Response 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Response 2 - Essay Example Though the paper presents both models almost similar in such a way that these models are comprised of five steps within it, the PMMM is a general business model that can be used on any project type, but RAD is a software development model that cannot be adaptable to other engineering disciplines. Do RAD model users need to follow the five phases sequentially? The paper comes to a conclusion that there is no need to follow it. The paper fails to provide more reasons or more arguments that can support this conclusion. Meanwhile, it says that PMMM cannot be considered as an agile model since it is not adaptable to changes quickly in the model structure when new project management processes take place. As a conclusion, the paper gives detailed discussion on whether both models can be used simultaneously. It is rather better conclusion as it provides reasons such as the PMMM model will work well in requiring some level of project management for the software development teams using the RAD model to create new programs. The paper offers an analytical outline of RAD and PMMM models with comparisons, scopes and application levels. The L O paper is an attempt to outline the differences between two project management methodologies; Project Management Institute’s (PMI) study plan and Rapid Application Development (RAD). Though it is not a detailed discussion of comparison between these two methodologies, it provides the features of each method and outlines the areas that are adaptable to each one. The paper would be exceptionally good and extremely easy to the readers to grasp the features, if the paper includes the differences between these methods along with the advantages and disadvantages of each method in regard to particular application level. The paper explores some features of RAD development. RAD is represented as an agile methodology that works well associated with software and industrial products. This paper gives the efficiency as

The values and attitudes in Great Expectations Essay Example for Free

The values and attitudes in Great Expectations Essay The text Great Expectations by Charles Dickens reflects many of the values and attitudes of nineteenth century England. The terms values and attitude are somewhat linked, and are both an integral part of the context of this novel. There was a great divide between the classes at the time of Great Expectations, with each class having its own stereotypical views. This difference led to crime in the city, which served the need for better punishment, as the justice system was quite arbitrary. Attitudes towards the difference between city and country life were also changing with the coming of Industrialisation. Each of these values and attitudes are depicted in the novel through the use of various techniques, such as imagery, characterisation and irony. During the Victorian Era great differences arose in relation to attitudes towards class. The lower classes were seen as raucous and rude, while the upper classes maintained the image of high moral qualities and social status. It is this difference in Great Expectations which allows Compeyson to get away with a lighter charge than Magwitch for the same crime, simply because he was in the upper class. Magwitch is first characterised through a slight caricature as a fearful man who had been soaked in water, and smothered in mud, and lamed by stones. Nevertheless, there was a growing criticism towards the upper class during the century especially with the rapid growth of the middle class, and societys attitudes and views towards them changed. This is shown in Great Expectations through the use of irony and characterisation of Compeyson and Drummle, who are initially seen to be in the upper classes of society. Ironically, both are drawn in parallel and are characterised as morally corrupt, as Drummle mistreated his wife and Compeyson was involved in crime. Dickens is suggesting here that some of the upper class in the Victorian Era were no better than many of the lower class civilians. Money was also an important value and crucial aspect of class during the time of Great Expectations. We can see how much Magwitch valued class and wealth by his attempt to buy Pip into an upper class so that he (Pip) would have enough money to relax and enjoy a wealthy life. Indeed, the idea of a convict making someone rich is an example of situation irony constructed by  Dickens into the plot. Through character development and the narratorial perspective of the novel, we then see how Pip believes that this will allow him to escape his lower class and marry Estella from an upper class, perhaps now she would think twice about me. However this merely leads Pip to snobbery and a wasteful life, and we see how he eventually returns to his lower class. Pip had false expectations and allusions about class, and hence, Dickens has shown that money is not the only barrier between classes, as Pip was for the most part unsuccessful in making the transition. As crime escalated in the nineteenth century the need for an improved legal system arose, however the justice system proved to be quite arbitrary. Those who fell into the arms of the law received little mercy harsh retribution was the stock-in-trade of a perverse, tyrannical and unforgiving legal system. One of Pips first encounters in London, with the minister of justice is an example of symbolism, exceedingly dirty and partially drunk, indicative of the corruption of the legal system and the many injustices to come in Great Expectations.. An example of this injustice of the justice system in the novel can be through the character Jaggers who fixes up evidence to win cases. This is reflective of society at the time, where people with more money could buy justice by hiring pricy lawyers such as Jaggers to manipulate the case for them. Nevertheless, it is interesting to note that Jaggers washes his hands after every trial, which signifies his guilt of causing injustice. This can be viewed as a literary allusion to Lady Macbeth, where in the play Macbeth she tries to wash her hands clean of the blood that she spilt during murder, feeling a guilty conscience. Further corruption of the justice system can be seen through the influence of class. In Great Expectations, this is evident when Magwitch gets a harsher punishment than Compeyson for the same crime. In spite of this, a natural justice is served in the end as ironically, everyone who had committed a crime was duly dealt with, although they may have avoided it earlier. Orlick was captured and imprisoned after attempting to murder Pip, while Compeyson was drowned. This use of dramatic irony by Dickens emphasises the importance of justice as a value at the time of the novel. Another important attitude at the time of Great Expectations was the growing difference between the city and country as a result of the onset of industrialisation. As the cities grew they were seen as exciting and dynamic, so many of the city dwellers looked down at the country. However Dickens caricatures city life as polluting, and full of corruption. This is achieved again mainly through focusing on Pips character development as he moves from the country to the city in the hope of becoming a gentleman. Towards the beginning Pip is depicted as innocent and untainted by city corruption, however as he grows up he becomes selfish and snobbish. The difference is clear the city. When Pip first arrives in London, the difference between city and country life is duly emphasised by Dickens through descriptive imagery and caricatures, filth and fat and blood and foam seemed to stick to me. The images of criminals being executed and the sickening smells of the rotting meat in the markets tha t are described by Pip reflect the attitudes held towards the city by many of the people of the time, this was horrible, and gave me a sickening idea of London. Dickens has reflected many of the values and attitudes of the time in Great Expectations, with various stylistic techniques such as irony and characterisation assisting in emphasising their importance both in the story, and in society.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Bureaucracy

Strengths and Weaknesses of Bureaucracy The advent of 21st century, the global economy has dramatically undergone changes. Developed and emerging economies are converging to one gigantic global economy; this has directly impacted the businesses compelling organisations around the world to competitive at the international level. The protection shield enjoyed by the organisations behind a closed economy earlier under the cloak of the government restricting entry for foreign players are getting slimmer each year. Consequently, organisations have to compete in their home country against MNC with vast resources, and search for opportunities elsewhere. However, there are numerous other factors which have influenced organisation world wide to reconsider their strategies in the wake of the changing global business dynamics. Free trade area agreements, creation of trading blocs such as the European Union, South East Asian countries (ASEAN) and other similar existing and ones which are still under consideration have immensely pressurized companies, and exposed them to the competition. The competitive and comparative advantages enjoyed by these organisations earlier are now threatened by the new foreign entrants. As a result to survive and grow in the 21st century most organisations either adapted or withered away to the changing conditions. The ones which survived the strong wave of forced adaption have learned their lessons that change is a constant factor in the global business environment, and being reflexive and adaptive is the only way out. Technological innovation is another aspect that has influenced change in the organisation. Technology is evolving at a rapid pace warranting organisation to absorb the changes at the same speed. Other influential factors : Intensity of international competition; presence of key competitors in all key international markets; internationalization of product standards; stronger push by international bodies such as the world Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF) increasing level of international trade between countries ; increase in Intra-firm trade ; Technological intensity. At the organizational level, there is continuous pressure to perform in the new business economy; factors such as availability of scarce resources, Value Added Activities, presences of Propriety Technologies, Management Skills , Marketing Skills, creation of strong brand equities, Production know-how , achieving economies of scale , productive capability and presence of low labour costs centres( India , Chain and etc.) and many others. 1.b Strengths and Weaknesses of bureaucratic organizations: BUREAUCRATIC organizations functions well and are suitable for environments which are stable in nature and involve routine tasks and minimal technological changes. A Bureaucratic organisational structure is often centralized; they have a clear, well defined vertical hierarchy of command, authority and chain of control. Productivity and efficiency are achieved through standardization of processes. Emphasis is given to specialization of processes and is most often formalized. As a result of these factors, the tasks in a bureaucratic organisation often results in rigidly defined jobs, process , applications of technology leaving very less or often no space for creativeness or innovative inputs into the system. Since every tasks, process are predetermined and predictable by strict standard operating procedures, the system resemble a machine (Max weber, 1978, cited in Beetham, 1996). According to Max Weber (1978), Strengths and Weakness of a bureaucratic organisation are as follows: Strengths Strict rules and regulation regarding work , behaviour and employee code of conduct Impersonal orientation specific sphere of competence Continuity in uniformity of operations Less impact of any changes to the organizational structure or management Rational allocation of tasks Division of labor based on various specialized functions Membership constitutes a career Promotions are usually based on experience and technical knowledge and competence qualifications tested limited discretion of officers legally based tenure Educational and technical qualifies are tested periodically Prescribed chain of authority and legal compliances Weaknesses Very less or often no space for creativeness or innovative inputs into the system Highly rigid decision making system. Participation is based on defined authority There is a severe lack of empathy or rationality. The origination is highly regulated by set rules and regulations. Productivity and efficiency are achieved through standardization of processes Rigidly defined jobs, process , applications of technology Slow reaction to unexpected crisis Bureaucratic organizational step up is not suitable for industry or companies which are under great pressure to perform and compete in the market. Neglecting group thinking and initiatives 1. c Alternative forms of organizational development: Organisation development is a planned intervention. The primary intention of OD is to improve the current organisational functions to create a strong foundation for strengthens; work towards reducing weakness ; address threats arising due to various factors influencing the business internally or externally; to mitigate risk or at least reduce the exposure or damage, and all these ultimately results to reflect the changing business environment. There are multitudes of intervening areas within the organisation warranting intervention on regular bases, and also at times of contingencies or unexpected crisis. Organisation intending for a higher level of changes often adopt a full range of interventions. This would also include aspects such as the transformation of employee behaviour and attitudes to towards their roles responsibilities and in general, towards the organisational boarder objectives. On the other hand, partial attempt in change management would result in organisational le vel failures. Subsequently, operating policies, personal policies, management structures and organisational skills sets would fall short of it expectations. Typically, organization development programs will implement multiple interventions simultaneously. There are various methods / types of organization development interventions considered for change management: structural interventions, third party peace-making interventions, Intergroup team building interventions, process consultation interventions, forced field analysis Kurt Lewin, Team interventions, and process consultation interventions. Structural Interventions: It is also known as techno structural interventions and mainly focuses on changes in tasks, organisational structure, technological processes, quality circles, TQM, restructuring and work/job design. Intergroup team building interventions: These interventions advocate in the improvement of intergroup relations between work teams, facilitate effective communication. The steps involved are: OD practitioner meets the group leaders and study their requirements. Groups meet separately and encourage noting down about perceptions, related problems, attitude towards each other. This also involves group anticipating each others expectations. This process helps in improving interaction between individuals and groups; find solution to unresolved problems; and minimize the communication gap. Team Building interventions: These interventions are focused on improving team organizational processes, Task accomplishment, Problem diagnosis and establishing strong team relationships. The process involves analysing the purpose of teams existence, objectives and team preparation for task accomplishment. Human Resources management interventions: involves employee performance and assessment management, employee wellness and reward systems, organisational diversity management and many others. Third party peace-making Interventions: various methods and techniques are used , such as the confrontation technique, Insist on exploring possible solutions, Efforts to overcome negative feeling, solving interpersonal conflict Differentiation phase understand differences of perspectives , Integration phase sharing of positive feelings and thoughts. Other intervention areas are team building, self-designing organizations, facilitating, organizational restructuring, conflict management, training, coaching, and organizational transformation, cultural change and strategic management. Key Stakeholders in My Chosen Organisation My chosen organisation for Change Management Process is a local grocery supermarket located in Bangalore, India. It was founded in the year 2001. Initially the retail store supplied only stationery and foods items; however, over the years, more products were added to their portfolio. Today, the retail store known as Naveen Supermarket has range of products such as house hold goods, food items, electronic items among other products commonly found in general grocery stores. Naveen Supermarket has about 20 to 25 employee working in different shifts around the clock. The employees are divided into three main sections, the first group manages the supermarket floor, the second group is engaged with the stock management, and the third group manages telephone orders and delivery system. The supermarket store is situated in a convenient location, surrounded by huge residential complex, transportation points and also major educational and business institutions. Since its inception as a small retail store in 2001, it has now grown into a busy 24 / 7 store serving over 5000 customers every week. From the last few years, world economy has seen a dramatic change in its location. While Naveen supermarket experienced exponential growth, it also faces increasing competition from new entrants especially, large supermarkets, transforming the market into highly competitive business. The usual old ways of attracting and retaining customers have been found ineffective, and consequently, the supermarket is seriously planning to have a major overhaul in the organisational structure, and also business functions to reflect the changing conditions in the market. Change in demographic profile of the surrounding population has also mandated changes including the product portfolio to accommodate multi-cultural food products, different age group especially increasing student and higher working class population. Apart from this, the management of the supermarket is also envisioning of opening similar stores in other locations in Bangalore. Bangalore is known as the second silicon valley of the world, and emerging as one of the major metropolitan city in India, consequently, today the city has adapted a culture similar to other major cities around world attributed by fast moving busy life style. Opportunity A study done by Davies (2001), point out that food customers in UK are not interested to cook food in their kitchen. The quote of Davies stated: Food manufactures should address the need of this fast moving, time starved generation. This can be done by making branded and own label products that fits the changing lifestyle of new era family. Speed is required while preparing food as there is no time to cook. Healthy and convenient food is in demand. The similar trend is rising in India as well. So Naveen Supermarket has the tremendous opportunities to expand their chain across India. Analysis of the type of Change Company is initiating The organization is going to have recent development of the operational change consists of the operational modifications will change the techniques of on-going operations of the company, like the automation of the various operational processes. The operational changes would help Naveen supermarket in improvement in supply chain management practices, increase in revenue, improvement in quality of service and products by applying Total quality management and Kaizen systems for continuous improvements. The main aim of implementing to have cost-cut in long run and achieve competitive edge in the higher competitive market conditions. The change proposed for the automation of transaction and operational activity will also lead to quick decision making and helps in the analysis of current situation. Now, these four different types of changes as per consultant David A. Nadler and management professor Michael L. Tushman together developed an instructive topology of organization change as shown in the diagram shown below. (Kreitner, 2007) Four types of organization change topology Incremental Strategic Anticipatory Tuning Re-orientation Reactive Adaption Re-Creation Based on this model shown in above table, the company is doing Re-creational change. The change is reactive in the sense the company is growing and wants to optimize the operational activities by taking advantage of automation and changing strategic vision of company. Changes Appropriate for Naveen supermarket. 1. Provide quality in its product and services focusing on improve personalized dispositions; improve the order placing and delivery mechanism including online platform. 2. Aggressively market by introducing various promotional offer to match other competitors especially MNC. 3. Control operating costs thereby saving could be too transferred to the customer as increased services or price reduction, and thus building a strong competitive advantage over the time. 4. Recruit professionals in the field retail management, so as represent a fair mix of talents in the organisation representing wide background. 2. B Analysis of models for stakeholder engagement Stakeholder engagement models and its analysis/application: Stakeholder Analysis Stakeholder Analysis and Stakeholder Management are the important aspects of Change Management Process to garner support for change in the organization. This technique can be used to identify the key areas of change, and affected persons in the implementation of the change. Stakeholders are an important asset to the organisation, and therefore its imperative to consult the stakeholder prior to the implementation of change to achieve the desired outcome. Disagreement or partial commitment would jeopardize the entire undertaking, eventually, resulting in unwanted conflicts and disagreement. The stakeholder analysis tool would assist Naveen Supermarket to comprehend and gain an early support from the stakeholders especially the influential ones. This requires that the management educate the stakeholder on the transpiring conditions that the business is surrounded with, which lead to the decision of undertaking change management in the organisation. The stakeholders should clearly be exp lained about the consequences of both options considering and not considering change in the short and long run. Winning the support of the influential stakeholders, and eventually others is the key to the successful implementation of change. The key stakeholders of Naveen Supermarket are: Management Staff Customers Suppliers Investors Government Municipal corporation Community (General Public) The following questions can provide an understating about the key stakeholders thoughts: What is expectation in terms of monetary or emotional? Optimistic or destructive? What is the key inspirational aspect of the project to them? What facts are they looking for? What is the most effective way to communicate the message to them? What steps are required in the management of their objections and opposition? Creating a platform for effective communication with the stakeholders would yield their exact thoughts and feelings of the project, and would enable how much of the support it can gather eventually. In case of objections, what step needs to be taken to turn around the objections into constructive support need to consider? This process can start with establishing an effective communication system, tailoring the information or message to suit the end receivers. Organise training programs, consult and include the stakeholders according to the proportion of their interests in the new development. Stakeholder mapping is a powerful tool allows a quickly analysis of the stakeholders impact, and how to improve the support system. (SVQ, 2007). Stakeholders mapping Stakeholder mapping matrix (MayersVermeulen, 2003) A- Key Players Management Employees Suppliers B- Keep Satisfied Government Local councils C- Keep Informed Customers Investor D- Minimal Effort Community High Interest Low H I GH Power L O W High power, highly interested Stakeholders: These key players should be actively engaged in the project and more efforts should be put to satisfy their curiosity and requirements in the project. High power, less interested Stakeholders: Keep them interested however avoid over indulgence. Low power, highly interested Stakeholders: These players should be kept informed regularly about the developments of the project. Though they constitute low in the power play matrix, their collective number or size has immense influence on the project. Low power, less interested Stakeholders: They dont have direct impact; however, they form the part of the entire system and therefore would require their inclusion in a constructive manner. Task 3: 3A Change models appropriate for my chosen organisation. CHANGE MANAGEMENT MODELS There are many models of change management such as Learning organization approach (LOA), Hope and Hope theory of competition in the third wave, the Kaizen approach to improve the quality of service, Business process re-engineering (BPR), de-layering, downsizing etc. Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) BPR is one of the important steps prior to the implementation of ERP in an organisation. Basically BPR is the fundamental reconsideration of the organisational processes and involves radical thinking. It helps the organisational to improve various business operations dramatically so as to achieve excellence in customer services, reduce operating costs, and transform itself into a global competitor. BPR according to Hammer and Champy (1993), the fundamental rethinking and radical redesign of business processes to achieve dramatic improvements in critical contemporary measures of performance, such as cost, quality, service, and speed. The greatest approach to implement change is to understand that change is the only constant in the dynamic business environment and embracing it is the key to survival and future growth. BPR is a methodical training process to enable companies to conduct feasibility evaluation for managing vibrant change. (Erpwire, 2010) John Kotters 8 step change model Kotter (2002) describes a methodical process to change management. Kotter suggests that for change to be successful, at least 3 /4 of the companys management need to embrace the change factor positively. The Kotters 8 step change model illustrated with a diagram in the context the supermarket.Identify short priorities and set achievable objectives Focus on accomplished and future milestones. Strengthen the importance of fruitful change via employment, promotion, and intertwine change into the organisational culture. Construct the regulatory team Repeatedly and robustly with the stakeholders Establish a simple vision and strategy within the team. Inspire people to move Allow positive feedback and tons of backing from leaders reward and recognize improvement and accomplishments. 8. Make change stick 7. Build on the change 6. Create the short-term wins 3. Create visualization for change 2. Construct the regulatory team 1. Increase urgency 4. Communicate the Vision 5. Remove Obstacles Kotters 8 step change model Kotters 8 step Change model, Source: www.Leadershiphub.com 3.b Implementation of change model in my chosen organisation In my opinion, Kotters model would the purpose of implementing the change management to achieve desirable results for Naveen Supermarket. According the model followings steps need to be undertaken: Create the sense of Urgency Step One Sense of urgency should be created among the stakeholders especially ones with most influence on the Naveen supermarkets business. This would include the shareholders primarily, employees, customer and other as deemed fit into the system for the change management. Form a Powerful Coalition Step Two Naveen supermarket must create effective leadership platform to implement and monitor change in the organisation. This requires coalition and support with key employees who can initiate and control and monitor the change process through its life. Create a Vision for Change Step Three To get employee and other stakeholders participating actively, Naveen supermarket should have clear and transparent, comprehendible vision about the change and its implications. Otherwise the enthusiasm would fade slowly from the epicentre of the core activities of the change management as it moves away and as time pass by. This would require that the leader regularly reinstate the vision to the employee to keep them altered of its progress and active involvement. Communicate the Vision Step Four Naveen supermarket should communicate the vision to the participants effectively through various channels such as media, training programs, organisational announcements. The more the emphasis on the key points in the vision the better the influence of it on the stakeholders. The vision should be comprehensive, cover every operations of the business that need change, influence and motivate the employee to be part of the change management. Remove Obstacles Step Five There are likely chances of obstacles crippling into the implementation process very often. However, the organisation should remained focused on the key action plans, closely monitor, get regular feedback and undertake any necessary actions required to adjust to the changing factors of the environment. Obstacles can come from internal source or external. Naveen supermarket should take speedy actions to restore the plan on its due course of execution. Obstacles that can be removed should be eliminated, others which tend to remain and deeply rooted must be accommodated without actually diluting the vision or jeopardizing the actions plans. Create Short-term Wins Step Six The Naveen Supermarket store must identify tasks, which can be accomplished easily. The results achieved would encourage further involvement and motivate others to join the effort whole- heartedly. Proper compensation and reward system should be built in the change management process. Employee who contributed considerably should be recognized and rewarded accordingly, thereby, setting an example of the personal benefits from its involvement. Short term achievement should be communicated effectively to the stakeholders to keep them interested. Build on the Change Step Seven This is one of the important steps. Naveen supermarket should build on the change, evaluate every winning factor and leverage on it. Failures should be identified and corrective steps need to be taken, so as to avoid similar failures in the future. Success got at this stage should not be assumed as the final victory rather, it must enable deep thinking, and serve as input to the next stage of change management after all change management is a continuous process. Anchor the Changes in Corporate Culture Step Eight In a long and continuous effort of change management, the process should eventually be observed into the main stream culture of the organisation. For changes to be a part and parcel of the organisational culture, the leaders should regularly alert and create awareness about the existence of the change management that is deeply rooted in every organisational activity. The perception of change management should become an inseparable part of the organisational culture in a long run; this in turn would create a platform and facilitate any major undertaking in the future. Desirable Outcomes of Change Program The change management would eventually yield desirable outcome if it is undertaken constructively and effectively throughout its various implementation phase by the Naveen supermarket management. The three key areas of noticeable changes are: Operational changes The operational changes would help Naveen supermarket to improve various business operations. The changes should result in considerable improvement in the near future in the online orders and delivery mechanism which it is planning to launch very soon, floor management, supply chain management practices, improvement in quality of service and products , employee performance, reduction in operating cost resulting in increased revenue generation. Strategic changes Changes in the areas will give clear vision and direction to all the stakeholders of Naveen Supermarket. In a long run it will create value and ethos that is conducive for achieving growth and increase performance. Cultural changes Key values and ethics in business operations created along during the process of the changes would be imbibed into the organisational culture. It would serve as motivation and sense of purpose for the employees and other stakeholders to achieve and contribute to the organisational goals. The success achieved would drive home a message that, organisation to survive and grown in the highly competitive business environment mandates change, and the stakeholder, especially, the employee are the agents and catalyst to the change management process. In a long run the process would reflect that organisational culture is based on change management philosophy for success. Conclusion The change in organization generally also brings several issues. To make the change process a success it requires a lot of effort from the change leader. The change management model chosen by company needs to be thoroughly monitored and implemented. It is also measure and controls the success of the change process. Changes often result in individuals taking on greater responsibilities, retraining, performing new tasks and developing new skills and new ways of working. Individuals are taken out of the comfort zone they have operated in for some time. The anxiety and stress that can be caused if the process is not well managed will manifest itself in resistance to change. Greater degree of consultation and worker participation, both in the development of the strategic vision and the implementation of change, should increase ownership, thus reducing anxiety and stress that often drives resistance to change. Failure in most change processes can be traced back to poor communications and f ailure to appreciate the amount of retraining that is required. To conclude, I found that the scope of change is too wide and I would suggest that company should bring changes in different phases such as first of all bring the change of automation of some operational activity and later on when this change is successful implement other change.

A Memorable Experience In Photography :: essays research papers fc

A Memorable Experience in Photography To experience photography, one must have a certain style of photographs to really appreciate or admire. Photographs are picturesque images and views that really catch the interest of the photographer. For me to experience and admire photography, it took me only one photographer to really appreciate the power it has his name is Robert Capa. Robert grew up in Hungary he experienced the political unrest and turmoil. He lived under the oppression of Horthy and knew the kind of anarchy that constitutes war(Images of War 8). Robert's work represented 3 categories: 1. Images of battle. 2. Images of the effects of war. 3. Images of calamity(Photographs,Introduction). His work also had a swift understanding and sympathy for the people who suffer from being caught in war. This type of suffering made it impossible for him to ignore the events which affected their lives(Images of War 9). Robert's belief on photography is "If your pictures are not good enough, your not close enough"(Photographs Foreword). Robert's breakthrough in the field of photography came during the Spanish Civil War. His most famous picture was a snapshot of a courageous man in the act of falling(Capa18). His own special talents and course of world happenings, led him into a role as a professional photographer of war(Images of War20). To really admire and understand Capa, you must have a fascination for dramatic and emotional pictures of war. There probably has been thousands who admire the work he does. Well you can include me in that group of thousands. Capa puts into perspective in just one photograph, something my grandfather will never forget. The Bombing of Pearl Harbor. The photograph that brings back these memories is taken somewhere in Europe during World War II. It's a photograph that has the air full of scores of Japanese warplanes. They are flying over war stricken farmland. As an American citizen, this photograph brings a lot of emotions through me and would have brought greater emotions to my grandfather. I used this photograph because it brings back the memory of my grandfather telling me the story of how he survived that tragic day. On December 7, 1941, my grandfather was stationed at Pearl Harbor as a airplane mechanic. It was still early in the morning and he was still sleeping. Then out of nowhere he heard numerous explosions and then the sirens went off._ _He rushed out of bed and ran upstairs to see what was happening. In the sky he saw scores of Japanese airplanes flying and bombing the area. Some of the airplanes would risk their own lives to do more damage to the ships and the

School Violence

Tyeshia Michie Professor Silverstein English 102 School Violence School violence is the term used to define violence or any form of arrogance that happens inside a school. Some of the known forms of school violence are student gangs, bullying, physical attacks on fellow students, and physical attacks on the school staffs. This is becoming a very serious issue in the United States where the school violence rates are extremely high with students possessing knives, guns and other weapons at will. In the earlier days, schools were the safest places for students.Students were safer than they were at their homes because they were being monitored each and every second by the school staffs and other fellow students, but it is no longer the same because of the alarming increase of school violence inside the school premises. The school authorities are not able to control such inclement activities inside the school and parents all over the world are concerned with this very serious issue becaus e their children are prone to be victims of school violence. Leading Causes of School Violence Pinpointing causes of school violence is a difficult task.It is difficult to categorize the numerous school violence attacks that have occurred. Each case has different circumstances. The majority of researchers agree that school violence is the result of a society unable to always distinguish between good or bad choices and right or wrong moral decisions but have suggested various theories on what may lead a student to incite violence. Children who witness domestic violence in the home and who are not taught otherwise are likely to internalize such behavior as appropriate means of dealing with conflicts in the school.Such students who get in confrontations with other students may be predisposed to engage in physical violence. Students who grow up in communities with street violence also may react violently to perceived threats. According to â€Å"Youth Violence: A Report by the Surgeon G eneral,† psychological conditions hyperactivity, impulsiveness, daring and short attention span can pose a small risk for violence. Dr. Christopher J. Ferguson of Texas A&M International University notes in The Journal of Pediatrics that depression is a leading cause of youth violence.Additionally, Thomas Grisso professor of psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts Medical School writes in â€Å"The Future of Children† that kids with mental disorders are at an increased risk of displaying aggressive behavior. Having access to guns and other weapons may enable students to commit violent acts against their peers. The report â€Å"Violence Prevention: The Evidence† by the World Health Organization states limiting access to weapons can lead to a reduction in violent acts. Students may find guns in their homes or acquire guns illegally on the street.Without access to weapons, however, students would be unable to carry out violent acts. Students who have been bull ied may retaliate against their peers. The National School Safety Council notes that many who participate in such acts are bullied or ostracized from their peers. Peers reportedly bullied or ignored the Columbine shooters, which caused their anger. However, the surgeon general notes that violence in the media also may lead kids to engage in aggressive and violent behavior. What Are the Causes of Bullying in Schools?Bullying is a serious problem in schools and, according to Kids Health, three quarters of kids says that they have been bullied or teased at school as of 2010. Bullying takes a variety of forms and has several detrimental effects on children including depression, stress, sickness, physical injuries and even death. The first step in dealing with bullying is to pinpoint the causes behind bullying and clarify some of its many bullies engage in bullying as a way to draw attention to themselves and make themselves feel important. Unfortunately, according to Education. om, bull ies tend to be popular and even admired by classmates for their toughness. This is especially the case in middle schools, where bullies are sometimes regarded as popular and cool. As a consequence, other kids imitate bullying behavior in an effort to increase their popularity. Another myth about bullying is that bullies suffer from low self-esteem and, as a result, bully other kids in order to make themselves feel better. According to Education. com many bullies have high self-esteem and regard themselves in a positive light. It is not uncommon for bullies to have an overly inflated sense of self.The desire to control and dominate others is a common factor in bullying. Bullies often perceive kids who are smarter or different than them as a threat. Dominating and manipulating the perceived threat allows the bully to minimize the threat and to feel empowered. The bully's sense of satisfaction comes from provoking a reaction from the victims who are being bullied. The best strategy is to ignore a bully if possible. If the bully is unable to provoke a reaction, he may soon grow tired of bullying you. If it is not possible to ignore the bully, the best strategy is to stand up for yourself.Don't given in to a bully's demands. Always inform a parent, teacher or adult. Bullying behavior is often the result of a repetitive cycle of abuse. Bullies may be victims of abuse at home or they may learn patterns of behavior in which anger, name-calling and other forms of verbal abuse and physical violence are normal. Bullies may s Different Interventions ; Prevention Models of High School Violence According to the â€Å"College Student Journal,† almost one-quarter of public school students report that they had been the victims of violence at school.With the proper interventions, high school violence can be prevented or minimized. The National School Safety Center says that if parents, teachers and students work together, school violence can be minimized and, in some ins tances, eliminated. Parents and guardians are primary gatekeepers in helping to prevent high school violence. Parents must be aware of the influences their children receive whether through television, video games or other people to minimize exposure to violence. Parents need to teach their children to be empathetic and compassionate so that violence will not be tolerable to them.High school violence can often be thwarted by providing counselors for students. Counselors can help students with decision making and can teach alternatives to violent behaviors. The school milieu is sometimes the only opportunity high school students have to talk about their problems and get suggestions about reasonable solutions, according to the The National School Safety Center. The National School Safety Center says that a proper level of security can be an effective preventative for high school violence.Security personnel on staff can head off violence and must be alert for weapons such as guns or kni ves. Metal detectors can be installed to aid in weapons detection, if necessary. â€Å"College Student Journal† suggests that the high school buildings be evaluated to identify areas that could facilitate violent events for example, doors that do not open properly (should students need to escape) or doors that are too accessible to potential violent offenders. Meditation is another intervention that can be successful in preventing violence.According to National School Safety Center, mediation can help the students to relax, calm their thoughts, reduce stress and ultimately â€Å"prevent violent attitudes among the students. â€Å"Anger management sessions are a necessary part of intervention so that high school students can learn how to control rage and other intense emotions. Conflict-management strategies that focus on how to avoid fighting and other threatening behaviors can prevent violence. Peer mediation is another effective method to manage conflict in a high school. With this method, student leaders are trained in mediation and, with supervision; help settle conflicts among their peers. Violence prevention models help both parents and students to develop effective communication skills that will enhance peer development. Some techniques include role playing, with role reversal, so that the students can experience both sides of a violent interaction, or decision-making exercises that teach them what to do in potentially violent situations. Other skills include educating the students on the risks of violence in a descriptive manner that gives them a realistic picture of the impact of high school violence.Conclusion As far as this issue is concerned the solution to the problem will be identifying the root of the problem. Some people are quick to blame the media, while some blame parents, and others blame the schools. Americans need to try to take control of today's youth and the violence that is and has been developing in this country for many year s. Although school violence will never be extinct, there are many different ways to reduce violence. References: Surgeon General: Youth Violence Prevention — A Report of the Surgeon General Reuters: Depression, Peers Top Influences on Youth ViolenceThe Future of Children: Adolescent Offenders with Mental Disorders World Health Organization: Violence Prevention USA Today: 10 Years Later the Real Story behind Columbine College Student Journal: The Root of School Violence: Causes and Recommendations for a Plan of Action. The National School Safety Center: Proven Preventive Measure for School Violence. Adolescence: School Violence: Prevalence and Intervention Strategies for At-risk Adolescents. Kids Health: Dealing With Bullies Education: Some Myths and Facts about Bullies and Victims

Les Paul

Thesis Statement Within the very foundation of rock, blues, jazz and pop, the very same inventions of Les Paul denotes guitar-heavy music with an extreme debt owed to him.   Les Paul guitar models, Telecaster and the Gibson, are the most popular electric guitars among rock performers. The effects have been wide ranging, from rock and rolls Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia to legendary jazz great Duke Ellington, Les Paul has had a profound influence on musicians not only in the United States but around the world as they listened to his records and copied his style. The history of the modern jazz guitar began with many who played with Benny Goodman, (In Los Angeles in 1942, Les played with Nat King Cole on â€Å"Blues†). During his years on the main jazz scene, he revolutionized guitar playing. To be sure, there were guitarists with a longer history but it almost seems as if there are two different types of guitars.   What played before Les Paul and what played after he finished. Before Paul, the guitar was essentially an instrument of rhythm and harmonic accompaniment. Paul was known interestingly enough to develop guitar leads as he was simply creating the sound of many guitars and singers from one guitar and one voice. From the development of the electric guitar to the tape recorder were all possible only through the innovative vision of Les Paul.   Paul’s ingenious overdubbing or layered construction process of recording music was revolutionary. Les Paul Examining the development of original American music, whether it’s blues, country, jazz or rock, the reader has found, intertwined that in American music all roads lead to the guitar which in turn leads to Les Paul. Like all ironies of the truth, Les Paul's interest in music began at age eight with an interest in the harmonica.   It’s been said the inspiration came from a Waukesha ditch digger. Even though he played the piano professionally, his formal musical training consisted of a few unsuccessful piano lessons. A bad automobile accident in Oklahoma in January 1948 almost silenced his music forever.  Ã‚   He could not play the guitar for a year and a half.   It also gave him two choices; the first was to have the arm amputated or have the right arm set at a permanent right angle suitable for guitar playing.   Clearly he chose the latter. Les Paul is the most significant contributor in the development of modern electric instruments and recording technology. Paul has lead the way in the development of the Gibson Les Paul guitar, bearing his name; the solid-body electric guitar.   This concept was developed under his design. To this day, the Gibson is one of the most well known and market tested models that still stands up as an excellent product.   On merits of its own that would satisfy as a single most important contribution to the music industry, Les Paul also the developed the multi-track recording process and various reverb and echo effects. Technically, the guitar is a fretted, stringed instrument, and is a member of the lute family.   Originating from Persia, the instrument reached Spain during the 12th century. Through the years, the guitar has shown versatility as both a solo and accompanying instrument. In essence, Paul was unsatisfied by the electric guitars available in the mid 1930s so he began to experiment with the design the basic guitar. The product solved two main problems for guitar players; the â€Å"feedback† and â€Å"sustain† issues, respectively. Les Paul designed and constructed one of the first solid-body electric guitars in 1941.   Based on Paul’s designed in the early 1950’s, the Gibson Guitar Corporation of Nashville, Tennessee designed a guitar integrating Paul's properties. Subsequently, the company and Paul got together and professional relationship was established. Hence, what is now known as the â€Å"Les Paul† model was born. Originally it was developed only in a â€Å"gold top† version which was the central part of the agreement between Paul and Gibson.   However there were a few rough spots along the way between the two entities. Gibson Les Pauls were modified by the company over the years and clearly Paul always preferred to oversee the process.   But in the end Paul resumed his relationship with Gibson, and endorses the instrument even today. To this day, the Gibson Les Paul guitar is used all over the world, both by novice and professional guitarists. Multi-track recording In an experiment that bean in Les Paul's garage, Paul played eight different parts on electric guitar, some of them recorded at half-speed, hence â€Å"double-fast† when played back at normal speed for the master. Paul would record a track onto a disk, and then record himself playing another part with the first. This was the first time that multi-tracking had been used in a recording. Capitol Records released the recording â€Å"Brazil† in 1947. â€Å"As multi-track recording gradually became standard practice in rock, the distinction between recording and mixing as separate stages of a project grew. It is not uncommon at the mixing stage to move a project to a different studio or to hand over recorded tracks to a new engineer. (Zak, pg 128) Making records is intrinsically a collaborative creative process, involving the efforts of a team whose members interact in various ways. Because of Les Paul’s the â€Å"artist† is mostly the tasks involved in making a record. Pre and post production has become the foundation to many artists’ careers, once again thanks to Les Paul. Without equal, even within today’s music industry a legacy of innovations has been handed down by Les Paul and taken up by Van Halen, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai’s playing and guitar designs as they too help to redefine the instrument. (Bennett, pg 7) Les Paul has had a staggeringly life long influence over the way American and world popular music has sounded over the last 5 generations.   Even today the influence is honored and recognized and as on of the most significant impact upon the jazz, blues, rock, hip hop music worlds. What seems most striking about Les Paul, even at the age of 91, is how he has bridged popular music-making and technology. Paul touches on what will be central issues in the aesthetics of production and reception in pop: relations between the performers’s body and instrument, how sounds are attached to instruments and the way musical sounds. And because of him, in homes that could scarcely afford furniture of any kind, let alone a piano, the heart of the musician, found its outlet wood or metal across which a few wire strings. Reference(s) Zak III, Albin J.  Ã‚   The Poetics of Rock: Cutting Tracks, Making Records. Publisher: University of California Press. Place of Publication: Berkeley, CA. Publication Year: 2001. Page Number: 128. Bennett, Andy Guitar Cultures Publisher: Berg. Place of Publication: New York. Publication Year: 2001. Page Number: 7.            

Biography John F. Kennedy essays

Biography John F. Kennedy essays May, 29, 1917, in the wooden three-story house in Brookline, Massachusetts, John Fitzgerald Kennedy became the second child in the Kennedy family. Joe Jr. is his two-year older brother. In all, Rose Fitzgerald and Joseph Patrick Kennedy would have nine children, four boys and five girls. Before long, family and friends called the blue-eyed baby, Jack. When Jack was three, the family moved to a twelve-room house just outside of Boston. Joseph Kennedy was running his own stock trading business and was working hard to ensure his family a wealthy life. The Kennedys had everything they needed and more; Jack could enjoy a very comfortable life. He was sent to Choate, boarding school in Connecticut, where he was very popular and had many friends. He played tennis basketball, football and golf. Jack graduated from Choate, and in 1936 he started his first year at Harvard, where Joe was already a student. In 1937, Mr. Kennedy was appointed U.S. Ambassador to England. The family, with exception Joe and Jack, who were still in Harvard, moved to England. Jack became even more interested in politics, world affairs and also visited Europe a couple times. World War 2 began and John Kennedy wrote a thesis why England was not ready for the war against Germany, which was so good that it was later published as a book. After graduating Joe and Jack joined the Navy. Jack became the Lieutenant of a torpedo boat in the South Pacific. On a dark night in 1943 the boat collided with a Japanese destroyer and sank. In the cold water Lt. Kennedy managed to gather his men around a piece of boat. At sunrise he led them toward a small island several miles away. He was awarded with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his leadership and courage. His brother though, was not that lucky; he died a year later when his plane blew up on a mission in Europe. After the war Jack was uncertain what kind of work he wanted to do. He had considered becoming a teacher...