Examine the Extent to Which Gender Is Socially Constructed

Gender differences are biologically constructed. We are born either as male or female. Without going any further these statements appear normal and one can take the view that this is the general assumption. What then is sex? Is there a difference between sex and gender? Distinctions between sex and gender have been made by social scientists from the feminist movement of 1970’s, when feminists argued that the traditional views of masculinity and femininity often led to the disempowerment of women.Ann Oakley (1972) in particular, set the stage for the socialization explorations of gender identity (Abbott 2005). Since this latter part of the 19th century, the common distinction made by sociologists is that sex is derived from the biological differences between men and women – chromosome make up, internal and external genitals and reproductive organs amongst others. Gender, however, refers to the socially constructed characteristics of masculinity and femininity, characteri stics that are defined by different societies and cultures in different ways.In contrast, there are arguments proposing that gender differences are based on biological sex and result from biological factors – we naturally show characteristics of masculinity and femininity. These different views are often referred to as the nature v nurture debate (Marsh et al 2009, Lippa 2005 and Abbott 2005) Here we will look at some of the biological explanations in support of the assumption that gender differences are biologically determined before moving on to the sociological explorations of the social construction of gender, and the limitations of both views.We will also look at the gender differences across cultures and the influence of the mass media in shaping our society. Biological sex differences have often been used to explain the ‘natural’ differences in roles employed by men and women – men are naturally the breadwinners and the women nurture and take care o f the family. The different arguments for the biological explanations of gender roles are often referred to as ‘essentialism’ and ‘biological determinism’ (Marsh et al 2009). Talcott Parsons (Parsons and Bales 1955 as cited in Marsh et al 009) argued that the natural differences between men and women suit them to specific roles within society. This is referred to as the ‘sex-role’ theory. This theory relies on the premise that there are two distinct categories of men and women throughout the world. It therefore follows that heterosexuality is viewed as the norm. This immediately excludes those persons who feel that their gender identity does not correspond with their biological sex, for example transsexuals and homosexuals.Since the first wave of feminism in the 1970’s the focus has shifted towards the now dominant socialization explanations of gender identity, however we still see new biological theories and studies appearing. For examp le, biological determinists have looked to the differences in male and female brains. In their book Brain Sex (1989), Anne Moir and David Jessel talk of the ‘prenatal hormone’ theory, whereby testosterone has an influence on thought process and emotions leading to the brain being wired differently between men and women (Marsh et al 2009).Simon Baron-Cohen also has similar views – â€Å"the female brain is predominantly hard-wired for empathy, and the male brain is predominantly hard-wired for understanding and building systems†. (Simon Baron-Cohen 2003 as cited in Marsh et al 2009:220). In contrast, the various socialization explanations of gender argue that our gender identities are created by society, by interactions from early childhood with parents, siblings and peers (social learning theory) and by external influences such as the mass media, continually developing through our social interactions and experiences into adulthood.The differences across cu ltures in what is considered as masculine and feminine are also studied in support of this concept. â€Å"The different social experiences of women and men are the creation of society far more than biology† (Macionis and Plummer 2005:308). The social learning theory suggests that from birth we learn what is considered as â€Å"gender-appropriate† behaviours and traits (Marsh et al 2009). â€Å"Infants are seen as blank states, waiting to be written on by their environment† (Bilton et al 2002:136). This theory suggests that through nteraction with parents, siblings and peers, children learn the characteristics of their gender role – which emotions to display, activities to take part in or avoid, toys to play with, clothing to wear, work and hobbies to pursue amongst others. It is also widely accepted that children copy what they see and try to emulate their peers etc. This is referred to by sociologists as ‘modelling’. The majority of persons will recall that some behaviours are encouraged and accepted whereas if a child emulates something that a parent views as wrong or abnormal this is discouraged. The reactions from parents etc. einforce the gender characteristics expected of the child (Marsh et al 2009). A study undertaken in North Carolina of pre school children (Robinson and Morris 1986 cited in Bilton et al 2002) proposes that the social learning theory is an incomplete explanation that we learn all ‘gender-appropriate’ behaviours. In this study, children were themselves selecting ‘gender-stereotyped’ toys for their Christmas presents. For example dolls were selected by the girls and military toys by the boys. The parents selections for the children were mostly sex-neutral – art supplies and musical instruments.The early inclinations of the children to conform to their gender roles cannot be explained by the social learning theory (Bilton et al 2002). In 1971 Sandra Bem, a Pennsylv anian psychologist created the Bem Sex Role Inventory. This inventory lists various characteristics which are stereotyped as being masculine (dominant, athletic) or feminine (affectionate, flatterable). Individuals can assess themselves by selecting which of the characteristics they view as being desirable for a man or woman in order to determine how well you fit into your traditional gender role.The results from a sample of participants show that both men and women share a range of what are considered to be stereotypical feminine and masculine traits (Marsh et al 2009). Some writers have interpreted that Bem is in effect arguing that â€Å"the development of typical gender roles and gender stereotyping are not inevitable† (Marchbank and Letherby 2007:125 as cited in Marsh et al 2009:223). In other words parents, teachers etc. can influence the gender identities of the children.Money and Ehrhdart (1972) report the case of a 7 month old boy who after losing his penis in an acc ident underwent surgery to reconstruct his genitals as female. He was thereafter raised as a girl and is reported to have developed normally as such (Money and Ehrdart 1972 as cited in Bilton et al 2002). This would support the interpreted view of Bem above. The stereotypical gender projections of the mass media are also said to have an influence on our gender identities, often reinforcing gender stereotypes. â€Å"The media are forms of pedagogy that teach us how to be men and women† (Kellner 1995:5 as cited in Marsh et al 2009:231).Some argue that the media however offers a variety of images that both challenge and support stereotypical views (Stacey 1994 as in Marsh et al 2009). Feminine stereotypes are reinforced by media representation of the fashion, beauty and diet industries, focussing on physical improvement and reinforcing the stereotype that women should always look their best and ‘primp’ and ‘preen’ themselves. Programmes such as How to L ook Good Naked and Extreme Makeover are becoming increasingly popular. Masculine stereotypes are also reinforced in advertising.For example, the beer industry relies on the masculine stereotype to appeal to its audience and alternatives such as gay men and househusbands amongst others are markedly absent from this type of advert. (Strate 2004 cited in Marsh et al 2009). The media is viewed by sociologists as a powerful tool in conveying stereotypical and idealistic views of femininity and masculinity to its audience. Other arguments and studies highlighting the social construction of gender look at the different views across different cultures upon what characteristics are considered as masculine and feminine.Margaret Mead, an American cultural anthropologist, undertook a study of three primitive societies within New Guinea (1935), the Arapesh, the Mundugumor and the Tchambuli. Mead noted that the Arapesh men and women expressed similar attitudes and behaviours. They were peaceful, sensitive and cooperative, traits that in our culture are considered as feminine. The Mundugumor men and women again shared similar behaviours, however, in contrast to the Arapesh they displayed what we would view as masculine traits – aggressive, selfish and ‘warlike’.The Tchambuli men and women, similar to our culture, displayed different behaviours although the women displayed masculine traits of dominance and aggression, and the men displayed feminine traits, having responsibility for domestic activities and care of the young as well as ‘primping’ and decorating themselves (Macionis and Plummer 2005, Marsh et al 2009). A further example of the cultural differences surrounding masculinity and femininity can be seen in Samoa where men can take on the role and identity of females. They are known as fa'afafine which literally means ‘like a woman’.The biological sex is male but the gender is considered as female. They dress like women, ca rry out what are considered as the female tasks within the household – cooking, cleaning, and washing and have relationships with other men. It can be the choice of a boy to take on a female role or it may be that they are raised as fa’afafine by their family if they have no or few daughters needed to undertake the female role within the household. Although men have relationships with the fa'afafines they strongly feel that this is not homosexual behavior.Fa’afafines consider themselves female and believe that the men who have relations with them also see them as female (See – National Geographic Channel ‘Taboo’ studies). We can see clearly from Mead’s study and the fa’afafines in Samoa that different cultures define masculinity and femininity in different ways. Gender identities are capable of being shaped or formed, therefore giving substantial weight to the argument that gender is socially constructed and is derived from our social and cultural traditions and views.On balance, the arguments of the biological determinists appear very limited in their application to those outwith the ‘normal’ heterosexual categories of male and female. In contrast the socialization explanations show that we can influence gender identities and that although sex is biologically determined it does not automatically follow that we naturally inherit the stereotypical characteristics of masculinity and femininity. Mead’s study alone provides strong evidence to support this point.To conclude, the general assumption and explanations that gender differences are biologically determined appear to have been somewhat overshadowed since the 1970’s. The majority of sociologists are in preference of the views, studies and evidence that support the sociological explanation of gender as being socially constructed with any differences being derived from society and culture. In comparison, the biological viewpoints and theories appear to struggle to correlate with today’s modern and multicultural society.References Abbott, P. Wallace, C. and Tyler, M. (2005) An Introduction to Sociology: Feminist Perspectives. London: Routledge. Bilton, T. , Bonnett, K. , Jones, P. , Lawson, T. , Skinner, D. , Stanworth, M. and Webster, A. (2002) Introductory Sociology. Basingstoke: Macmillan. Lippa, R. A. (2005) Gender, Nature, and Nurture. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. Macionis, J. and Plummer, K. (2005) Sociology: A Global Introduction. Harlow: Pearson. Marsh, I. , Keating, M. , Punch, S. and Harden, J. (2009) Sociology: Making Sense of Society. Harlow:Pearson.

Reconstitution of a Partnership Essay

Partnership is the relation between persons who have agreed to share the profits of the business carried on by all or any of them acting for all. An essential element of partnership is to have an agreement and wherever a change takes place in this relationship it results in reconstitution of the partnership firm. Reconstitution of the firm may happen under any of the following circumstances and as a result there will be a change in the profit sharing ratio: 1) Change in the profit sharing ratio amongst the existing partners; 2) Admission of a new partner; 3) Retirement of an existing partner; 4) Death of a partner and 5) Amalgamation of two partnership firms Change in the profit sharing ratio of existing partners: The partners of a firm may decide to change their profit sharing ratio and in such eventuality, the gaining partner (i.e. the partner whose share has been reduced) unless otherwise agreed should be paid some compensation and the compensation is the value of goodwill represented by the gain because the change in profit sharing ratio means that one partner is purchasing from another partner of the profits. For example; James and Jones, two partners of a firm are sharing the profits of the firm in the ratio of 3:1 and if it is decided that in future both will be equal partners, it means that James is selling to Jones  ¼ th (3/4-1/2) share of profits. Therefore, Johns will pay to James an amount equal to one fourth of the total value of goodwill. In concrete terms, suppose, the profit is $20000 previously James would get $15000 and Jones would get $5000. After the change in the profit sharing ratio, each would get $10000. James, therefore, loses annually $5000 and Jones gains $5000. If the goodwill is valued at $40000, Jones must pay James one fourth of $40000 namely $10000. This adjustment is usually made by passing an adjustment entry. In this case, John’s capital account will be debited and James’ capital account will be credited with $10000. In addition to the adjustments for goodwill, the change in profit sharing ratio also requires the adjustment of profit/loss on revaluation of assets and reassessment of liabilities, accumulated reserves and profit (or loss) etc. Sacrificing ratio and gaining ratio: Change in the profit sharing ratio of existing partners will necessarily mean that one or more partners are surrendering a part of their share in the profits in favor of one or more other partners. A part of share being so surrendered is termed as â€Å"sacrificing ratio† while the share gained by each partner is termed as â€Å"gaining ratio†. â€Å"Sacrificing ratio† is computed by deducting the new ratio from the old ratio. â€Å"Gaining ratio† is computed by deducting the old ratio from the new ratio. References: http://classof1.com/homework-help/accounting-homework-help/

Chemical Safety In Schools Environmental Sciences Essay

Chemical Safety In Schools Environmental Sciences Essay Chemistry plays an important role in human civilization. It enables us to formulate substances important for disease treatment, fertilize plants and provide fuel for transportation ( ). For many years, chemistry has been considered the central science due to its significant connections and overlap with other sciences. If a scientific discipline involves matter, chances are that chemistry plays an important role. Therefore, we will always need people who have a good knowledge of chemistry. As expressed by Beach and Stone (1988) â€Å"chemistry education without laboratory is like painting without colors and canvas or learning how to ride a bike by reading its operating manual† (Tezcan and Bilgin, 2004). The study of chemistry in schools equips students with knowledge in the classroom and skills of conducting experiments in laboratories during practical sessions that are scheduled once a week for a period of two to three hours (MOH, 2001). 2.1.2 Hazards Chemical in the School E xperiments The teaching of chemistry at secondary school includes the use of hazardous chemical, which is essential for the understanding of chemistry fundamentals. Example of hazardous chemicals that are available at school chemistry laboratory are hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, natrium hydroxide, hydrogen sulfate, ammonium sulfate, hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, propanol and acetone (MOH, 2000). These chemicals are classified as hazardous chemicals to health under the Malaysia Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemical Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000. In view of their hazardous characteristics, the government through the Department of Occupational Safety and Health regulates labelling and packaging of these chemicals. A specific law pertaining to these hazardous chemicals, the Occupational Safety and Health (Classification, Packaging John Kiesswetter et al., 1994; Medinsky et al., 1995). Malaysian Occupational Safety & Health (Ac t 514) and Occupational Safety & Health Regulation 2000 (Use and Standard of Exposure to Chemicals Hazardous to Health) specify the permissible exposure level (PEL). The PEL is the maximum time-weighted average concentration of hazardous chemicals in the air of working area that workers can be exposed without the need to wear personal protective equipment and the PEL for acetone, ethanol and formaldehyde are 1187.0, 1880.0 and 0.4 mg/m3, respectively (MDC, 2005). 2.1.3 Safety Precautions In view of the physical and health hazards of the chemicals, there is requires the implementation of safety precaution and hazard control to reduce the risk of exposure to the chemical hazards. Safety precaution differs based on the type of the chemical hazards. Safety precautions differ based on the type chemical hazards. General safety precaution is personal hygiene whereby the user as advice:

Econometrics formative assignment Research Paper

Econometrics formative assignment - Research Paper Example -0.067 31.280 0.260 *|. | *|. | 28 -0.079 -0.077 32.913 0.239 .|. | .|. | 29 -0.020 -0.019 33.016 0.277 .|. | .|. | 30 0.029 -0.015 33.237 0.312 .|. | .|. | 31 -0.029 -0.035 33.462 0.349 .|* | .|** | 32 0.183 0.197 42.344 0.104 .|. | .|. | 33 -0.019 -0.013 42.444 0.126 .|. | .|. | 34 0.027 0.042 42.636 0.147 .|. | .|. | 35 -0.052 -0.047 43.368 0.157 .|. | *|. | 36 0.019 -0.072 43.470 0.183 Correlogram for Vodafone Date: 08/17/09 Time: 21:05 Sample: 1/01/1990 12/31/2008 Included observations: 224 Autocorrelation Partial Correlation ACPAC Q-Stat Prob .|. | .|. | 1 0.002 0.002 0.0007 0.979 .|. | .|. | 2 0.019 0.019 0.0826 0.960 .|* | .|* | 3 0.182 0.182 7.6489 0.054 *|. | *|. | 4 -0.061 -0.063 8.4992 0.075 .|* | .|* | 5 0.146 0.145 13.451 0.019 .|. | .|. | 6 0.015 -0.021 13.502 0.036 .|* | .|* | 7 0.088 0.116 15.322 0.032 .|* | .|* | 8 0.132 0.076 19.422 0.013 .|. | .|. | 9 -0.027 -0.009 19.596 0.021 .|. | .|. | 10 0.048 -0.006 20.139 0.028 .|* | .|* | 11 0.153 0.140 25.713 0.007 .|* | .|* | 12 0.115 0.116 28.881 0.004 .|. | .|. | 13 0.006 -0.033 28.889 0.007 .|. | .|. | 14 0.009 -0.041 28.907 0.011 .|. | *|. | 15 -0.032 -0.083 29.153 0.015 .|. | .|....The two vertical lines in the first column enclose the 95% confidence interval. Id k that extends past the broken line, reject the null hypothesis that k = 0 at 5% level of significance. Otherwise, do not reject the null hypothesis" (Danao). In this particular tests, the result for BARC, VOD and FTALLSH show that we do not reject the null hypothesis that k = 0. But for the GSK graph, the result is opposite. We have necessary proof to reject the null hypothesis. Decision Rule: "If the absolute value of the ADF Test Statistic is less than the value of the McKinnon Critical Values at the chosen level of significance, then the series has a unit root and is therefore non-stationary.

Introduction to Microeconomics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Introduction to Microeconomics - Essay Example pply in positively related to price because at a higher price producers can earn more profit by supplying more output.(Ian Hobday, p 100,105) In a market price is determined at the level at which demand equate supply as illustrated in figure 3. This discipline also offers explanation of factors that determine demand and supply. The factors that determine and influence demand are many. Demand is determined by changes in incomes of consumers, changes in tastes and fashion, changes in income tax, changes in population, changes in price of related goods, advertising and others. All of these factors bring shifts in demand curve and change equilibrium price and output. â€Å"British Gas reported 98 percent increase its six months operating profits of 2010 as compared to the same period during previous year â€Å"The profits reached to ?585m due to unusual cold winter which boosted the demand of  gas prices  by 8 percent.†( Aubin Lawrence, 2010) Price of related goods affects de mand has been witnessed, â€Å"With oil constantly trading above $100, consumers -- particularly those looking to buy cars -- are vying for alternatives that aren't too heavy on their wallets†(Debarati Bose,2011) Supply is determined by changes in costs of production, technical progress, changes in weather/disasters and others. All of these cause supply curve to shift and change equilibrium price and quantity.(Dan Moynihan and Brian Titley , p158-165) see figure 4 .On many occasions shortages are observed due to climatic changes and so forth. â€Å"European wheat stocks are expected to hit a 30-year low as dry weather could cut yields of some major European producers up to 20 percent†( Cat Contiguglia, 2011).See figure 4. Microeconomics analysis tells firms whether of raise prices or to decrease them. This...This paper demonstrates the main concepts of the Microeconomics. There is also 4 figures in the essay which graphically illustrates these concepts Microeconomics can be defined as a study of market behavior at micro level such as behavior of households and firms. It focuses on interactions between individual buyers and sellers and the factors that influence their decisions. In its broadest sense study of microeconomics deals with the efficient allocation of limited recourses that are available to fulfill unlimited wants of the society. This concepts is known as the basic economic problem which occurs due to scarcity. Due to scarcity individuals have to make a choice. This applies the principle of â€Å"opportunity cost† which is the cost of next best alternative forgone. Goods and services are produced by bringing together the four factors of production namely, land, labor, capital and enterprise. Production Possibility curve demonstrates principles of opportunity cost and full-employment Microeconomics explains price determination in goods and services markets and analyses the behavior of firms and consumers. This discipline also offers explanation of factors that determine demand and supply. Demand is determined by changes in incomes of consumers, changes in tastes and fashion, changes in income tax, changes in population, changes in price of related goods, advertising and others. Supply is determined by changes in costs of production, technical progress, changes in weather/disasters and others. with the help of microeconomics societies can predict behavior of firms and consumers and respond to possible changes in the markets. Causes and correlations can be identified with the help of theories that the disciple offers.

Conflict and emotions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Conflict and emotions - Essay Example When the older brother hears the news, he rushes to see his younger brother at the hospital and realizes that he was married to a man. This was shocking news though it is clear that the older brother already knew about his brother's sexual orientation. The words spoken by the dead brother's lover clearly indicate this: "Forgive yourself for not wanting to know him/after he told you. He did." (1. 34-35). It means that these two brothers were at odds with each other when he came out of the closet. The conflict is all about discrimination and the way people treat those who they consider different. Different doesn't mean bad or evil, it just represents diversity and variety of approaches to life. This is what the poem is trying to tell us. The poem also elucidates the challenges that gay people have to encounter in their desire to live their lives their way. The commitment of a gay couple is shown to be even more intense because there are so many odds against them. The straight brother i s unable to grasp this as he wonders ""How could anyone's commitment be deeper than a husband and wife" (1.28) He cannot fathom the mystery. He goes back to his sheltered life where he knows his children will not be targeted or discriminated against. The same conflict of discrimination runs in the other poem, Tu Do Street but h

BUSINESS FUNCTIONS & PROCESSES Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

BUSINESS FUNCTIONS & PROCESSES - Assignment Example These functions within an automotive industry based organisation include automobile design development, formulation of effective marketing and advertisement strategies and implementing them accordingly (Ing. Punzenberger COPA-DATA GmbH, 2010). In the similar context, operations management within the automotive industry can be described as all the functions and activities associated with effective utilisation of raw materials for carrying out the manufacturing and the maintenance processes. This includes keeping record of all the fixed cost and variable costs associated with the daily production process. Operations management is also at times referred as the parent process of production management. Within this parent process, all other management processes such as inventory management, human resource management, and production management exist (Slideshare Inc., 2014). The concept has gained importance due to the increasing competitiveness in the current marketing scenario. Adding to this, this concept has proved its effectiveness and values provision to the automotive industry. The value part can be described in relation to that of quality, quantity, time factor and profitability. As already described above, production management within the automotive industry is all about manufacturing the demanded quantity of cars with set quality standards within specified period of time to make its availability in the market certain. It also ensures that the manufacturing process gets carried out in a timely fashion and effective selling strategies get formulated through which high profitability can be attained by the companies (Ing. Punzenberger COPA-DATA GmbH, 2010). In contrast to production management, which focuses on profitability earning, the operations management provides value to the manufacturing companies in terms of cost cutting. As

Strategic Management of Health Care Organizations Essay - 2

Strategic Management of Health Care Organizations - Essay Example o not use adaptive strategies to increase profits; they can use them to insure and increase future funding, program effectiveness, and client satisfaction (McNamara, 2007). However, are formal program evaluations necessary in organizations funded by federal and state resources? According to Milstein and Wetterhall (1999), evaluations are â€Å"essential†, despite that fact they are not preformed a regular basis. McNamara (2007) seems to agree with Milstein and Wetterhall and discusses myths of program evaluation and suggests these myths have caused a reduction in program evaluations. The first myth addresses the thought of too much â€Å"useless data† (McNamara, 2007). Often there uncertainties in what program information is necessary for an effective evaluation and useless information is collected (McNamara, 2007). However, during program planning, evaluation methods can be determined to avoid uncertainties and aid in a continual process of program evaluation by using outcome measures. The information gained using outcomes can assist in determining adaptive strategies for the organization (Ginter et al., 2002 and McNamara, 2007). For example, if an organization provides transportation for clients and outcome measures indicate that many clients are not able to use this program due to space limitation, the organization may consider expanding the scope of their transportation program. The second myth is the success and failure of a program (McNamara, 2007). Many individuals look at program evaluation as black and white, either right or wrong. On the contrary, effective program evaluation methods assist in identifying the strengths and weakness of a program. Evaluations can assist the organization in troubleshooting the weaknesses and strengthening the overall program. Using the previous example, the evaluation allowed the organization to see strengths and weakness in the transportation program. The community took advantage of the transportation program (strength)

Week 3-4 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Week 3-4 - Assignment Example Quality literacy learning happens when students are offered the opportunities to appreciate recreational and creative aspect of the entire literature and other kinds of texts (Nixon, Comber, with Grant, & Wells, 2010). The curriculum should therefore allow students to fully participate in the society. The program should involve among other forms of support an emphasis on independent reading and independent writing alongside critical literacy to achieve independent learning for diverse learners. This should be crowned by a proper ongoing assessment that involves the following: running records, observation surveys, observation checklists, rubrics, anecdotal records, and marking scales. Using an ‘inquiry stance’ permits teachers to analyze the dynamics and complexities of their classroom communities as well as to design curriculum basing on their knowledge/understanding of students in their circumstances (Nixon, Comber, with Grant, & Wells, 2010). This means, teacher-researchers in schools teaching diverse students bring social circumstance into the foreground; they take into social circumstance to be more than the ‘background’ to the lives of their students’. This approach makes the cultural and linguistic diversity of families a property rather than a deficit. The discussion here follows the work of a teacher who combines critical approach literacy with a property model of cultural diversity (Laura & Carol, 2008). This involves, foregrounding students’ cultural and linguistic resources in the curriculum to generate high quality literature results for diverse learners. The school I teach, it serves a diverse community of students. This includes significant numbers of languages speakers other than English in each classroom. This means that in there are collaborations between teachers to help linguistically and culturally diverse students to develop their literacy in English and other learning

Intellectual Property in Canadian Manufacturing Industry Essay

Intellectual Property in Canadian Manufacturing Industry - Essay Example The empirical literature is also limited to some extent. This is the reason that our understanding of IP is below satisfactory level. The patents of IP institution are considered as protectors of intellectual property as Canada has a history of intellectual property institution. In the year 1867, Canada was created as federation and its very first patent act starts from the year 1869. Right after its beginning the Patent Act used to revise several times in the last century. Recently there were major amendments took place. Canada has also abandoned its first to invent patent system for first to file system on 1st October 1989. The requirements related to disclose patents to public are modified. The duration is also modified among other amendments of patent act provisions. There is a very little information available regarding impact of Canadian patent system on Canada’s economy because there are changes made to the legislation in the year 1989 and how does it affected the econo my of Canada; this information is yet to be revealed or explored. In the international trade and investment policy the IPR issue has captured the attention. The attention can be clearly identified where the inclusion of negotiations on TRIPs within multilateral trade policy were taking place. The implicit policy assumes the differences in IPRs worldwide and these differences affect the investment flows and international trade. Intellectual property is available in different forms like patents, trademarks, copyright etc and it is considered as a firm’s property. The exploitation of this IP can be enhanced via global marketing strategies. IP can be traded by... This essay tries to establish, how the regime of intellectual property protection can stimulate the creative ideas as well as knowledge in Canada, along with ensuring the access to the innovations in an economical or affordable way. IP rights or IPRs are considered as important source in providing help to creators and innovators so that the innovators could get a pay back in exchange of their creativities. IP provides market exclusivity to innovators so that they can get benefits for their innovative ideas. IP is also involved in providing protection to intellectual property as protection is an important aspect because Canadians get the benefits of the knowledge and creativity. The optimal level of IP protection can make the contributions to the knowledge base economy of Canada. Most of the companies in Canada have a high opinion of the effectiveness and efficiency of IP protection, 66.9% of manufacturing firms in Canada use at least one of many IPRs. Organization use IP protection feel efficient work environment as compared with firms who have no idea about IP protection system, also the firm using IP protection innovated the ideas more frequently than the firms who did not and the latter use these instruments more than non-innovators. The proportion of firms that use IPRs is increasing with firm size. Firms operating in the low-tech other sector are at lowest level of IPR users. There must be an encouragement for small and medium sized firms for the usage of IP protection;

Importance of Educations Essay Example for Free

Importance of Educations Essay Education is a means for increasing knowledge. A popular saying is â€Å"Knowledge is power†. Without education, the training of the human minds is incomplete. No individual is a human being in the working world until he has been educated in the proper sense. Now Im not saying youre not a human being without education. The mind was made to be trained and without education, a person is incomplete. Without education, man, as it were, is locked up in a windowless room. With education, he finds himself in a room with all its windows open to the outside world. In other words, people who are not educated have less opportunity to do what they want to do. Therefore, education is one of the most important processes in today’s society. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s teachers. Education is important because it gives a better personal development, brighter future, and able to make inform decisions. We learn from the moment we are infants all the way to adulthood. Learning is a continuous process and a life long journey. There is no end to learning and it is vital for one to continuously seek to improve one’s self. Personal development is continuous and requires one to learn and re-learn new skills and knowledge. Education plays a pivotal part in personal development. Life-long education creates self-awareness and enables you to develop new talents which facilitates employability and improves the quality of life. Personal development is seen by some as a part of higher education and most companies often emphasise on the need for personal development in order to accommodate to the ever changing work requirements. Oscar Wilde a popular writer states that â€Å"you can never be overdressed or overeducated. † By empowering our mind, we would be able to positively contribute to society and the well-being of the entire world. Besides that, education gives a brighter future because it is one of the factors that affect job positions people hold, their salaries, and further careers. It is an open window to many opportunities in life. One of those opportunities is getting a good job which will provide security and assurance of a good life. Education can get you into jobs of high level with a good salary package. For most people, salary is a key to ensure that you receive compensation for what you have done. The salary that you will receive by professional job will represent a superior level of income in society. Being in a high profile job will also increase your status in the society. People would look up to you and you will gain the respect of others. Moreover, with the additional money earned one could save for the future. This will lead one to live a luxury life style without worrying on the expenses incurred. In addition, education enables one to make informed decisions. With proper education one is able to evaluate the pros and cons of decision and therefore make rational and sound decisions. This is essential in a working environment where decisions have to be made on an ad hoc basis and it affects others as well. Therefore education plays a vital role in making decisions as it enables him to analyse, evaluate and justify the decisions that he make. An informed decision is a decision made after learning relevant facts about the focus of the decision. For example, a person might make an informed decision to join the politics or not join after researching to find out if the lifestyle, benefits, and travel opportunities are what he wants. The importance of education cannot be measured. Its value is unmatchable. Without it stems ignorance, frustration, anger, and demise. With it, solutions, alternatives, and new ideas can be brought forth to further improve the evolution of mankind. With each generation we are making one step forward. As we learn from our mistakes, we are able to improve the next time around. Without education, improvement and progress would never be achieved. There is no greater purpose than using the mind to everyones best advantage. Education makes a man who he is and what he does. It chooses his faith and when he is on the right path, he leaves him on his own, to make his own decisions with his new life with Education. It shows the surrounding people who you are, what you like and what you dont. Education has to be used the right way to be drive out the most of life. Only education can help you in the future, so why abuse it, and take it if you can! By Raveena Aina

The Butchers Shop and Eating Out Comparative Essay Essay Example for Free

The Butchers Shop and Eating Out Comparative Essay Essay The poems I am going to explore are ‘The Butchers Shop’ and ‘Eating out’. The two poems are loosely based around the idea of food. The Butchers shop focuses on the cruel process of killing animals to put food on our plates and Eating out looks at how the narrators’ relationship with food is affected when going out for a meal with family. In ‘The Butchers Shop’ it’s says â€Å"your cold and soggy paper parcel bleeds† The fact that the parcel is bleeding suggests that the narrator believes all meat eaters to be murderers. This is only further emphasised by use of â€Å"cold and soggy† like the cold, damp flesh of the animal who was brutally massacred just so you could have something to eat. In addition to murderous accusations, the use of direct speech â€Å"you† connects informally with the reader and makes it more personal as if by being familiar with the reader it will help them understand the narrators’ morbid views on food, specifically meat. This use of direct speech is also used in ‘Eating Out’. â€Å"I never accustomed myself to this humble I’ll have whatever your having, dear.† and just like ‘The Butchers Shop’ it’s used to show the attitude the narrator has toward food and dining and it’s also trying to get readers to empathise with their views by being familiar with them. Another similarity between the poems is in false representation of food. Whilst ‘The Butchers Shop’ false image of â€Å"playing farms† is quite transparent to anyone who has reached adulthood and can see past the cute illustrations to the gruesome blood stained butchers apron. However, in ‘Eating Out’ is a more elaborate charade of false representation. You don’t see the preparation of food in a restaurant only the artfully arranged end result which is bound to look extremely appetising. Except the pressure of controlling parents and expectations of perfect behaviour make the food â€Å"indigestible† and an outing not to look forward to. Overall, both poems have a negative attitude toward food which I believe stems from the theme of oppression. The butcher and the parents share the same role – as cruel, controlling keepers – both pigs and the narrator of ‘Eating Out’ suffered cruelty at the hands of their keepers which in turn, affected the relativity to food and what attitude is associated with it in each poem. For example, by describing how much the pigs suffered and the evil characteristics of the butcher (â€Å"smiles a meaty smile, white apron stained with who knows what†) it provokes emotion from the audience and persuades them into realising animal cruelty is wrong and therefore, whenever you buy meat you could have just killed a defenceless animal.

Performance Appraisal System Impact on Employees Apollo Tyres

Performance Appraisal System Impact on Employees Apollo Tyres 1.1 Introduction According to Mayo, 2000, Human resources management is an important function of a firm because the machines can be easily directed, repaired and utilised but employees are living beings with emotions and prejudices and cannot be easily directed, repaired and utilised. In 20th century the theoretical as well as practical aspects of the Human resources management got a scientific dimension, the consistent efforts of the management to improve the performance of the firm has resulted in the performance evaluation of human resources or employees. The employees are the building blocks of a firm and the defective block will deform the entire firm so it is the responsibility of the management to shape these building blocks according to the needs. The performance appraisal system is not new concept it has an age old history to tell but the modern appraisal system has evolved in the mid of 20th century. The performance appraisal system, which integrates many departments of the firm, is aimed at the enhancement of performance of the employees. The employees who are not scoring in the performance appraisal period are required to undergo training and skill development programme. The performance appraisal was believed to be a motivation factor but in practise many studies have shown that it is not always act as a motivational factor but sometimes has de-motivational effects on the appraised. The system which formulates the rules and regulations to motivate the employees to perform better in the next appraisal period can be called as a best suited system for that particular firm because there is no optimum method or procedure to be followed in a performance appraisal system in a firm. (Nishad, 2005) The motivation and de-motivation factors may be present in the same performance appraisal system. The appraisal may be motivational to some employees meanwhile it is de-motivating for others. The combined effect is a general thing in all appraisal system but the proportion of motivation to de-motivation factors should be high otherwise the entire objective of the Performance appraisal will be failed. (Seong and Lewis, 2009) There are many factors which affect the result of performance appraisal the main factor is the appraisal procedure and the evaluation criteria, the next important factors are social, cultural, economical and political aspects of the employees. The social and cultural aspects are known as permanent factors which cannot be nullified so it becomes the duty of the employer to plan a PA system which suits the socio-cultural aspects of the employees in addition to the due consideration for the political as well as the economics factors. (Nishad, 2005) 1.2 Background and justification of the study 1.2.1 Background of the Study Apollo Tyres Ltd is a multinational company having many divisions all around the world. It is a private sector company with limited liability. The performance track of ATL has attracted many foreign firms to initiate joint venture with this company in UK, US and African continent. The performance of this company and the varied product categories it offers to the customers are the key for its success. (Company profile, 2010) Apollo Tyres Ltd is emerging as a global tyre manufactures and it finds its strength in the availability of materials and labour at a lower price than its competitors. The annual revenue for 2009 financial year was 1.2 Billion USD. The main source of income is form the domestic production; recently the firm has acquired many other international firms such as the Dunlop Tyres in 2006 and VBBV of Netherlands as well as the Russias largest tyre manufacturing company Amtel-Vredestein NV. ATL has a direct market strategy and has 2500 showroom all over the world; majority of it are in India. There are 4000 dealerships India and more than 100 dealers internationally. (Company profile, 2010 and Stanley, 2009) The globalisation has brought many challenges to ATL as new multinational companies have entered the health care sector in India. ATL has coped with challenges with diversified product plan and for that it has invested billion of Indian Rupee, as a result the company has major market share in India. It is a matter of credit that around 10% of Tyre Products available all over world belong to ATL because of the export activities of the company. The company is so successful because of the work force it got. (Company profile, 2009) The workers are being provided by good facilities such as good working environment, good salary, flexible time schedule and holiday and festive allowancesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦etc. The Management has already providing them a contributory pension fund and insurance scheme for the employees. The educational scholar ships and education facility up to high school for the children of employees are provided by the company itself, apart from the residential facility. (Company profile, 2010 and Stanley, 2009) The annual report from financial year 2006 to 2009 has proved that the productivity has been getting decreased year by year. In 2006 it was 2.6% decrease and in 2009 it has reached the alarming 18% decrease. The management has a performance appraisal system since 1971 and counselling programme as well as skill development programmes are provided for the underperformed employees. Still the productivity graph records a downward growth. And this proposed study indents to find out the effectiveness and impact of the appraisal system on the employees and the productivity. (Stanley, 2009) 1.2.2 Justification of the study Every organisation around the world has vision and mission, whatever the philosophy behind the vision and mission there will be a common factor in the philosophy improved performance. The improved performance might bring profit to the organisation. The overall development of the organisation may be one side of the improved performance of the firm. the improved performance means the enhanced performance of the its various departments such as Human resources management, financial management, production and operations management, sales management, marketing management, customer care managementà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦etc. In all of these departments the human factor is a matter of serious consideration. The right people for the right job make all the differences. (Taylor, 2001) All the firms have some or other method to measure and analyse the performance of it. The analysis of this performance and the actions plans to be taken to improve the performance are of great importance of every firm. To manage the performance appraisal of its employees the firms have a separate appraisal department under the human resources department. The functions of appraisal department are integrated with other department such as financial department to coordinate the appraisal rewards and punishments, if any. (Qureshi, 2005) The performance appraisal is a complicated disciple of study because the appraisal result might not be the intended and assumed motivation of the employees. The studies have revealed that in many firms around world the appraisal process and remedial measures have resulted in the declined performance of the employees indicating the de-motivational effect of the appraisal system. (Nishad, 2005) The appraisal methods and criteria should be defined particularly for each firm because the appraisal results and the impact of the employees are very much depended on the external internal factor of the firm. The external factors such as socio-cultural traits of the employees, the economic and political situation of the geographical location of the firmà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦etc. The internal factors mean the nature of the jobs, the leisure and pleasure in the job, the working conditions, organisational cultureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦etc. (Nishad, 2005) The appraisal theories when applied to the Asian countries the result may be devastating because the western appraisal theories have a great limitation in the Asian countries because of the social and cultural difference of the Asian people. So it is imperative to analyse the appraisal system on the basis of local factor which influence the management and the organisational behaviour of the employees. (Taylor, 2001and Nishad, 2005) In the proposed study, ATL- Kalamassery, in the Kerala state, India, is taken because the political and the economical situations of the state. The Kerala is world famous for the various political ideologies such as communism and socialism. The economic backwardness of the state is also factor to take this unit of ATL for the study. According to Taylor (2001) the social- cultural traits of the employees in India are very much different from the western countries. The social behaviour of Indians is sometimes unacceptable social etiquettes for westerners. The social bond and relations are different from that of the western countries. The proposed study would like to analyse the impact of the factors in the appraisal system and how far the appraisal system of ATL can manage its employees in the improvement of performance. 1.2.3 Literature Review Performance appraisal has a long history it emerged with the civilisation. When the people are interacting to each other in an orderly fashion then it may require some laws to govern the conduct of the people in the group. This preliminary law formation is called grundnorm which means the base norm, and these base norms were designed to control the conduct and also the distributed duties. The distribution of duties include various works; later on when these works required efficiency then performance of the individual and the groups were began to analyse. So it can be said that the performance appraisal was there in the primitive societies and in the course of time the application and the method of evaluation has been changed a lot. (Rajeev, 2000) According to Mayo, (2000), in the modern world, where everything is measured in time, the performance evaluation has great importance. The performance of each member of a group is important for the purpose of performance evaluation. After the industrial revolution new management theories came in to being and many of them went in to oblivion, those survived gave emphasis on the evaluation of the performance on the basis of scientific criteria. The industrial world tries to motivate its man power so that better performance can be obtained from each of the employees. The motivational aspect of the performance appraisal has been subject for deep rooted debates which are based on the many disciplines of study such as psychology, anthropology, sociologyetc. The complexity of the subject matter indicates the intricacies involved in the performance appraisal process and its impact on the employees. (Nishad, 2005) The motivational theories such as Vrooms expectancy theory and hygiene theory suggest that the employees are not motivated by giving them better facilities or salary but there is a mental dimension such as appreciation, recognition, career growth etc. The modern appraisal theory which is based on these concepts where as the classical theory of performance appraisal only support the deterrent method, that is, the employees who are performing well will be paid better and those who are not will be sacked. This approach has many loop holes such as the mental strain during the appraisal period the employees have and the lack of loyalty from the part of the employees and it was proved to be ineffective in motivating the employees. (Rajeev, 2000) The modern approach, meanwhile, support more over a lenient approach towards the employees. The basic philosophy is to understand the basic problem in the underperformance of the employees. The root cause may not be related to the employment or it may be related of some physiological problems, whatever it may the manager or the supervisor who is in charge of the appraisal process is responsible to understand it. The counselling process is designed to understand the problems and give suggestions to solve the problems of the employees. The training and improvement programmes are also conducted in many modern industries to increase the performance level of the employees. (Rajeev, 2000) The performance appraisal is usually begins with the formulation of the criteria on which each and every employee will be analysed. The criteria formation is very complex and will be unique according to the nature of employment as well as the philosophy of the management. The criteria then communicated to the employees and a time period will be given to them to opine about the criteria and after the evaluation of the suggestions from the various sources the management may change the criteria or stick on with it. The appraisal process will start and the each employee will be informed about the appraisal period. The appraisal result will be published publically and remedial measures will be taken thereafter. The remedial measures include the training and improvement programme and even the removal of the underperformance form the employment. (North, 2006) The problem with the performance appraisal begins when the employees are instructed to undergo the remedial measures. According to Nishad (2005), the social and cultural factors of the employees as well as the political strength are important factors that dictate the appraisal process. Unlike the western world in Asian countries the political strength of the employees unions is much stronger and the labour laws are much lenient to support the employees. The appraisal system in the Asian countries shall not follow the procedures of the western firms. The motivational factors and the de-motivational factors are different and contradictory in western and eastern world. The factors which motivate a westerner may a factor for de-motivation in Asian countries. According to Taylor (2001), the social-cultural aspects of the employees have significant effect on the appraisal system in the Asian countries. The trade unionism and the political inclination of these unions are other factors which will affect the appraisal system adversely. The behavioural pattern of the employees have to be analysed before the formulating the appraisal strategy. The political philosophy of the political parties in Kerala varies from leftist ideology to the rightist capitalism. The political parties strongly support one or the other political ideologies; communism and socialism are the major philosophies which are being followed in the state for more than a century. The trade unions of the state are affiliated to anyone of the political parties and the trade unions enjoys the protection of labour laws of the land. (Ashok, 2007) Situation in the ATL is not different from the political situation of the state. The political parties have a great influence on the trade unions and the lives of the employees. Every employee in the ATL is affiliated to any one of the political parties. This is basically a survival strategy for the employees as well as the trade unions. (Ashok, 2007) The collective bargaining of the trade unions and the threat of strikes hampered the growth of many industries in the state. The current situation in the firm is also same and the management have to discuss and reach in a consensus to implement any change in work schedule or in bonus or in the salary. The strength of the management is in the bargaining power and that of the trade unions is in the unity and threat to strike. (Uppal, 2009) The performance appraisal system of any industry is under the scrutiny of the trade unions, the performance criteria should be passed by the trade union so that it can be smoothly run. The remedial measures are also supervised by the trade unions and any action which will be a potential threat will be strongly resisted by the unions. (Uppal, 2009) 1.2.4 Aim The present study aims to analyse the Performance Appraisal System of the Apollo Tyres Ltd and the motivating as well as the de-motivating effects of the appraisal system on the basis of the socio-cultural and politico-economical situations and to suggest the strategies and procedures to improve the performance of the employees. 1.2.5 Hypothesis (A) Null hypothesis H0 Impact of a performance appraisal system on the employees is depended on the social, cultural, political and economic environment of the firm and the employees (B) Alternative Hyposthesis H1: Impact of a performance appraisal system on the employees is NOT depended on the social and Cultural environment of the firm and the employees H2: Impact of a performance appraisal system on the employees is NOT depended on the political and economic environment of the firm and the employees The null hypothesis is statistical hypothesis that is tested for possible rejection under the assumption that it is true (usually those observations are the result of chance). The concept was introduced by R.  A.  Fisher (Gonick and Smith, 2006) In this proposed study, the null hypothesis considers the independent variables such as social, cultural, political and economic factors of the environment in which the firm operates. The null hypothesis is assumed to be trued based on the various secondary data. The alternative hypothesis is divided in to two part one with the factors such social and cultural factors and the second one is political and economic factors. According to Malhotra (2008), the social and cultural factors cannot be separated as it is has strong influence on each other. The social factor is formed based on the cultural factor and the cultural is nurtured and propagated through social circumstances. According to Cumbler (2003), The political philosophy is always related with the economy of the country, the political affiliation is more over has direct influence on the economy of the people. It is noteworthy that the communism and other labourer favoured philosophies are flourishing the third world countries because of the poor economic conditions. Once these countries become developed nations the leftist philosophies will cease to exist in course of time. 1.2.6 Primary Objectives of the Study 1. To analyse the performance appraisal system in general and particularly in the Apollo Tyres Ltd (ATL) 2. To understand analyse the significance of the performance appraisal system in achieving the goals and objectives of a firm 3. To study and analyse the transition of performance appraisal from conventional to modern and the major factors influenced the transition 4. To understand the motivating and de-motivating effect of the appraisal system on the employees in general and particularly in the ATL 5. To analyse effect of social and cultural factors and political and economical factors of the employees on the appraisal system in general and particularly in the ATL. 1.2.7 Research Questions To fulfil the primary objective of the study the following research questions are proposed Performance Appraisal its meaning and definitions What are the significance of performance evaluation system in accomplishing the organisational objective and goals? What are the differences in the modern as well as in the conventional appraisal system? What is the relation between the motivation of the employee and appraisal system? How do the socio-cultural and politico-economical factors of the employee affect the Appraisal System in a firm? Does the performance appraisal system in the Apollo Tyres Ltd have a motivational effect on the employees? What are the strategies that the ATL follows in the appraisal process to enhance the performance of the employees in the particular socio-cultural and politico-economical background? 2. Research method and Approach 2.1 Introduction The research method and approach is devised to study and understand Performance Appraisal System in the Apollo Tyres Ltd (ATL). The study involves the opinion of the employees and the management on the present appraisal system in ATL. The interview method will be used to understand the management side of story on the Performance Appraisal system in the ATL. The questionnaire method is used to understand the employee side story. The literature reviews are depended to make a frame work on the theoretical concept of the study. Various statistical methods will be used to analyse the data and it will be explained on the basis of relevant literature. The span of the research will be six months. In the month of March, 2010 the study will be commenced and the final report will be submitted in September, 2010. 2.2 Research Methodology of the study The research methodology of the study is designed to understand the Performance Appraisal System in the ATL and the impact of present system on the employees. According to Kothari, (2002) the research method suitable for a study where the relevant literatures as well as the primary data are used the two research methods are generally used such as the exploratory methods and the constructive methods. The constructive methods are used when the subject matter of the research needs some frame of reference to handle the entire research results. For example, in international marketing research, sometimes, the cultural traits of customers have to be taken the basis or frame of reference of the study because this trait will affect all the research questions under study. 2.2.1 Exploratory research methods Exploratory research methods are wildly used in the secondary data accumulation. In this present study the literature review will be used to understand and to formulate the theoretical frame work of the entire study. The history of the appraisal system, the relevance of the appraisal system, the motivational as well as the de-motivational aspects of the PA system, the social and cultural factors as well as the political and economic factors will be extensively studied through relevant literature. The relevant sources will be explored to understand the subject matter of the study deeply thus exploratory research methods. (Kothari, 2002) 2.2.2 Constructive Research Methods Constructive research methods are used when the research result cannot be generalised due the influence of dominant factors in the study. (Kothari, 2002) In the present study the performance appraisal system is analysed based on the social and cultural aspect of the employees. The political and economical aspects are also considered for the study because all these factors have a dominant effect on the study. In other words, without taking these factors under consideration the research will be completed. The geographical location of the unit under study is in the Kerala state, India, which is an economically backward place and the political philosophies, such communism and socialism have formidable impact on the people living there. The social and cultural factors are different from the western world and the social bonds and family cohesions are very important aspects this culture. The social interaction and etiquettes are different from that of the western world so the theories applicable in the western world no longer stand good in these situations. So it is mandatory for this study to form a frame work on these factors to analyse th e subject matter of the research. 2.2.3 Questionnaire and interview method Interview and questionnaire methods are generally used to collect the data first hand (Kothari, 2002). In this study these methods are preferred to get the information on the appraisal system of ATL and the impact of such system on the employees. The questionnaires will be used to get the opinions of the employees on the performance appraisal system as well as the appraisal rewards and the methods of the PA system. According to Saunders et al., 2003 the open end interviews are useful to gather data in a larger perspective. The open end interview questions and the answers to it will give the interviewer the opportunity to ask other relevant questions to the interviewee based on the previous answer and can get more details from the interviewer. The interview questions are open end in nature and the questions will be asked to the officials of ATL. According to the answers of these officials other related questions will be asked to get more comprehensive view on the subject. This method is used to interview the officials only because there are very few in number. The questionnaire will be distributed to the employees and the responses will be collected back within one month of distribution. This method is adopted because in this unit there are 2100 employees and interviewing all them will not be possible due to time constrain. 2.3 Method of Study The proposed study requires both primary data as well as the secondary data to meet the objectives of the study. The method of study thus designed to collect the primary as well as the secondary data. The primary data will be collected from the management staffs and from the employees. The secondary data will be collected by referring books, Articles, the e-journals and paper journals, web sitesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦etc. 2.4 Primary data collections methods Primary data will be collected from the employees and the managers of the ATL directly. The employees will be distributed the self-structured close end questionnaire to be answered and 2 weeks time will be given to them to fill it and return. Managerial staff will be interview with open end interview questions. According to Saunders et al., 2003, the open end questions are very apt for interviewing a small sample in a study it also very effective because the open end questions will provide enough opportunity to ask more questions based on the answer for the previous questions and clarify the doubts on the statements if any. 2.5 Secondary Data collection methods The secondary data collection is highly recommended information gathering process in any research work. The researcher should be diligent enough to select apt resources and updated information. In management subjects the data collection should be done through updated resources and latest editions books, articles and journals because new concept and theories and its applications are emerging day by day and it is the responsibility of the researcher to find out the up dated information for his research work. (Kumar, 2005) The secondary data collection method includes access to the relevant and updated books, journals and articles. The website will be extensively used if the authenticities of the sites are known. The university library and online facility will be extensively used for this research. The data regarding the company profile will be gathered though company website and referring the ISO manual of ATL and the annual report which is available in the web site of ATL. 2.6 Method of Data analysis In the proposed study the primary data as well as the secondary data will be used to reach a conclusion and the recommendations. The primary data will be analysed with various statistical tools such as chi square test, ANOVA à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦etc and the variance analysis will be done to understand the impact of the statement with the literature review. Both the primary and secondary data will be simultaneously used to interpret the results of the research. 2.7 Scope, Ethics and Limitation of the Study Scope The proposed study is on the performance appraisal system and the impact of it on the employees. The scope of the research includes the analysis of the various factors such as the social-cultural aspects and the political-economic factors of the environment in which the Apollo Tyres Limited is operating. The social and cultural aspect of the employees will be analysed and the suitable strategy for the appraisal system will be studied. The political and economic situation of the employees will be analysed and the performance appraisal approach of the management will be studied based on these factors. The scope of the research will be on the formulation appraisal strategy which will be suitable under the various research variables. The motivational and the de-motivational impact of the appraisal system will be analysed based on the four above mentioned aspects of the employees. Ethics According to Kothari (2002), a research study will provide accurate results and will provide a valid conclusion if it has followed a research ethics. In this proposed study the permission to do the research is obtained from the management of Apollo Tyres Limited, Kalamassery Unit, Kerala state, India. The survey among the employees of the ATL will be conducted confidentially. The questionnaire will not contain any whereabouts of the employees only the service, age, gender and positions. It will not ask for any personal details such as the address, name or any name of unique post. The research will seek the written permission from the management for the interview of the Management staffs so the evidence of opinion can be adduced in the Dissertation. Relevant literature will be collected and analysed to gather the knowledge base on the subject matter so that the research should have a through theoretical support. Limitations Short span of time is problem in the research as the time period is limited to three months. The data collection and the analysis of the primary data will be done with maximum speed and there is a chance the responses of the employees is not 100% true to the fact. The literature available on the performance appraisal is numerous and reading the relevant one requires great time. The limited time may limit the number of literature that can be analysed by the researcher. The data will be gathered through research aid wing of Indian Management Association (IMA). The representative of IMA will be hired for the purpose of the data collection; the knowledge limit of the person on the research objective may prove to be a problem in translating the questionnaire to the employees. The cooperation from the part of the employees and other management staff is essential for the success of the research. The research will suffer if there is limited cooperation from the staffs of the Apollo Tyres Limited. 2..8 Conclusion and Recommendations Conclusion The trade unionism and the political inclination of these unions are other factors which will affect the appraisal system adversely. The behavioural pattern of the employees have to be analysed before the formulating the appraisal strategy. The political philosophy of the political parties in Kerala varies from leftist ideology to the rightist capitalism. The political parties strongly support one or the other political ideologies; communism and socialism are the major philosophies which are being followed in the state for more than a century. The trade unions of the state are affiliated to anyone of the political parties and the trade unions enjoys the protection of labour laws of the land. Situation in the ATL is not different from the political situation of the state. The political parties have a great influence on the trade unions and the lives of the employees. Every employee in the ATL is affiliated to any one of the political parties. This is basically a survival strategy for the employees as well as the trade unions. The collective bargaining of the trade unions and the threat of strikes hampered the growth of many industries in the state. The current situation in the firm is also same and the management have to discuss and

God and Daniel Defoes Robinson Crusoe Essay -- Defoe Robinson Crusoe

Robinson Crusoe and God    As Robinson Crusoe salvages anything useful for his subsistence off of the shipwreck, he alludes to his materialism. "...O Drug!.. what art thou good for, thou art not worth to me, no not the taking off of the ground, one of those knives is worth all this heap, I have no manner of use for thee, e'en remain where thou art, and go to the bottom as a creature whose life is not worth saving... However, upon second thoughts, I took it away..." (Defoe 57) It is easy to take Crusoe's statement literally and dismiss him merely as an ostentatious person; however, Crusoe sees real beauty in the saving hand of God.   The dominant theme in Robinson Crusoe   is that sin has its retribution, but peace can be found through forgiveness and belief.   Young Crusoe's "Original Sin" leads him into a desolate plight.   Crusoe finds strength in God, which he has been reacquainted with while on the shoals of secularism.   Providence prepares Crusoe to escape with the aid of the Spaniards, and also sends an English ship.   Crusoe rises only were all people ought to rise- in thankful   acknowledgment of the divine mercy. Crusoe spurns his fathers advice and commits what he calls his "Original Sin."   His fathers Philosophy, which is designed to buy man happiness and pleasure in both this life and the next, nevertheless fails to persuade young Crusoe, who finds nothing, but boredom amid the comforts of the middle class.1 "I was sincerely affected with this as indeed who could be otherwise?   And I resolved not to think of going abroad anymore, but to settle at home according to my fathers desire.   But alas! A few days wore it off,... in a few weeks I resolved to run quite away from him." (Defoe 3) .. ...Crusoe's conversion does not go unrequited; as he surrenders to God, the island surrenders to him.   After   twenty-eight years on the island, he is able to escape through divine Providence.   The major theme of Robinson Crusoe is that sin leads to punishment, while devotion leads to peace.   Robinson Crusoe is nothing less than a textbook in the appropriate relationships among human beings, culture, and God  Ã‚   Works Cited 1 http://www.kirijusto.scifi/defoe.htm 2 http://www.kirijusto.scifi/defoe.htm 3 Zimmerman, Everett.   Defoe And The Novel.   University of   California Press.   Berkeley, California.   1975 pg. 36 4 Zimmerman, Everett.   Defoe And The Novel.   University of California Press.   Berkeley, California.   1975 pg. 37 5 Zimmerman, Everett.   Defoe And the Novel.  Ã‚   University of California Press.   Berkeley, California.   1975 pg. 37

General Science Labs Should Be Optional at State University Essay

A student’s main goal is to acquire knowledge and use what they learn to make advances towards the future. Each and every student has his or her own way of learning. Some students learn better by attending lecture and taking notes, while others would learn more by reading a textbook. A reporting on research from Colorado Christian University in 2012 stated that â€Å"stress in college students can affect the ability to concentrate, and there have been studies conducted that prove that stress interferes with a student’s ability to concentrate† (CCU). Students at State University are required to enroll in science labs and this results in many complications. Students at UCR should be given the choice to enroll in labs if they choose to because it will result in less stress and more flexibility when it comes to planning a schedule for the next quarter. Many undergraduate students here at State University will take at least one general science class. A student in the college of Natural and Agricultural Sciences or Bourns College of Engineering will be required to take general biology, chemistry, and physics class along with their respective laboratory class. Each laboratory class last around three hours and the amount of work for a lab is almost as much as taking another three-unit class. The requirement of laboratory classes to enroll in a general science class negatively affects a student’s ability to study for important classes and leads to unnecessary stress. A student’s schedule can quickly fill up when he or she enroll in two science classes, he or she will spend at least six hours a week in a lab and at four hours a week completing the pre-lab and post-lab assignment outside of the laboratory. The student may feel that he or she d... ...ass grade because it will usually negatively affect a student’s grade. Not every student learns the same way, some will learn better in the classroom setting, lab setting, or in the comfort of his or her home. The school should not force a student to enroll in a class that he or she does not need. Students have a limited time to complete their degrees and to learn as much as they can in their field of specialty but required labs may stall this goal. Works Cited "How Stress Affects Adult Students' Concentration." CAGS Blog. (January 12, 2012): n. page. Print. . Hang, Jeffrey. Personal interview. 2 February 2014 "Pre-Medical Student." Sample Course Schedule. University of California San Diego. Web. 11 Feb 2014. . General Science Labs Should Be Optional at State University Essay A student’s main goal is to acquire knowledge and use what they learn to make advances towards the future. Each and every student has his or her own way of learning. Some students learn better by attending lecture and taking notes, while others would learn more by reading a textbook. A reporting on research from Colorado Christian University in 2012 stated that â€Å"stress in college students can affect the ability to concentrate, and there have been studies conducted that prove that stress interferes with a student’s ability to concentrate† (CCU). Students at State University are required to enroll in science labs and this results in many complications. Students at UCR should be given the choice to enroll in labs if they choose to because it will result in less stress and more flexibility when it comes to planning a schedule for the next quarter. Many undergraduate students here at State University will take at least one general science class. A student in the college of Natural and Agricultural Sciences or Bourns College of Engineering will be required to take general biology, chemistry, and physics class along with their respective laboratory class. Each laboratory class last around three hours and the amount of work for a lab is almost as much as taking another three-unit class. The requirement of laboratory classes to enroll in a general science class negatively affects a student’s ability to study for important classes and leads to unnecessary stress. A student’s schedule can quickly fill up when he or she enroll in two science classes, he or she will spend at least six hours a week in a lab and at four hours a week completing the pre-lab and post-lab assignment outside of the laboratory. The student may feel that he or she d... ...ass grade because it will usually negatively affect a student’s grade. Not every student learns the same way, some will learn better in the classroom setting, lab setting, or in the comfort of his or her home. The school should not force a student to enroll in a class that he or she does not need. Students have a limited time to complete their degrees and to learn as much as they can in their field of specialty but required labs may stall this goal. Works Cited "How Stress Affects Adult Students' Concentration." CAGS Blog. (January 12, 2012): n. page. Print. . Hang, Jeffrey. Personal interview. 2 February 2014 "Pre-Medical Student." Sample Course Schedule. University of California San Diego. Web. 11 Feb 2014. .

Hermia from A Midsummer Nights Dream :: A Midsummer Nights Dream, William Shakespeare

When we first meet Hermia in the play called A Midsummer Night's Dream, written by William Shakespeare, she is a girl in love against her father's wishes. From the very start of the play we can see how much enamored she is with Lysander. We can also see that Hermia is a woman with her own desires, and does not liked to be forced to do things that she does not want. She does not want to marry the man that her father betrothed to her, even though it could mean her demise. Her choices of living in a nunnery and live the life of chastity was not an option for Hermia. She loved Lysander and all she wanted was to be with him. Hermia is the daughter of Egeus. She is a tiny woman that possessed sparkling eyes and a lovely voice. Hermia is very adamant about what she wants from the balance of the play. She has only eyes for Lysander and is very faithful, even when faced with the obstacles of death or the nunnery. Throughout the play Hermia emotions were confused at times. She even says "Am I not Hermia? Are you not Lysander? (Act III Scene 2 Line 292). We see at this point that she is confused and her feelings are hurt. At that very moment I think she feels like she has lost part of herself, a part that she has given to Lysander. So when Lysander returns to her, she is her self once again. Presented with many obstacles and complications to overcome, we know that Hermia is the protagonist in the play. She has relations with almost all the characters in the play. The first and most important relationship is her love, Lysander. From the very beginning we see that Hermia loves Lysander with all her heart and soul and he loved her the same. The only tragic flaw in their relationship was when Puck put the magic juice in Lysander's eyes and he fell in love with Helena. Hermia felt sad and rejected when that happened. But when Puck finally realized that he had made a mistake and corrected it, Hermia and Lysander were in their heavenly bliss of love once again.

Do Children Have False Memories

Citing relevant research, state and explain your opinion of the reliability of the testimony of a 5 year old child who accuses an adult of serious sexual abuse. It’s very easy to look at children’s testimony from a psychologist or a researcher’s perspective, but how would we respond if we were faced with a situation where a 5 year old child is accusing an adult of serious sexual abuse?Would we be quick to dismiss the strong accusation or would we examine the possibility of this event. In this essay evidence for and against the reliability of children’s testimony is evaluated, especially considering a delicate matter such as sexual abuse. It will start by outlining what developmental and cognitive psychologists have discovered to date about children’s memory capacity and how it differs from that of adults; then the focus will shift to literature on sexual abuse.Memory or remembering operates like any other aspect of development studied, its developme nt is gradual, and this goes to say that children without doubt, don’t possess the same ability to remember as adults. The digit span for memory seems to increase with age, so for example a child of 3yrs will remember about 2 words and a child of 4 will remember 3 words from a presented list of word, and these are likely to be the last words (recency effect( Meadows,1986).There are three areas of memory that seem to show improvement in children as we progress through development: basic capacity, the amount of information that can be remembered in STM, children will develop strategies that will help transfer information into LTM and finally they will also have greater world knowledge; which means a greater context allowing for the integration of new information, therefore new memories. (Meadows, 1986) There are many reasons why children show these deficits in memory.One of them is because they lack meta-cognition, basic beliefs and knowledge about memory, its dynamics, which i s fundamental for understanding how information is learned. Children clearly don’t possess this meta-cognitive awareness to monitor past experiences and performance to update resource allocation strategies. (Castel, Humphreys, Lee, Balota and McCabe, 2011) This previous paragraphs were to convey the fact that children do have distinct abilities compared to adults, this tells us that their recall for witnessed events might lack in accuracy.When we ask a child to give testimony for witnessing an event we are asking them to access their autobiographical memory, which includes a sketchy version of personal memories and experiences, diluted from all unnecessary details. This type of memory is highly subject to biases in attempting to maintain continuity and it often doesn’t follow the temporal frame. Can children accurately recall events that they experience in the past accurately or do they often develop false memories of events that never took place? Some studies show tha t children as young as 5 can remember events quite well even after a period of delay preceding recall. Flin, Boon, Knox and Bull (1992) gave children a talk on how to keep their feet clean, while the talk was happening an assistant staged tripping over and knocking over a side carousel. Recall was taken the day after the talk and 5 months later, similar to court proceedings. There was no relation found between age and amount of information recalled the following day, children age 6 recalled 17/ 26 items and adults recalled 18/26 items. However Flinn et al found that 5 months later 6 yr olds recall had decreased by 40 %.This study shows that children can remember quite well, however those memories are not fully stored in LTM . This event however isn’t a real life event neither is it of distressing nature like most events children are called to testify for in court cases. This could justify the high recall even for the younger children. Research by Goodman, Hirschman, Hepps and Rudy (1991); Peterson and Whalen (2001) and many more agree that children can actually remember stressful events very well and without doubt sexual abuse of any kind is a stressful enough situation which victims should remember well.Children can give accurate testimony following sexual victimisation, supported by evidence from allegations and high rate of omission errors instead of reporting unsupported events, (Birdrose & Goodman, 2000) More interestingly research has shown that children can easily develop false memories, known as memories of events that never took place (Loftus, 2004). A good example was -the Mc Martin trial . In this controversial trial a school teacher was accused of ritually abusing children.The charges against the teacher were eventually dropped, as some of the children recalled very ambiguous events, such as being taken on an helicopter to a far away farm to witness a horse while it was beaten. It is believed that they were suggestively interviewed and then developed enough details to make these become real memories. (Schreiber et al, 2006). Prevalence information can strongly influence children’s recall, it seems that children start by considering whether the event is plausible, then proceed to develop thoughts and images about the events, which at that point become mistaken for real memories.In an experiment Otgaar, Candel, Merckelbach and Wade (2009) exposed children age 7-8 and age 11-12 to a description of a real past experience and also that of a false past experience. The real experience was the child’s first day at school; the false one was a description of being abducted by an UFO, prevalence was given by giving them an article about the commonality of UFO abductions. The results showed that children again remembered accurately the real event, this is consistent with (Flin et al, 1992. ; some even were convinced they had been abducted, some even reported things not present in the story; such as being transported by a beam of blue light, clearly indicating formation of a false memory. 70% of younger children remembered being abducted. We cannot totally conclude that children’s memory for bizarre events is always false; however we can say that they can easily develop false memories for implausible events, this is more noticeable in younger child This still isn’t sufficient to answer the question of the reliability of a 5 yr old accusing an adult of abuse.Research suggests that children place an important emphasis on script like representations, basically representations of how events are connected in a stereotypical way, based on prior knowledge of everyday activities, they may use this scripts to fill in details of events even when they are not part of the story, ( Mc Shane 1991). When a child is required to provide eye-witness accounts of what happened during an episode, even when it’s not as severe as sexual abuse, they need to be able to separate that instance from th at in which they are questioned, things they have maybe seen and when they had spoken about it for the first time. Lloyd, Doydum and Newcombe, 2009), psychologist fear they are unable to do this. There is a great influence of prior knowledge on free recall, cued recall, recognition memory and source memory; sometimes children may rely on gist to make conclusions. Odegard, Cooper, Lampinen, Reyna and Brainard (2009) carried out an experiment where children attended 4 thematic birthday parties of fictional characters and were later interviewed regarding the events that took place, some which were generic and some which were specific to the theme of the party.When interviewed using the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) protocol, older children did better than the younger ones at providing both thematic and generic events for the parties, this could be explained by the fact that they possess knowledge of the script of parties and they used this to reconstr uct what happened; however this also led them to make more thematic source errors. It was also found that 45% of 5-6 year olds reported events that didn’t happen or mixed them up between the parties they attended.This is consistent with the previous study in that younger children made more mistakes; Nonetheless this cannot tell us how can a five year old wrongly accuse someone of something they have never heard of or even seen, they don’t posses schemas for these neither do they know whether it’s good or bad. Or how can they develop a false memory of an act of sexual abuse unless they had experienced it. Leander, Christianson and Granhag (2007) examined the eyewitness of 8 children between the ages of 3-10, who had been sexually abused by an unfamiliar perpetrator who was the same in all cases.They focused on the amount and type of information remembered and denial of the assault. The documentation of children’s testimony was found to be consistent with t he confession of the perpetrator, picture evidence, medical examination and police evidence. They found that most children reported things that preceded the abuse and that only 21. 5% of what they reported was of the sexual act, the remaining was neutral information. They youngest child age 3 didn’t say much about both post and pre-abuse factors and only mentioned one fact of sexual nature.The rate of denial and reluctance to report the act was high especially amongst younger children. In this case it was easier to believe that the abuse occurred because there were multiple victims, and enough evidence to give credibility to the children’s testimony. We can imagine that a five year old would not come to an adult saying’ I have been sexually abused’, they probably never eared those terms neither do they know the meaning. This is to say that testimony of abused children may be disconnected often not including any sexual facts, but we shouldn’t be too quick to discard it.Hershkowits and Lanes (2007) found that younger children who don’t understand the concept of abuse are better able to disclose information as they are unlikely to have feelings of guilt and don’t understand the severity of abuse in society. Over the years there has been extensive work on interviewing techniques, Psychologists have developed interviewing techniques to effectively extrapolate information from children, therefore interviewing the child can reveal whether testimony is true or false. Children’s description of real events differs from that of false events.In Hershkowitz (1999) children describing events that really happened provided longer and richer responses to open-ended prompts rather than focused ones. Children who are providing implausible accounts tend to rely of the suggestions of the interviewer and elaborate on them. The study also showed that younger children were more likely to recall implausible false events compared to older ones, so maybe false memories are not only created on the basis of event plausibility; perhaps if a 5 year old was giving a false account of abuse they would exhibit such characteristics.Holcomb and Jacquin (2007) mock sexual abuse trial revealed that the defendant was more likely to be found guilty when a by stander witness was present, unlike when a victim-witness was present; however jurors were more likely to believe young children. Research also shows that children find it difficult to discuss having been sexually abused; many will go through phases of secrecy, helplessness and retraction (Summit, 1983). If a child manages to disclose it, we should assume that there should be a degree of truthfulness if not why go through with it.Sometimes their testimony is characterised by retractions, which throw investigations into chaos and have two meanings: repairing a false allegation or preventing the consequences when it’s true. In a recent court trial Steven Barker, t he step father of Peter Connelly also known a ‘Baby P’ was accused of sexually abusing his 2 yr old sister. The girl disclosed this information to her step mother at the age of 4, the delay might suggest that some details of the could be omitted.The child was subject to very hard questioning and although the jury were divided due to her denial of the act on several accounts, it was proven that she was a victim. Coming to a conclusion isn’t as easy as it could seem and this gives just a brief insight to what jurors are often faced with in court trials that involve young victims of sexual abuse. The most important thing is that the ability to remember of a five yr old should never be taken for granted especially for something as severe as sexual abuse.The evidence shows that can remember stressful events, even with delay, but majority don’t report sexual details, are prone to suggestibility, and can develop false memories. None the less it’s very impr obable that a child, who has never seen nor eared of sexual abuse and hasn’t been fed with the wrong information by parents or even through suggestive interview would confess of having been a victim of sexual abuse. It is better to acknowledge children’s testimony and weight up the evidence. REFERENCES Bidrose, S. & Goodman, G. S. (2000).Testimony and evidence: A scientific case study of memory for child sexual abuse. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 14,  197-213. Castel, A. D. , Humphreys, K. L. , Lee, S. S. , Galvan, A. , Balota, D. A. , & McCabe, D. P. (2011). The development of memory efficiency and value-directed remembering across the life span: A cross-sectional study of memory and selectivity. Developmental Psychology,  47(6), 1553-1564. Flin, R, Boon, J. , Knox, A. And Bull, r. (1992) The effect of a five month delay on children’s and adults, eyewitness memory.British Journal of Psychology, 83 Goodman, G. S. , Hirschman, J. E. , Hepps, D. H. , &Rudy, L . (1991). Children’s memory for stressful l events. Merril Palmer Quarterly, 37, 109–158. Hershkowitz, I. , Lanes, O. , & Lamb, M. E. (2007). Exploring the disclosure of child sexual abuse with alleged victims and their parents. Child Abuse & Neglect,  31(2), 111-123. Hershkowitz, I. (1999). The dynamics of interviews involving plausible and implausible allegations of child sexual abuse. Applied Developmental Science,  3(2), 86-91. Holcomb, M.J. , & Jacquin, K. M. (2007). Juror perceptions of child eyewitness testimony in a sexual abuse trial. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse,  16(2), 79-95. Loftus, E. F. (2004). Memories of things unseen. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 13,145–147. Lloyd, M. E. , Doydum, A. O. , & Newcombe, N. S. (2009). Memory binding in early childhood: Evidence for a retrieval deficit. Child Development,  80(5), 1321-1328. Leander, L. , Christianson, S. , & Granhag, P. (2007). A sexual abuse case study children's memories a nd reports.Psychiatry, Psychology And Law,  14(1), 120-129. Meadows, S. (1986). Understanding Child Development. London: Century Hutchinson Ltd. McShane, J. (1991). Cognitive development: . An information processing approach. Cambridge, MA, US: Basil Bruckwell. Otgaar, H. , Candel, I. , Merckelbach, H. , ; Wade, K. A. (2009). Abducted by a UFO: Prevalence information affects young children's false memories for an implausible event. Applied Cognitive Psychology,  23(1), 115-125. Odegard, T. N. , Cooper, C. M. , Lampinen, J. M. , Reyna, V. F. , & Brainerd, C. J. (2009).Children's eyewitness memory for multiple real-life events. Child Development,  80(6), 1877-1890. R. C. Summitt,† The child sexual abuse accommodation syndrome†, Child abuse and Neglect, Vol 7, 2, P. 177-193. Schreiber, N. , Bellah, L. D. , Martinez, Y. , McLaurin, K. A. , Strok, R. , Garven, S. , et al. (2006). Suggestive interviewing in the McMartin Preschool and Kelly Michaels daycare abuse cases: c ase study. Social Influence, 1, 16–47. Tully, B. (2002). The evaluation of retractions in sexual abuse cases. Child Abuse Review,  11(2), 94-102. doi:10. 1002/car. 728