Safari Planet Coffee (S.P.C) shall bring into the business an environment where positive thoughts, ideas and suggestions are expressed freely and embraced under an atmosphere of mutual co-existence and professionalism, in the best interest of the establishment. Safari Planet Coffee (S.P.C) is not here only to make money but we will dedicate 15% of pretax dollar to improve the quality of our coffee farmers in East Africa, as our company grows we would set aside a percentage of pretax dollars for social cause and to promote the Organic coffee industry. Safari Planet Coffee (S.P.C) initial investment would be $15,400.00 of owner’s capital and $45,000.00 of SBA loan. Our aim is to select premium Organic coffee products from the East African region that offer superior quality, supplement the coffee products with educational propaganda that promotes the origins of coffee, conditions of East African farmers, a... ... Total $ 60,400.00 Projected Financial Statement attached †¢ Projected Balance Sheet 7. Reference Coffee for Future Brewing/Mixing March 2004, Compiled from the U. S. Market for Coffee and Ready-to-Drink Coffee, 4th Edition, Published by Packaged Facts 2 Griswold, David (2004),Quick Guide to Sustainable Coffee 3Koppel. D 1992, Common Sense about Pesticides, Independence Institute. 4Rice, R.and Ward, J. 1996 Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center Coffee, Conservation and Commerce in the Northern Hemisphere. 5 O'Connell, Jock(2004) Organic Food: A Niche Market Goes Global http://jockoconnell.tripod.com/CaliforniaOrganic.html Retrieval date October 17th 2004 8.Appendix Estimated share of gourmet/premium beverage dollar sales by subcategory ..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦1 Whole bean and ground coffee by IRI tracked sales and shares †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..2 Gourmet beverage/confectionary: by household income bracket †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦3 Gourmet beverage/confectionary: by educational attainment †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..5 Gourmet beverage/confectionary: by age bracket of purchaser ...†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦6 Purchasing indices for gourmet beverage/confectionary: by ethnic group †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..7

Free Oedipus the King Essays: The Downfall of Oedipus Rex :: Oedipus the King Oedipus Rex

The Downfall of Oedipus Rex The greek playwright, Sophocles, was born around 496 B.C., and died in 406 B.C.   During his life, he wrote many plays, one of which was Oedipus Rex.   Sophocles was the first dramatist to add the third actor to the play.   Actors were able to perfrom many different parts, but the play was limited to only three actors and the chorus.   (Literature, page 1065)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The downfall of Oedipus transpired due to the tragic flaw of his character.   Oedipus was very temperamental and became easily angered. He was a prideful individual who desired to be a hero and avenge the death of Laius.   His devout need to know the truth, and have the proof that it indeed was the truth also led to his ruin.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Oedipus had a very short temper.   Oedipus did not want to hear what Tiresias had to say after he begged him to tell him all that he knew.   "Am I to listen to such things from him!   May you be damned!   Get out of here at once!   Turn around and go!"   (Literature, Oedipus the King, Ln. 434-436, page 1085)   Oedipus went into a rage when Tiresias told him about the evils that Oedipus was living with.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Oedipus took great pride in saving people and being seen a hero.   He wanted the death of Laius to be avenged and he had to be the one to find the murderer and punish him.   "I'll fight for him, I'll leave no means untried, to cach the one who did it with his hand..."   (Literature, Oedipus the King, Ln. 270-271, page 1081)   He did not want to let the people of Thebes down, and he wanted to show that he would be a true hero once again.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Oedipus was in pursuit of the truth   to find out what really happened with his birth and life.   Oedipus was searching for the truth and needed to know all the facts in order to convict the murderer.   "Ah!   All of it was destined to be true!"   (Literature, Oedipus the King, Ln.

Healthcare Business Organization Paper

Business Organization Paper Healthcare has drastically changed over the years in the United States. As our population is growing in size, a shortage of the number of health care professionals is also growing. Entrepreneurs have greatly benefited the world of health care by assisting with creating more jobs, producing products and services to assist and meet the growing needs of the population, and starting new business organizations to meet the needs of today’s economy. There are different forms of organizations and choosing the correct one is important, as it will affect the success or failure of the business. Define the Different Forms of Business Organizations Sole proprietorships are an individually owned business where the individual is entitled to all of the profits and also responsible for all of its debts, liabilities, taxes, and claims that may be made toward the organization. Partnerships are businesses started by 2 or more individuals. In this form of business each individual is equally responsible for the liabilities, management, as well as entitled to a portion of the profits. With the different knowledge and skills each member brings to the business will increase the chance of success. Corporations are created by law and owned by shareholders. Rather than actual property, the owners own stock or interest. Through selling stock the corporation can raise the capital o help with establishing business and increase financial gain. According to SCORE Associations (2003), limited liability companies are a â€Å"new and flexible business organization of one or more owners that offers the advantages of liability protection with the simplicity of a partnership, i. e. partners are not liable for business debts† (Para. 3). Explain the Advantages of Each Form of Business Organization Sole proprietorships are the easiest to manage due to the nature of the business and it is also easy to close if needed. Partnership business’s benefit by having shared responsibility in managing the organization and raising funds would be easier with multiple partners in the business. In corporations, according to Naol (2011), the shareholders â€Å"can only be held accountable for their investment in stock of the company† (Para. 6). However when debt raises it can be paid through the sales of stock. Some advantages associated with limited liability companies include creditors can not seize the owner’s personal property, there is no double taxation, and health insurance can be deducted from the income tax. Explain the Disadvantages of Each Form of Business Organization Sole proprietorships place the owner at risk if debts outweigh the profits due to personal property being at risk because of the owner being responsible for all debt and liabilities. This form of business may struggle with the type of employees it draws due to personal funds needed to start the business. If the owner is not available to run the business it is at high risk of failing. In a partnership business because each owner is equally accountable for the liabilities each member will be held responsible for any negative actions by another partner. Because of diversity members may run into disagreements with the management or expenses of the business. According to Business Finance (2011), â€Å"The process of incorporation requires more time and money than other forms of organization† (Para. 3). Taxes may be higher for a corporation, and there are more strict regulations to follow. A corporation may also be sued. Some disadvantages of a limited liability company are that owners are not allowed to have a wage and they must pay self-employment taxes. Define the Appropriate Form of Ownership for an Aggressive Entrepreneurial Firm According to Pullman (2011), the most appropriate form of ownership for an aggressive entrepreneurial firm would be a limited liability business. An entrepreneur who is willing to take risks in the process of being aggressive would be willing to even risk personal wealth and property, which would lead to greater success than entrepreneurs who were not as willing to take such risks. Conclusion The main focus behind marketing and healthcare is business growth and financial gain, and the form of business used plays a critical role in the success or failure of the industry. Through knowledge of the various forms of business and their advantages and disadvantages will lead to the entrepreneur being able to make an informed choice of which business form will best meet their needs to produce a successful venture. References Business Finance. (2011). Types of Business Organizations – Corporations. Retrieved November 19, 2011, from http://www. businessfinance. om/books/startabusiness/StartABusinessWorkbook012. htm Naol, M. , A. (2011), Forming a Texas business corporation. Retrieved November 19, 2011, from http://www. nacollawfirmblog. com/business-transactions/forming-a-texas-business-corporation Pullman, J. (2011). How you structure a new entrepreneurial business matters. Retrieved November 19, 2011, from http://www. streetarticles. com/entrepreneurialism/how-y ou-structure-a-new-entrepreneurial-business-matters SCORE Association. (2003). Common forms of business organization. Retrieved November 19, 2011, from http://www. tulsascore. org/organization. html

Formal Education Vs. Informal Education Essay

Are you or your child receiving an education that fits your element? If not then when would now be a good time to look into that? Adults and children today or mostly unaware of how education is being presented do to the fact that they are only aware of one type of education. Of course most of us all are all born and raised on the â€Å"ladder system† which is another way of saying formal education, but many people don’t realize that there is an abundance in different types of education. We have all heard of private schools and charter schools, but those are just schools not education. Yes they are education to a degree but there are only two types of education, and they are frequently fought and argued about which one is better. Those two types of education are formal education and informal education. In todays society people are built mainly on morals and beliefs that are passed down through the government and high end white collard business men. Unfortunately people are becoming more and more unaware of informal education. Informal education is better than formal education do to the constant environment change and open curriculum that a education lacks. Informal education is better and should be blended in with formal education to get a real world experience. The year two thousand and thirteen today we thought to have evolved in our educational practices. Even now people are becoming more intelligent in formal education through the years that the â€Å"ladder system† was introduced. Unfortunately though with that we also have been developing lower and lower common sense. That is mainly to do with formal education. Many people ask what is formal education? Formal education is education presented in a prestiges matter in which there are different levels completed. The levels being Elementary school, Middle School, High School, and finally college. Seeing that there are different levels to be completed makes a more focused approach on education which in the long run will increase your intelligence, do to wanting to complete the final task which is college. Even by doing this many people blindly rush into college only forgetting what they have learned in middle school and even high school. Formal education is also very narrow and not open in many other experiences. Formal education schools are often decided what to teach based on what the state wants. With most of the formal educations power going to the government and states. That leads formal educated schools to having a very closed curriculum and not being able to learn outside the box or have any other experiences. With formal education being a ladder system and a narrow curriculum, you can see that in terms of college expectations you are intelligent, but in realistic experiences you are not. Now what is Informal Education. Let me share an idea with you before i tell you. You probably know what a formal event is right? You wear a formal garment such as a suit or a dress and you go to a very on point social event, but  whatever when you are not dressed formally? You tend to have more creative freedom and you start to be educated on different types of apparel. Informal education the informal clothes appose to formal clothes such as a dress or suit. In the world of informal education there is no Ladder system. It is in short basic education but in a progressive form. And with being no ladder system the states are not involved with the curriculum which means you get to learn outside the box and experience far more than formal education could ever teach you. Many people argue which is better when most people really lean more towards formal education, but really for an educational stand point informal education is better. There are many factors to bring into play when explaining the reason informal education is better than formal education. First let me explain environmental reasons to this. Looking at formal education you see that every day you are in the same blocks of classes and you are constantly surrounded by the same people. With that you are not really experiencing different types of people because you are built upon having the same people through out the school  year. You are not exposed to different personalities or characteristics do to people adapting to your own and becoming more like you. Informal education on the other hand you are exposed to the same class room, but there are usually different people in your class daily, and frequently even different teachers. With that your are not adapting to certain personalities but you are adapting to a realistic way of life which is being surrounded constantly with different people. Another thing argued strongly is the experience range. Formal education gives you a very narrow curriculum not allowing you to experience other things that are more valuable outside of school. Most of the things in formal educated school apply only to school and not in the real world although english, science and some math is an exception. Informal education allows you to see many different prospectives on certain subjects and you really get to experience a lot more than what the state narrows it down too. Experience such as different people usually everyday, different subjects everyday and when a subject is ever retaught, it is taught by a different teaching making a different point of  understanding. The education in an informal school is usually basic things that you would learn in middle school, but going more into formal education it starts to be applied to many different areas in a real world circumstance, and applied several different ways. In a formal education school you are taught more advanced things that help develop the brain, but has no use in the outside world. In todays formal educated schools we are all taught that knowledge is power but that is really an understatement. What use do you have of acquired knowledge if you don’t even know how to apply it in a real world circumstance? Point proven. Formal educated schools today are focused to much upon how to help you get to the next step of the ladder rather than helping you understand the use of the information provided. While formal education has a great affect on the brain development wise, it lacks many uses outside of its buildings. In formal education on the other has many experiences that are less advanced and may not enhance or develop the brain much. But if knowing how to use one piece of great information acquired and it making you become very successful. Then all the other information obtained that had no transformational value was just a waist of time. Even today many people see education beyond high school as a waist of time, and the ones that adore formal education argue greatly on the belief. The biggest thing that affects people differently in formal or informal schools is the mindset that is carried through out the course. When begging a regular ladder system school which starts at elementary school we are all familiar with the different cards used to display behavior status. The blue card representing excellent behavior. The green card representing good behavior. The yellow card representing behavior that needs attention, and finally the red card representing bad behavior. What people do not know is the physiological effects that the cards hold towards the child. When growing up we are all taught right from wrong, but it is now human nature to focus only on the problems. With that said many times in elementary school kids are often punished more than rewarded, and many times barely acknowledged for the good they have done. When still developing at a young age there brains start adapting and internalizing what they are surrounded by. Many times do kids get yelled at for there miss behavior and even punished frequently. And not so often do the kids get praised  with the same amount of energy they were being punished for. With so little energy going towards the good and rewarding, and so much going towards punishing there starts to become an imbalance of emotions. In the long term the students feel like they are useless and not worthy enough for whats to come. With that they start growing up with these feelings and in the long run do not have the emotional uplift to conquer any dreams or goals. While during informal education every student is treated equally and is not so much punished as they are rewarded. This in the long run carries the opposite effect than in formal education.