Thursday, October 31, 2019

Strategic marketing planning as an Essential Marketing Tool Essay

Strategic marketing planning as an Essential Marketing Tool - Essay Example Strategic Marketing Planning Strategic marketing plan is a â€Å"management process leading to a marketing plan† (McDonald, 2008, p.7). It is a systematic approach by managers that includes the written or detailed plan of the current status of the company, its goals, and how to attain it. The company obtains information about the mission statement and corporate objectives; analyses the financial performance of the company through the marketing audit; reviews the strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; forecasts the marketing impact; sets marketing objectives and strategies; estimates the anticipated outcome; classifies alternative plans and mixes; and projects the budget needed. Marketing planning is essential for business establishments that aim to gain competitive advantage, which is limited to establish brand, build, defend, and maintain. To achieve competitiveness, firms must employ techniques or models such as Porter’s generic competitive strategies. Gene ric Competitive Strategies Porter’s Model was developed to encourage the firm to gain competitive advantage through following the suggested strategies. The famous hypothesis of Porter is â€Å"stuck in the middle† when firms failed to utilise one of the strategies such as differentiation, cost leadership, focus, or combination as illustrated in Figure 1 below. The model of Porter is determined by the forces in the environment that have a direct influence to the firm’s competitive position. These are â€Å"threat of new entry, intensity of rivalry among existing firms, pressure from substitute products, bargaining power of buyers, and suppliers† (Ormanidhi & Stringa, 2008, p.57). Porter argues that companies must examine its competitive position so that they will know their strength and weaknesses that would form into strategies for defensive or offensive actions. Figure 1 Porter’s Model * Grant 1998 cited in Kossowski, 2003, p.6 Differentiation Thi s is one of the business strategies that Porter identifies in the framework. Differentiation is the firm’s strategy to produce â€Å"unique products or services† (Allen, 2006, p.434). This strategy is essential when the companies’ objective is to build customer’s loyalty because it satisfies the customer’s needs and preferences. The product or service is designed based on the customers’ wants; hence, it produces satisfaction. The customers are concerned with the product quality, features, or after-sales support that increases their value. It results to the positive perception of customer regarding the quality of services the company rendered. Due to additional expenses caused by differentiating products, the company must charge a premium price to return its investment. Regardless of this, perceptive customers prefer quality in terms of delivery system, product, and services. Thus, this strategy is limited to customers who are willing to pay despite the higher price. However, product differentiation is relevant in establishing a brand name for its recall. The differentiated products influence the customers’ perception of the firms’ dissimilarity with their competitors. In addition, it eliminates price conscious consumers by focusing on unique products. The research literature is interested with the widely accepted and used model designed by Porter. Akan, et al. (2006, p.45) include the tactics that managers must utilise in applying this strategy that will

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Summary on Review of Literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summary on Review of Literature - Essay Example Even with their limited resources, they do not only produce more jobs but are also more innovative than large firms. Chia (2009) undoubtedly reckoned that Singapore’s SMEs play an important role in the country as they are a critical pillar to Singapores economy, employing 60 per cent of the workforce. There are about 160,000 SMEs, hiring 1.7 million workers and contributing 40% non-oil foreign exchange to Singapore’s GDP (MTI 2009; Shin and Soh 2009). The major problems Singapore SMEs face as a result of the recession include loss of revenues that happens because their sales volumes have drastically been reduced as they could not export many of their products to overseas; insufficient capital to fund some of their operations due to the restrain on lending from banks and other lending institutions as the financial crisis bit harder; a drop in production as industries attempt to cut cost by firing some of their workers (OECD & APEC 2008, pp.103-104). Barton (2009) found out that Asian sub-continent might have found itself in this recession mess because of its over-dependence on Western economy, coming from the crisis spearheaded by the sudden demise of Lehman Brothers and other giants Western financial powerhouses. This condition, according to Holland et al (2009) has caused contraction or shrinking of Asian economies. Even as a leader in private banking, Schuman and Chowdhury (2009) found out that all past efforts have meant little in the face of the current downturn. It is as a result of this that Singapore Government realized that prompt actions must be taken in order to salvage its SMEs while maintaining overall economy growth in the country (Chia 2009; Asia Monitor, 2009). While the recent global recession is receding (Economic Survey of Singapore Second Quarter 2009, 2009), declining GDP, competitiveness, new world order, soaring unemployment rate and long-term job losses are always the most politicized and demoralizing fa ctor which

Sunday, October 27, 2019

The Death of Ivan Ilych, 1886

The Death of Ivan Ilych, 1886 This is a critical essay about the Death of Ivan Ilych that was written in 1886. It was the first most important fictional work published by Leo Tolstoy after his disaster and conversion. The religious philosophies of Tolstoy serve as a background to the understanding of the fiction story of The Death of Ivan Ilych. The values that became important to Tolstoy in the second half of his life include: brotherly love, mutual support and Christian charity emerged as the dominant moral principles in the death of Ivan Ilych. The Ivan Ilychs awakening exposes him to the light of a meaningful life and alleviates his fear of dying. The death of Ivan Ilych can be seen as true reflection of and an elaboration of Tolstoys philosophical concerns after conversion. The novel is a fictional answer to the questions that afflicted Tolstoy during the middle of 1870s. Tolstoy died in 1910 after almost a ten year period of continuing ill health. The three themes: the right to life, the inevitability of de ath and inner life as opposed to the outer life are discussed from the critical point of view in the essay. Themes The right life Tolstoy beliefs that there are two kinds of lives: the artificial life which is represented by Ivan, Praskovya, Peter, and nearly everyone in Ivans society and company; and the authentic life represented by Gerasim. The artificial life is characterized by superficial relationships, self-interest, and materialism. It is also inward-looking, not fulfilling, and eventually incapable of providing answers to the vital questions in life. The artificial life is a deception that hides lifes true meaning and leaves one terrified and alone at the moment of death. Alternatively, the authentic life is characterized by pity and compassion. The authentic life promotes reciprocally affirming human relationships that ends isolation and allows for true interpersonal contact. While the artificial life leaves one unaccompanied and empty, the authentic life embraces strength through unity and relieve through empathy. Thus it creates bonds and gets one read to meet death. The authentic life is not the right life because of the following reasons: empathizing with one does not relieve pain; theres no total self-sacrificing love for others and no true interpersonal contact, this is evident when Gerasim considers that just empathizing with Ivans plight and relieving his isolation is more important than the physical support of holding Ivans legs. Also, theres no genuine personal involvement because compassion and love must go both ways; both must benefit from the relationship (Tolstoy, 2010). The inevitability of death As Ivan steadily approaches death, it is also the time that he starts to recognize his death and his search for a compromise with its terrible and nullifying influence. The question of how is one to make sense of the end of ones life, of ones relationships, projects, and dreams, of ones very existence is a dilemma. It is not true that as Ivans approach to life changes, prompted by pain and the prospect of death, his emotions progress from sheer terror to utter joy. Also the avoidance of death that depicts Ivans social situation is founded on an illusion meant to protect people from distasteful realities which only lead to horror, emptiness, and dissatisfaction. However, accepting death and the identification of the right unpredictable nature of life allows for peace, confidence and sometimes joy at death point. The death of Ivan is a lesson on making sense of death by living rightly (Tolstoy, 2010). Inner life opposed to Outer life Tolstoy portrays human existence as a conflict between the inner and the outer, the spiritual life and the physical life in both the artificial and authentic life. For the longer time of his life, Ivan beliefs that he is a purely physical being. He does not absolutely show any indication of any spiritual life in his physical being. Ivan lives for the good of his own flesh and relates only with those who promote his desires. This is not true since Ivan mistakes his physical life for his true spiritual life. Ivan supposes that his existence is the right one, and he rejects to see the mistake of his life. As a consequence of denying the spiritual life, Ivan is not capable of outdoing the physical life. As he holds on to the belief; he experiences agonizing pain, total terror and irresistible unhappiness. However, when the view of his death compels Ivan to deal with his isolation, he steadily begins to realize the importance of the spiritual life. As the understanding of Ivan continues t o grow, he starts to replace the physical life with the spiritual life. It is then he moves past suffering, overcomes death and experiences intense joy. Hence the duty of each person is to identify the twofold of the self and to live such that the less important physical life matches to most important spiritual life (Tolstoy, 2010). Conclusion The three themes depicted from Tolstoys story about the death of Ivan Ilych include: the right life, the inevitability of death and the inner life as opposed to outer life. Tolstoy beliefs that there are two kinds of lives: the artificial life which is represented by Ivan, Praskovya, Peter, and nearly everyone in Ivans society and company; the authentic life represented by Gerasim. The artificial life is characterized by superficial relationships, self-interest, and materialism. Alternatively, the authentic life is characterized by pity, promotes reciprocally affirming of human relationships and compassion. According to the inevitability of death, it is not true that accepting death and the identification of the right unpredictable nature of life allows for peace, confidence and sometimes joy at death point. Finally, Tolstoy portrays human existence as a conflict between the inner and the outer, the spiritual and the physical in both the artificial and authentic life which is not tru e since they are dual things.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Greed :: essays papers

Greed Greed Greed is a selfish desire for more than one needs or deserves. Greed can make honest men murderers. It has made countries with rich valuable resources into the poorest countries in the world. We are taught it is bad and not to practice it. But consider a world without greed, where everyone is as sharing as Mother Theresa was. The progress of humankind would be at a standstill. Greed has given our society faster travel, better service, more convenience, and most importantly, progress. Greed has created thousands of billionaires and millions of millionaires. But why is greed associated with evil? In their day, most capitalists like Cornelius Vanderbilt and John D. Rockefeller were depicted as pure evil. Vanderbilt stole from the poor. Rockefeller was a snake. But the name-calling did not come from the consumers; it was the competing businesses that complained. The newspapers expanded on these comments, calling them "robber barons." These are inaccurate terms for these busine ssmen. They were not barons because they all started penniless and they were not robbers because they did not take it from anyone else. Vanderbilt got rich by making travel and shipping faster, cheaper, and more luxurious. He built bigger, faster, and more efficient ships. He served food on his ships, which the customers liked and he lowered his costs. He lowered the New York to Hartford fare from $8 to $1. Rockefeller made his fortunes selling oil. He also lowered his costs, making fuel affordable for the working-class people. The working-class people, who use to go to bed after sunset, could now afford fuel for their lanterns. The people, who worked an average 10-12 hours a day, could now have a private and social life. The consumers were happy, the workers were happy, and they were happy. Bill Gates, CEO of Microsoft Corporation is another example of a greedy person. He is the richest man in the world with about $40 billion and he continues to pursue more wealth. Just because he has $40 billion does not mean the rest of the world lost $40 billion, he created more wealth for the rest of the world. His software created new ways of saving time and money and created thousands of new jobs. Bill Gates got rich by persuading people to buy his product. His motive may have been greed, but to achieve that, he had to give us what we wanted. Greed :: essays papers Greed Greed Greed is a selfish desire for more than one needs or deserves. Greed can make honest men murderers. It has made countries with rich valuable resources into the poorest countries in the world. We are taught it is bad and not to practice it. But consider a world without greed, where everyone is as sharing as Mother Theresa was. The progress of humankind would be at a standstill. Greed has given our society faster travel, better service, more convenience, and most importantly, progress. Greed has created thousands of billionaires and millions of millionaires. But why is greed associated with evil? In their day, most capitalists like Cornelius Vanderbilt and John D. Rockefeller were depicted as pure evil. Vanderbilt stole from the poor. Rockefeller was a snake. But the name-calling did not come from the consumers; it was the competing businesses that complained. The newspapers expanded on these comments, calling them "robber barons." These are inaccurate terms for these busine ssmen. They were not barons because they all started penniless and they were not robbers because they did not take it from anyone else. Vanderbilt got rich by making travel and shipping faster, cheaper, and more luxurious. He built bigger, faster, and more efficient ships. He served food on his ships, which the customers liked and he lowered his costs. He lowered the New York to Hartford fare from $8 to $1. Rockefeller made his fortunes selling oil. He also lowered his costs, making fuel affordable for the working-class people. The working-class people, who use to go to bed after sunset, could now afford fuel for their lanterns. The people, who worked an average 10-12 hours a day, could now have a private and social life. The consumers were happy, the workers were happy, and they were happy. Bill Gates, CEO of Microsoft Corporation is another example of a greedy person. He is the richest man in the world with about $40 billion and he continues to pursue more wealth. Just because he has $40 billion does not mean the rest of the world lost $40 billion, he created more wealth for the rest of the world. His software created new ways of saving time and money and created thousands of new jobs. Bill Gates got rich by persuading people to buy his product. His motive may have been greed, but to achieve that, he had to give us what we wanted.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Backyard burgers

The Back Yard Burgers operates and franchises fast food restaurants across the United States. It has its headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. The fast food chain is famous for its charbroiled freshly prepared gourmet hamburgers and sandwiches. The chain has 183 outlets, 44 of which are company-operated and 139 are franchisees. Since its inception in the year 1987 the company has expanded considerably following a well defined marketing and operating strategy. The fast food industry has also witnessed a gradual change over the years and the emerging market trend has enormous potential to tap.The rising competition and changing demographics in this industry has presented new challenges to the existing companies. What are the forces that will drive the market demand and how effectively can the companies adapt themselves to these changing forces are some of the questions that need to be analyzed in a broad perspective. The paper analyzes the existing strategy and brand positioning of the B ack Yard Burgers – the emerging market trends and the capability of the company to adapt to these changing forces.The paper also recommends changes in the company’s operational and marketing strategy to face these challenges in the coming years and establish a strong market presence. Introduction The fast food industry Home cooked food has rapidly given way to over the counter fast food service appealing to the taste buds of the masses. This change in food culture was fuelled by a number of factors that made a huge impact on the American lifestyle. The rising number of women joining the work force leaving them with lesser time to spend in the kitchen and cook for their families is seen as the predominant factor.A number of companies and brands came to the forefront to tap this extensive revenue generating business. Well known brands like McDonalds, Wendy’s and Burger King have been widely recognized by the consumers. The success model was adopted extensively to generate more outlets over the country and build a global presence. The past four decades has witnessed an enormous growth in the fast food industry in the United States. Small stalls and outlets selling homemade burgers and hotdogs have invaded every nook and corner of the country.Most of the fast food outlets offer hamburgers, pizzas, sandwiches, and other snack items with accompaniments like French fries, soups, beverages, and desserts. Fast and efficient customer service, effective management, and aggressive marketing strategy drive the profitability of companies in this industry. The industry has propelled chains of restaurant outlets across the nation with universal brand positioning strategies. The franchise concept has seen wide acceptance in this business arena. This business requires voluminous processing of ready to eat food items, packaging, and delivery at a fast pace.Hence fast and efficient customer service is of prime importance. Another distinctive feature of this i ndustry is the location of these outlets – supermarkets, railway stations, airports, petrol pumps, and other high traffic areas. Back Yard Burgers – an introduction Lattimore M. Michael founded the Back Yard Burgers in the year 1987 in Cleveland, Mississippi. He started as a grocery store owner and extended his business to providing delicious homemade burgers that became quite famous in the area.Aided with a bank loan and family investment Michael opened the first double drive through restaurant on March 21st, 1987 in Cleveland, Mississippi. This outlet offered charbroiled Black Angus beef burger dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup. The popularity of this outlet generated franchisee inquiries and a year later in 1988 a franchise store was opened in Greenville, Mississippi. The success of these outlets paved the way for 180 restaurant outlets across 20 states by the year 2007.â€Å"To deliver the highest quality service and best tasting food in a clean environment for a fair price† states the mission of the fast food restaurant chain. Quality food, exceptional service, and clean dining environment are the key ingredients to the success of Back Yard Burgers. After all it is only great food and good service that will keep customers returning for more. The fast food chain continued to do big business till the mid 90s recording sales of $17. 2 million and a net profit of $682,000 in 1994. The consecutive years witnessed a gradual decline in sales and profit margins.What went wrong and how could this situation be redressed? The study reflects the company strategy and policies adopted over the years, the issues and shortcomings faced by the company and its remedial measures. Back Yard Burgers – The business model The Back Yard Burgers has 183 outlets of which 44 are company-operated and 139 are franchisees. The principal source of revenue for the company is from company-operated restaurant sales, franchisee fees, area development fees, and royalty fees paid by the franchisees. 84. 9% of revenue is accounted to direct restaurant sales and 10.8% to royalty fees from the franchisees. Royalty and advertising fee revenue is calculated on the sales amount reported by the franchisees on a weekly basis. Franchisee fee is realized when the company has assisted the setting up of the franchisee in terms of training, site location, equipment, structural design and operating guidance. The area development fee is applicable when a franchisee has been given the right to develop, own, and operate additional units of Black Yard Burgers outlets in certain geographical areas.Other revenue items include sale of proprietary food product to franchisees and payment from other vendors on volume purchase from the franchisees. The company’s operating strategy endorses a diverse menu that is not only fresh but also competitive with other food chains in terms of quality and pricing. The c ompany also emphasizes the restaurant design having a single drive-thru concept in integration with an indoor dining area. Training and supervision of franchisee and company operated restaurant staff is given due priority to meet the goals of a prompt, friendly and efficient customer service.Growth strategy model The company growth strategy focuses on increasing sales through good quality food and efficient service. Addition of dining rooms to create a pleasing ambience and a memorable dining experience, opening of more franchised outlets along with increasing number of company operated restaurants are synonymous to increased sales and revenue. Back Yard Burgers started with a small double drive through outlet catering to 120 to 140 cars per hour generating sales of $600 per hour at peak times.The concept was widely popular and within a year the company saw growth in number of outlets using the franchisee model. The success of the franchisee model was mainly due to the low startup c ost and seen as an attractive investment option. The setting up of a franchisee on leased land and a building structure required an investment of $260,000 to $400,000 as compared $1 million investment for franchisee of other reputed fast food brands. Back Yard Burgers maintain a dedicated staff for training and assisting the opening of new franchisees and supervising the franchisee operations.The team helps in monitoring and assessing the quality of food being served, cleanliness of the restaurant, and the service efficiency. They ensure strict adherence to company guidelines and policies. The team sends a report to the franchisees with their observations and in case of any lapses in any area the suggestions to overcome these shortcomings are also given. This strategy keeps the company updated with all facts and ensures an overall supervision over all its franchisees. The company enters into a 10-year agreement with the franchisees that is renewable for a fee of $500.The key to succ ess in the franchisee model is uniformity. The uniformity of outlets in terms of design, color-coding, logo, style, menu, and quality is extremely important. Customers are drawn to known brands and the uniformity of the outlets assures them of the brand and quality of service. The franchisee strategy spells success and but with ever changing market trends and rising competition managing this strategy is getting tougher. Market Competition Back Yard Burgers faces stiff competition from three major brands that have gained acceptance and popularity among the masses.Burger King, McDonald’s, and Wendy’s are the biggest competitors that Back Yard Burgers has to face today. The global recognition of the McDonald’s brand and its universal presence makes it one of the biggest challenges that Back Yard Burgers face. The visibility of the McDonald’s has spread to such an extent that even toddlers recognize Ronald McDonald. The success of McDonald’s encouraged others to tap this huge market in the fast food industry. This saw a rise in number of fast food outlets in the country.Wendy’s and Burger King are also growing brand names that have given stiff competition to fast food giants like McDonald’s. Their success is attributed to their marketing strategy that involves deep market penetration and brand recognition among children and adolescent who form a large chunk of the consumer base. Back Yard Burgers face stiff competition from supermarkets and convenience stores too that offer the consumers take out meals and discount stores like Wal-Mart too pose a challenge to the company. The home delivery system introduced by companies like Dominos is also eating away the market share of the company.So what are competitive forces that the Back Yard Burgers face? †¢ The brand popularity and image recognition of the McDonald’s trademark logo and character in the form of Ronald McDonald that has become iconic in the fast f ood industry. †¢ The training of personnel in the hamburger industry given by McDonald’s that has provided a new career avenue for the youngsters. †¢ The innovation in the menu and product offerings by Wendy’s targeting the matured consumer base. †¢ The penetration of market segments by Pizza Hut, Dominos, cafeterias, and coffee joints.†¢ The introduction of home delivery system of pizzas by Dominos. †¢ The option available to the consumers with take-away meals from convenience stores. †¢ The widespread openings of discount stores like Wal-Mart. These are some of the major competitive challenges faced by the company. A look into the strategies of big brands like McDonald and Wendy’s highlights the importance of branding. It is the force of a strong brand presence that drives the consumer taste and preference. Brands create a consumer expectation with their consistency and uniformity of service and quality.Strong brand awareness corr elates with loyal consumer base and increased revenues in the fast food industry. An effective strategy to achieve this goal is the company logo that portrays the company’s image in the consumer minds. In the initial stages Back Yard Burger had managed to capture the consumer interest with its homemade burgers and sandwiches. Consumers came back for more of the great taste and quality of food being served to them. As part of its expansion strategy, Back Yard Burgers had entered into a Development Agreement with the YUM! Brands Inc., for sub licensing of the Back Yard Burgers concept and trademarks in the year 2002. YUM! Brands were given the right to open ten Back Yard Burgers outlet as part of multi brand units with Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC. But this agreement fell through and further discussions were terminated. Lattimore M. Michael, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Back Yard Burgers, had stated on this development, â€Å"While we are disappointed with today's developments, we are optimistic about the future of the segment of the quick-serve restaurant industry that seeks to provide premium food and service.We will continue to focus on our principal growth strategy of setting our restaurants apart from other fast-food competition by serving freshly prepared, great tasting food comparable to that of the best full-service casual dining restaurants. † SWOT Analysis An elementary step to analyze the company’s strategies and policies is to assess the strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats that are faced by the company. A SWOT analysis can provide the framework for identifying and analyzing the company’s opportunities and future course of action to achieve the marketing goals.The strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats for Back Yard Burgers is identified in the subsequent paragraphs. Strengths: †¢ Home cooked quality of hamburgers and other products offered on the menu that the consumers fe el worth the money to pay for. †¢ Cleanliness of the restaurant premises and fast efficient service by the staff. †¢ Rapid expansion strategy using the franchisee concept to tap the regional markets. †¢ Strict control of the over the franchisee operations and management right from the site selection to establishment and starting up of the restaurants.†¢ Well-trained and experienced staff committed to training and assisting the franchisees as part of company franchise program. †¢ Black Angus Beef Burgers charbroiled and grilled to perfection with variety of toppings is one of the USPs of the company. Weakness: †¢ Declining market share with other big brands playing a dominant role. †¢ Weak brand positioning and brand awareness †¢ Low control over franchisees at later stages of operation †¢ Slow growth of revenue Opportunities †¢ Brand development and brand positioning – creating an awareness among the consumers†¢ Tapping t he overseas market †¢ Promoting healthy alternatives to attract the health conscious segment of the consumer base. Threats: †¢ Competition from big brands and other upcoming eateries and joints †¢ Growing awareness of the consumers to healthy eating habits Advertising and Promotion Strategy Since the inception of the company’s first outlet in Cleveland, Mississippi in the year 1987, Back Yard Burgers depended mostly on the word of mouth publicity to spread awareness and promote its home cooked burgers.New outlets that opened in the subsequent years expanded not only the company’s consumer base and revenue but also stressed the need for aggressive marketing strategy to sustain the increased cost of operations. Back Yard Burgers started advertising on the television in the year 1993. The initial advertising campaigns were titled â€Å"the great burger wars† that took a punch at the competitors. In June 1994 the company launched a series of campaigns that featured Dennis R. Phillipi, a popular comedian in Memphis who soon became famous as Dennis the â€Å"Back Yard Burgers Guy†.The commercials projected the burgers as bigger, tastier, and healthier than those offered by the competitors due to its grilled cooking method that melted most of the fat. The advertising campaigns were effective in increasing sales and raising the revenue by 10 to 15%. Launch of new products and subsequent commercials on the television featuring Dennis Phillipi was an effective strategy. The company used the audio of these commercials in radio advertising that was cheaper. In addition the company also used direct mail advertising.The company collects 1% of taxable sales from each franchisee and company-operated restaurants that goes to the national advertising fund. 50% of this fund is utilized for marketing promos through various channels like radio, television, and print media. The rest 50% is used for market research, new product testing, and development, improvising on the operational front. The company’s marketing director monitors product launch and new restaurant opening promotions and marketing managers with a well-trained staff.The management works in collaboration with the franchisees towards advertising and promotion of its restaurants. The advertising fee earned by the company increased from $314,000 in July 1, 2006 period to $318,000 in June 30, 2007 period. The $4000 increase over the earlier period is accounted to the 1% of sales that goes to the national advertising fund as per company policies. The company also recorded an increase in the advertising expense from $668,000 in the July 1, 2006 to $814,000 in June 30, 2007 that attributes to approximately 5% of the net restaurant sales on advertising in the past year.(see annexure for the comparative income statements). The company has been stressing on the advertising and promotion strategy but it has not been very effective. There are some important points that can be highlighted in this respect. †¢ The company has not been able to create brand loyalty and brand awareness in spite of good quality products and effective marketing strategy. This could be attributed to low brand visibility. This can be remedied with aggressive market campaigns that aim at the younger generation since this is the biggest consumer segment for the fast food industry.Strategies that aim for deeper market penetration, fun logo that people can relate to enjoyable food and moments are essential for brand positioning. â€Å"Fun logo† is a concept that the consumers can equate with good times. The simple logo of McDonald’s is easily identifiable and children and youngsters can spot it from a distance – this is one of the best examples of effective brand positioning. †¢ The other concept that the Back Yard Burgers can adopt is the use of bright color-coding for their outlets and the signboards.A bright color scheme attracts th e younger generation and gives it an inviting look. The uniformity in look and feel of the franchisee restaurants and the other company-operated restaurant is essential to make an easily identifiable picture in the consumer minds. †¢ In running a successful brand promotion campaign the essential point is to identify the consumer segment. Who are the consumers and the target focus group for this chain of restaurants? The children and adolescents who form a major chunk of the consumer group typically favour the fast food industry.The working people segment is another segment that will stop by for fast and filling food in their office hours. Fast service food is ideal meal for this segment. Campaigns attracting these two segments will create brand awareness and spell higher revenues for the company. †¢ Last but not the least the quality of food and service efficiency is the crux of the fast food industry. A good and satisfying meal will have the consumers returning for more. The satisfied and happy customer will not only promote brand loyalty but will have high recommendations regarding the food and service to their friends and families.This is the greatest form of publicity that a fast food outlet can expect. External factors affecting the fast food industry There are a number of external factors that have a deep impact on the sales and revenue earnings of the fast food chains. The changing demographics, shift in consumer taste and preference, eating habits, increase in cost of supplies and labor, economic condition of the geographical area in which the outlets are located – all these are some of the factors that affect the profitability of the business. Pricing strategyFamilies and individuals in the higher income group are most frequent visitors to the fast food restaurant. The disposable income plays an important role in determining consumerism in this sector. The prices on the menu card is not so important when it comes to catering to high d isposable income group. But that restricts the customer base and may not be an ideal situation for the company. Today’s lifestyle has incorporated the fast food industry into its daily schedule. The Wendy’s or the McDonald’s have menu cards that suit the pocket of the low-income segment group too.Recently McDonald’s had introduced the Dollar Menu where all items cost $1 only. It was a runaway hit with the teenagers and youngsters. The variance in price has enabled McDonald’s to attract customers from all segments. In response to this pricing strategy Wendy’s and Burger King also introduced low priced meals to suit the pocket of all segments. Back Yard Burgers on the other hand have higher priced burgers at $3. 59. The premium priced menu card has not found acceptance with all consumer segments but the management does not want to compromise on the price of the products.It believes that in terms of quality of the food items the prices are reas onable. Back Yard Burgers wanted to distinguish itself from the cutthroat competition in the industry with premium quality products. The management strategy holds good in terms of quality and service but is it good enough for the survival of the company? A look at the sales figures for the past 3 years gives an indication of the sales and revenue trend. Consumer taste and preference The ever changing taste buds and increasing changes in lifestyle of the consumer has kept the fast food industry on their toes.Rising mobility, increasing number of women joining the workforce and hectic schedules leave very little time for a home cooked meal. The need for faster options in food and service was felt that led to the tremendous growth in the fast food industry. Quick serve burgers, pizzas and sandwiches accompanied by French fries and coke became the ideal meal for the average Americans. A diet rich in fat and sugar attracted the consumers in plenty. This resulted in obesity and a disease prone society. Diabetes, heart problems were some of the impacts that the cheesy diet had on the consumers.Lawsuits were filed against some major players in this field like McDonalds for the growing obesity among children and adolescents. This awakened the consumers of fast food and they realized the necessity for healthy alternatives. Health conscious consumers are more alert of what they eat and how it can affect them. The industry witnessed a radical change in consumer taste and preference. This brought about a sharp decline in revenues for the fast food industry. The fast food chain operators brought about a change in their strategy by adding salads, fruits, and soups to the menu cards.Low calorie burgers and sandwiches are offered in addition to the regular menu items. This offers the customers with choice to healthier meal options. Back Yard Burgers has also adapted to the changing consumer preference by adding nutritious salads and milkshakes to their menu card. Introduction of grilled charbroiled burgers that claim lesser fat and lower calories have attracted the consumer interest and taste. Healthier and tastier alternatives in food items prepared with fresh ingredients are the strategic point of Back Yard Burger’s customer service.This has not only earned it a good reputation among the loyal consumers who return for more of the great quality food and taste but has also strengthened its market position. But the fast food industry cannot ensure consumer loyalty since the interest of consumers is flickering. They always want to try something new and better variety of options in food that they consume. To serve the changing tastes of the consumer and maintain their interest the restaurant needs to constantly make changes to its menu card by adapting to their taste buds.Back Yard Burgers should keep this mind while formulating their operating strategy. With more fast food companies offering a wide range of products and services, Back Yard Burgers s hould also draft changes to its existing operating structure. One way of achieving this objective would be to combine the essential features of both fast food and full service restaurants. A menu card that features in a regular full service restaurant integrated with fast food service will work wonders for the company – boosting sales and revenue with an increasing consumer base.Event catering and home delivery service could also open newer avenues for the company. Manpower Issues The fast food industry is a labor driven sector. It has an extensive requirement of manpower to serve the increasing flow of consumer traffic at the outlets. Skilled labor with fast pace of work is the basic requirement for this job. It is mostly youngsters who are eligible for this job but it can be stressful and at times hazardous. This industry requirement for long hours of duty, on the toe at all times and attentive to the needs of the customer is quite an uphill task.There is no doubt that the emergence and growth of this industry sector has solved the unemployment problem to a great extent. Many youngsters have found a living in this industry but the pay packages earlier were not very attractive. The pay scales have no doubt improved now but the work conditions remain almost the same. The Back Yard Burgers currently employ over 10,000 people throughout their chain of restaurants. Each restaurant employs around 25 employees, of which some are part timers. A company-operated restaurant has a unit supervisor and two co-unit supervisors.Each unit supervisor reports to the district manager. A district manager has about five to eight restaurants in their supervision. Their role constitutes of keeping tabs on all aspects of operations and management of the restaurants in their jurisdiction. Each of these district managers’ report to the Director of Operations. The company endorses strict training and personnel development strategy. All personnel have to go through a pers onnel-training program on fast friendly and efficient customer service, restaurant cleanliness, and proper management of day-to-day operations.The employees have to go through classroom sessions that brief them about aspects of food safety, sanitation, laws, and regulations related to the food industry and operational aspects of restaurant. The company envisages labor to be a critical factor in the coming years since the opportunities have increased manifolds. The demand for skilled labor is rising and this will lead to higher wages and compensation packages. Managing and retaining quality workforce in this industry will be a little difficult task and the key to effective manpower management is to keep the employees happy and satisfied with their jobs.Financial Analysis The Back Yard Burgers has 183 restaurants – 44 company-operated and 139 franchisees as on June 30, 2007. The sales figures indicate total revenue of $12,610,000 as compared to last year sales figure of $11,695 ,000. Restaurant sales accounted for $10,688,000 that is a 10. 3% increase from last year figures of $9,686,000. Out of this 10. 3% increase of revenue, 6. 8% is attributed to the addition of two new company-operated restaurants till Jun 30, 2007 since July 1, 2006. The remaining 3.5% increase in the revenue from restaurant sales is from the existing restaurants. Statement of income for the period July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007 The statement of income shows a net income of $209,000 only for the current year as compared to $576,000 in the previous year. An increase in the general and administrative expenses and increased advertising expenditure accounts for the lower net income of the company. The annual turnover of the company in the year 2006 was $44,710,000 as compared to $41,000,000 in the year 2005. The company reported a 9% annual growth in sales.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Classical management theory Essay

Classical management theory was introduced in the late 19th century. It became widespread in the first half of the 20th century, as organizations tried to address issues of industrial management, including specialization, efficiency, higher quality, cost reduction and management-worker relationships. While other management theories have evolved since then, classical management approaches are still used today by many small-business owners to build their companies and to succeed. There are three well-established theories of classical management: Taylor’s Theory of Scientific Management, Fayal’s Administrative Theory, and Weber’s Theory of Bureaucracy. Although these schools, or theories, developed historical sequence, later ideas have not replaced earlier ones. Instead, each new school has tended to complement or coexist with previous ones. Theory recognizing the role that management plays in an organization. The importance of the function of management was first recognized by French industrialist Henri Fayol in the early 1900s. In contrast to the purely scientific examination of work and organizations conducted by F W Taylor, Fayol proposed that any industrial undertaking had six functions: technical; commercial; financial; security; accounting; and managerial. Of these, he believed the managerial function, ‘to forecast and plan, to organize, to command, to coordinate, and control’, to be quite distinct from the other five. Fayol also identified general principles of management: division of work; authority and responsibility; discipline; unity of command; unity of direction; subordination of individual interest to general interest; remuneration of personnel; centralization; scalar chain of authority; order; equity; stability of tenure of personnel; initiative; and esprit de corps. Fayol’s views on management remained popular throughout a large part of the 20th century. Evolution of Classical Approach to Management Traditional process of learning is either through obsevation and experiment. Nature or environment is considered uniform and when we observe certain phenomenon or events uniformly leading to the same result or results, we conclude a cause and effect relationship between the two. This is learning by observation or in other words by experience. Earlier thinkers on management followed this approach in developing theories of management. Learning principally is through empirical process and through analysis of the data collected through observation. Draw the principles of management by looking at and analyzing the jobs that all managers commonly do. This approach served as a starting point for pioneers on management science to verify the validity and improve the applicability of the principles and practices of management. Analysis of observed data is what constitutes a case study. The observational method of case study helps arriving at logical conclusions about past experience and to test the same as standards for future events. The German socialists, Max Weber followed the classical approach and developed his theory of Bureaucracy, which portrays the structure and design of organization characterized by a hierarchy of authority, formalized rules and regulations that serve to guide the coordinated functioning of an organization. Basic Postulates of the Classical Approach by Max Weber 1. Management of an organization is considered as a chain of inter-related functions. The study of the scope and features of these functions, the sequence through which these are performed and their inter-relationship leads one to draw principles of management suitable for universal application 2. Learning principles of management is done through the past experiences of actual practicing managers. 3. As business environment consists of uniform cycles exhibiting an underlying unity of realities, functions and principles of management derived through process of empirical reasoning are suitable for universal application 4. Emerging new managers through formal education and case study can develop skill and competency in management concepts and practices 5. The classical approach also recognized the importance of economic efficiency and formal organizational structure as guiding pillars of management effectiveness. 6. Business activity is based on economic benefit. Organizations should th erefore control economic incentives Advantages and Benefits of the Classical Management Theory Hierarchical Structure One of the advantages of the classical management structure is a clear organizational hierarchy with three distinct management levels. Each management group has its own objectives and responsibilities. The top management is usually the board of directors or the chief executives who are responsible for the long-term goals of the organization. Middle management oversees the supervisors, setting department goals according to the approved budget. At the lowest level are the supervisors who oversee day-to-day activities, address employee issues and provide employee training. The levels of leadership and responsibilities are clear and well defined. While the three-level structure may not be suitable for all small businesses, it can benefit those that are expanding. Division of Labor One of the advantages of classical management approach is the division of labor. Projects are broken down into smaller tasks that are easy to complete. Employees’ responsibilities and expectations are clearly defined. This approach allows workers to narrow their field of expertise and to specialize in one area. The division of labor approach leads to increased productivity and higher efficiency, as workers are not expected to multitask. Small-businesses owners can benefit from taking this approach if they are looking to increase production with minimal expense. Monetary Incentive According to classical management theory, employees should be motivated by monetary rewards. In other words, they will work harder and become more productive if they have an incentive to look forward to. This gives management easier control over the workforce. Employees feel appreciated when being rewarded for hard work. A small-business owner can take this approach to motivate the employees to achieve production goals. Autocratic Leadership The autocratic leadership approach is the central part of classical management theory. It states that an organization should have a single leader to make decisions, to organize and direct the employees. All decisions are made at the top level and communicated down. The autocratic leadership approach is beneficial in instances when small-business decisions need to be made quickly by a leader, without having to consult with a large group of people, such a board of directors. Small businesses, especially sole proprietorships, can have an advantage in taking this approach, as they need a strong leader to grow. Faults with the Classical View The classical view of management is often criticized as viewing a worker as a mere tool to improve efficiency. Taylorism and classical management styles negatively affected the morale of workers which created a negative relationship between workers and managers.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Profile of the Roman Emperor Nero

Profile of the Roman Emperor Nero Nero was the last of the Julio-Claudians, that most important family of Rome that produced the first 5 emperors (Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero). Nero is famed for watching while Rome burned, then using the devastated area for his own luxurious palace, and then blaming the conflagration on the Christians, whom he persecuted. While his predecessor, Claudius, was accused of letting slaves guide his policy, Nero was accused of letting the women in his life, especially his mother, guide his. This wasnt considered an improvement. Family and Upbringing of Nero Nero Claudius Caesar (originally Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus) was the son of Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus and Agrippina the Younger, sister of the future emperor Caligula, in Antium, on December 15, A.D. 37. Domitius died when Nero was 3. Caligula banished his sister, and so Nero grew up with his paternal aunt, Domitia Lepida, who chose a barber (tonsor) and a dancer (saltator) for Neros tutors. When Claudius became emperor after Caligula, Neros inheritance was returned, and when Claudius married Agrippina, a proper tutor, Seneca, was hired for young Nero. Neros Career Nero might have had a successful career as an entertainer, but that was not to be at least officially. Under Claudius, Nero pleaded cases in the forum and was given opportunities to ingratiate himself with the Roman people. When Claudius died, Nero was 17. He presented himself to the palace guard, who pronounced him emperor. Nero then went to the ​Senate, which gave him the appropriate imperial titles. As emperor, Nero served as consul 4 times. Compassionate Elements of Neros Reign Nero reduced heavy taxes and fees paid to informers. He gave salaries to impoverished senators. He introduced certain fire-preventing and fire-fighting innovations. Suetonius says Nero devised a method of forgery prevention. Nero also replaced public banquets with grain distribution. His response to people criticizing his artistic skills was mild. Some Charges Against Nero Some of Neros infamous acts, which led to rebellion in the provinces, included inflicting punishments on Christians (and blaming them for the devastating fire in Rome), sexual perversions, marauding and murdering Roman citizens, building the extravagant Domus Aurea Golden House, charging citizens with treason to confiscate their property, murdering his mother and aunt, and causing (or at least performing while watching) the burning of Rome. Nero gained notoriety for inappropriately performing. It is said that as he died, Nero lamented that the world was losing an artist. Death of Nero Nero committed suicide before he could be captured and flogged to death. Revolts in Gaul and Spain had promised to bring Neros reign to an end. Almost all his staff deserted him. Nero tried to kill himself, but required the assistance of his scribe, Epaphrodite, to stab himself in the neck. Nero died at the age of 32. Ancient Sources on Nero Tacitus describes the reign of Nero, but his Annals end before the last 2 years of Neros reign. Cassius Dio (LXI-LXIII) and Suetonius also provide biographies of Nero. Tacitus on Nero and the Fire Tacitus on the Modifications Nero Made to Building After the Fire of Rome (15.43)... The buildings themselves, to a certain height, were to be solidly constructed, without wooden beams, of stone from Gabii or Alba, that material being impervious to fire. And to provide that the water which individual license had illegally appropriated, might flow in greater abundance in several places for the public use, officers were appointed, and everyone was to have in the open court the means of stopping a fire. Every building, too, was to be enclosed by its own proper wall, not by one common to others. These changes which were liked for their utility, also added beauty to the new city. Some, however, thought that its old arrangement had been more conducive to health, inasmuch as the narrow streets with the elevation of the roofs were not equally penetrated by the suns heat, while now the open space, unsheltered by any shade, was scorched by a fiercer glow.​​ -Â  Annals of Tacitus Tacitus on Neros Blaming the Christians (15.44).... But all human efforts, all the lavish gifts of the emperor, and the propitiations of the gods, did not banish the sinister belief that the conflagration was the result of an order. Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mo ckery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired. Nero offered his gardens for the spectacle, and was exhibiting a show in the circus, while he mingled with the people in the dress of a charioteer or stood aloft on a car.​ -Â  Annals of Tacitus

Monday, October 21, 2019

The secret history vs the bacchants essays

The secret history vs the bacchants essays The novel of Donna Tartt The Secret Hystory has many similarities with the play of Euripides The Bacchants, but the differences are too contrasting beteween each other that it is safe to say that The Secret Hystory is definetly not a modern day version of The Bacchants. The themes are very different to the point where they contradict each other, the thenes of The Bacchants, that is Fear the gods and follow blindly the gods, is completely different and opposite to the thenes of the secret hystory which is to think ahead and know what effects will an action bring before doing any action. In the other hand the themes from The Bacchants almost urge you to have complete submission to the gods, thats why the theme between the bacchants and the secret history contradict each other. A similatiry is that both themnes of both the novel and the play teach us that if we dont follow their respective themes, we will end up in a tragic en like the charactes of the bacchants and the secret hystory. If you look back at the themes differences paragraph you will see that the themes contradict each other in the aspect of instructions yet, Donna Tartt uses a similar outcome for her characters to the characters of The Bacchants, in other words, Donna Tart is Criticizing Euripides play The Bacchants. The main difference of the plot between The Bacchants and The Secret History are that that Dionysus followers practiced the rituals because they were cursed by Dionysus, but the greek class students did the ritual by their own because they were curious, in other words, the greek students didtheritual by their own will, while the Dionsysus followers had no chice but to follow Dionysus because they were being mind controlled by Dionysus. This is a major plot difference ...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

10 Interesting Fluorine Facts

10 Interesting Fluorine Facts Fluorine (F) is an element you encounter daily, most often as fluoride in water and toothpaste. Here are 10 interesting facts about this important element. You can get more detailed information about chemical and physical properties on the fluorine facts page. Fast Facts: Fluorine Element Name: FluorineElement Symbol: FAtomic Number: 9Atomic Weight: 18.9984Group: Group 17 (Halogens)Category: NonmetalElectron Configuration: [He]2s2sp5 Fluorine is the most reactive and most electronegative of all the chemical elements. The only elements it doesnt vigorously react with are oxygen, helium, neon, and argon. It is one of the few elements that will form compounds with noble gases xenon, krypton, and radon.Fluorine is the lightest halogen, with atomic number 9. Its standard atomic weight is 18.9984 and is based on its single natural isotope, fluorine-19.George Gore managed to isolate fluorine using an  electrolytic process in 1869, but the experiment ended in disaster when fluorine reacted explosively with hydrogen gas.  Henri Moisson was awarded the 1906 Nobel Memorial Prize in Chemistry for isolating fluorine in 1886. He also used electrolysis to obtain the element but kept the fluorine gas separate from the hydrogen gas.  Although he was the first to successfully obtain pure fluorine, Moissons work was interrupted multiple times when he was poisoned by the reactive element. Moisson was also the first person to m ake artificial diamonds, by compressing charcoal. The 13th most abundant element in the Earths crust is fluorine. It is so reactive that it is not found naturally in pure form but only in compounds. The element is found in minerals, including fluorite, topaz, and feldspar.Fluorine has many uses. It is found as fluoride in toothpaste and drinking water, in Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene), drugs including the chemotherapeutic drug  5-fluorouracil, and etchant hydrofluoric acid. It is used in refrigerants (chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs), propellants, and for the enrichment of uranium by UF6 gas. Fluorine is not an essential element in human or animal nutrition. Topical fluoride application, as from toothpaste or mouthwash, was once believed to be effective for a conversion of tooth enamel hydroxyapatite into stronger fluorapatite, but more recent studies indicate fluoride aids enamel regrowth. Trace dietary fluorine levels may impact bone strength. While fluorine compounds are not found in animals, there are natural organofluorines in plants, which typically act as defenses against herbivores. Because it is so reactive, fluorine is difficult to store. Hydrofluoric acid (HF), for example, is so corrosive it will dissolve glass. Even so, HF is safer and easier to transport and handle than pure fluorine. Hydrogen fluoride is considered to be a weak acid at low concentrations, but it acts as a strong acid at high concentrations.Although fluorine is relatively common on Earth, it is rare in the universe, believed to be found at concentrations of about 400 parts per billion. While fluorine forms in stars,  nuclear fusion with hydrogen produces helium and oxygen, or fusion with helium makes neon and hydrogen.Fluorine is one of the few elements that can attack diamond.The pure non-metallic element is a gas at room temperature and pressure. Fluorine changes from an extremely pale yellow diatomic gas (F2) into a bright yellow liquid at -188 C (-307 F). Fluorine resembles another halogen, chlorine. The solid has two allotropes. The alpha form is soft and transparent, while the beta form is hard and opaque. Fluorine has a characteristic pungent odor that can be smelled at a concentration as low as 20 parts per billion. There is only one stable isotope of fluorine, F-19. Fluorine-19 is highly sensitive to magnetic fields, so it is used in magnetic resonance imaging. Another 17 radioisotopes of fluorine have been synthesized, ranging in mass number from 14 to 31. The most stable is fluorine-17, which has a half-life just of under 110 minutes. Two metastable isomers are also known.  The isomer 18mF has a half-life of about 1600 nanoseconds, while 26mF has a half-life of 2.2 milliseconds. Sources Banks, R. E. (1986). Isolation of Fluorine by Moissan: Setting the Scene.  Journal of Fluorine Chemistry.  33  (1–4): 3–26.Bà ©guà ©, Jean-Pierre; Bonnet-Delpon, Danià ¨le (2008). Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry of Fluorine. Hoboken: John Wiley Sons. ISBN 978-0-470-27830-7.Lide, David R. (2004). Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (84th ed.). Boca Raton: CRC Press. ISBN 0-8493-0566-7.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

MOVIE REFLECTIONS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

MOVIE REFLECTIONS - Essay Example Rochel on the other hand gets tired of her family pushing her to their tradition and moves out of their house only to see how the liberated women dance and sleep around with men they do not even know well. She returns to her family and continues with the matchmaking, unknowing that her Muslim friend helped slip her dream man’s resume to her aunt who was in charge of the finding her a husband. Consequently, the two women get married and they bear their own children. Their friendship continues and they still find time to fellowship with each other. The Muslim and Jewish traditions were strict in arranged marriages. Both parties did not have the right to choose the person they are going to marry because they have to honor their parents who worked hard to find the best partners for them while they were still young. However, in the film, some modifications were made in order to adapt to the modernization of cultures. When Nasira told his parents that she did not like the man who went to ask her hand in marriage, they tried to understand her and consider her feelings and choice. They waited for the right man to come along. Similarly in the Jewish tradition, marriages are arranged even while the parties are still unable to understand the concept of marriage so that when they meet for the engagement; that would most probably be the first time they are going to see each other. Before, they would not be able to say no to their parents because they do not like to shame their families. However, as portrayed in the film, the Jews have adjusted to the modern concept of freedom to choose. Matchmakers find probable prospects for the woman who is to be married and the family gives their blessings for a date until the woman is able to find the right man to marry. The strong Jewish family bond is used to manipulate an uncooperative daughter like Rochel. Her mother threatened her with her father’s health conditions

Friday, October 18, 2019

Identitys Role in Internal Politics of Eastern Europe Countries in the Essay

Identitys Role in Internal Politics of Eastern Europe Countries in the Context of Globalisation - Essay Example Globalisation is perceived differently by different individuals with some believing that it presents new opportunities while others see inequality, and hindrance of national sovereignty. In Eastern Europe, new countries have emerged from the collapse of communism governments that is the Soviet Union and the Yogoslavia, therefore developing new political identities (Genov, 2010). Countries like Poland have emerged from decolonisation hence acquiring different political systems from those of their colonisers. Most of the Eastern Europe countries have originated from authoritarian regimes, which had their identities repressed. Therefore, Eastern Europe countries engage in politics and economic systems that are distant from their colonisers, even going to the extent of changing their entire political systems. Lawmakers ensure that laws match the citizens’ sense of national identity hence satisfying their people’s roles, goals, and values (Schneider, 2010: 931). This paper w ill examine the role of identity in internal politics of Eastern Europe countries in the context of globalisation. Eastern Europe is a place that is diverse historically, culturally and geographically. The people living in Eastern Europe are of different ethnicities where they even speak different Indo-European languages. Eastern Europe is made up of four sub regions. There is the Baltics comprising of countries such as, Estonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Lithuania, and Latvia. The second sub region is East Central Europe comprising of countries like; Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Slovenia. The third sub region is Eastern Europe with countries such as, Moldova, Belarus and Russia. The fourth sub region is the Balkans or Southern East Europe with countries like Macedonia Bulgaria, Albania, Croatia, Herzegovina, Ukraine, Romania, and Bosnia. Those countries that are adjacent to Western Europe and centrally placed have adopted similar identities and most have joined the Europ ean Union, therefore, embracing globalisation (Cernat and Murrell, 2002:119). Other Eastern Europe countries that are far placed do not have shared identities with Europe and with the different ethnicity, religions, and political issues, many are considered volatile. Globalisation is defined as a process requiring the reduction of territorial boundaries so as to allow interactive and interdependent worldwide forms of to spread. Globalisation brings about the dissemination and spread of culture, politics, and economy from particular locations to worldwide magnitude. In addition to free movement of cultural values, money, people, and ideas, globalisation calls for mutually beneficial relations (Martel, 2009:461). Its dominant processes of regionalisation (Cernat and Murrell, 2002:119). Identity, whether cultural or national, can influence politics in that lawmakers will attempt to develop policies that will represent the values of its citizens. Policymakers will strive to create forei gn policy laws that will ensure the country’s sovereignty remains strong even among regional economic allies. A country’s national identity is not set at a certain level; therefore, adjustments can be made, allowing the citizens to adopt new interests and values. National identity is simply an illusion that people from one country or region can have about who they are. As globalisation sets in, some national identities evolve and a global perspective is adopted. Politicians sometimes act to serve their best interests of retaining power, when they draft laws that do not allow easy integration or cohesion between a nation and other foreign countries. They usually view integration as a threat, looking to reduce their power. However, globalisation is

'How does interprofessional working impact on professional Essay

'How does interprofessional working impact on professional responsibility and accountability in the clinical setting' - Essay Example e we don’t work alone in the clinical setting, we interact and work together with other professionals who exert influence to each other’s own accountabilities and responsibilities. This paper will discuss the impact of inter-professional working on professional responsibility and accountability in the clinical setting with reference to my own clinical experience. It will address the importance of maintaining a healthy inter-professional working environment to promote a collaborative approach to safe and effective healthcare delivery. This paper will explore how professionals work together in promoting quality care delivery, the value systems in the scope of practice. In almost any healthcare setting, two or more professionals (of different professions) work together in the clinical setting. The nurse depends on the doctor in prescription of medications; the doctor needs the nurses’ help in carrying out his orders, and the nurse needs other professionals to lessen her load. Inter-professional collaboration is inevitable as we depend with each other in performing our own duties for better patient outcomes. Preparation for inter-professionalism begins at student years (Morison, Johnston and Stevenson, 2010). In the clinical setting, we professionals are not independent with each other. How we work with other healthcare team members influences our own professional accountabilities and responsibilities, like how the nurse’s accountability intertwines the unlicensed assistive personnel’s (UAP) accountability when the task is delegated by her to him. Our own accountabilities and responsibilities are dependent to each other as well while working as a team. Inter-professional work impacts our professional accountabilities and responsibilities, which can either, be positive or negative influence to ours. An example of a positive influence is my experience in transferring a patient from the chair to the bed. The nurse asked for my help in assisting the patient

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Welfare Distrubution in the United States of America Research Paper

Welfare Distrubution in the United States of America - Research Paper Example Education, health or certain other forms of insurance may reduce economic uncertainty. Education and health augment the value of an individual, thus making the population more capable to deal with the economic uncertainty caused by various factors, including the prevailing market conditions. Population may also become more secured through the insurances in health and social issues which precisely cut down the financial costs of uncertainty. (Garfinkel, Rainwater & Smeeding, 2). The welfare state in the United States of America is considered as an â€Å"under achiever†.  It can be acknowledged from the past data that the social programs initiated by the USA came into exercise much later than several other nations. Currently several important parts of the American welfare state can be considered as inadequately developed, or many essential measures are missing in the system. The United States seems to make lesser expenditure on social programs in comparison to many other democ racies. Also, the rates of poverty and inequality are much higher in the United States (Howard, 1).  The United States can be recognized as a territory of prospects or opportunities.   However, that also does not imply equality. Nathan Glazer, a professor of sociology and education at the Harvard University, in his argument, commented on United States as the most imbalanced amongst other inexpensively developed countries.   According to statistical data, it can be realized that the United States in comparison to other countries like Europe, redistributes considerably less social benefits.   Such less redistribution are the consequences of greater inequality in income obtained before tax and an indistinct income distribution in the United States. Although the United States is conventional in its political principles, yet it can often be recognized with moderate courses of action in welfare, thus the country clearly representing uniqueness and nonjudgmental processes. (Brunson ).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This report is mainly prepared to focus on providing arguments against the distribution of welfare in the United States. There are many views in support of the welfare system in the USA, which reflect that the welfare system in the USA increases economic growth, productivity, and efficiency of the country. (Garfinkel, Rainwater & Smeeding, 1). However this report would bring out certain aspects, which would clearly indicate that the welfare distribution in the United States of America has many negative impacts as well, which are backed by evidences and arguments. The studies and researches previously done on the concerned topic would be taken into consideration and other sources on the welfare distribution in the USA and its effects as provided by different authors would be utilized as sources. The report would bring out the impacts of the present system of welfare distribution prevailing in the United States, thereby providing arguments against the system , and reflecting upon the negative effects of the current system.    Arguments against the Welfare Distribution in the USA:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The government of the United States strictly lacks a widespread and productive welfare system.   On the other hand, the alternative governmental programs seem to be better than the welfare system to a greater extent.     For instance, in the year 1999, a family of three had received remunerations of $164 per month from the welfare services, while the allowance for food stamp for the same family was at $329 per month. Thus, it was economically more rational to take food stamps provided by the alternative government measures instead of receiving welfare benefits.   In the present scenario, food stamps and government housing are

Difference in Elderly Care between US and Japan Essay

Difference in Elderly Care between US and Japan - Essay Example Elderly Health Care in US and Japan become very important because of the increasing number of the elders in these countries and the fast growth of the country, even without having much time to spare for their family. One of the recent studies conducted in U.S. about the ratio of the elders points out that the number of elders in U.S. is estimated that "35.6 million people -12.2% of the population ...are 65 and older and by 2011, the baby boom generation will begin to turn 65, and by 2030, one in five people is projected to be age 65 and older." (Senior facts: Non medical in home care facts: Facts on aging, n.d). The given data points to the number of elders in U.S. and shows that their number covers 12.2% of the population. It also shows the necessity of giving great care to elders that their number is expected to be one in five people by 2030 which is not at all a lesser number. The United States contains less than five percent of the world's population and thirteen percent of its p eople are above the age of eighty. The growth rate of elderly population is considerably increasing day by day. It may double manifold in the coming years. It indicates the need for more activities to give assistance to the elderly people. When one analyzes the Elderly Care in U.S. and Japan it is understood that elderly care in these countries are different and U.S. stands much better among the two in Elderly Care. The United States has implemented many facilities for the elderly people especially for their health. An observation of U.S. health care reveals that the health care in United States is consistent with basic standards is largely unknown. One among the methods of elderly care in U.S. is Hospital Care. It is generally provided by physicians. They provide both inpatient and outpatient services. As the elders are in need of great care and concentration a group of doctors and nurses are needed to monitor them. These elderly patients who are admitted to the hospital are physically unstable and they need full time observation and care to maintain their physical as well as mental health. The hospital care is equipped with all the care taking measures so that the people who want to give a satisfactory care to their elderly relatives automatically turn to the Hospital Care facility. Another facility is that of the Nursing Home. The elderly people will have a facility where they are watched over by nurses and staff as well. Here they get help for all sorts of daily living activities. Say for example, they get food in correct time, get bathed and the pills that help them to sustain their health sound.  

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Organ Systems & Evolution Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Organ Systems & Evolution - Assignment Example The circulatory and lymphatic systems are also connected, for lymph in the lymphatic system comes from blood. Lastly, secondary lymphedema, an obstruction of lymph flow, is discussed with its similarities to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis and Heart Attack Normally, the heart supplies oxygen to all parts of the body to keep them alive, and at the same time, oxygen-rich blood must be supplied to the heart muscle to keep it alive. However, in the case of atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arterial walls, the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a particular section of a heart muscle, or myocardium, can get blocked. If the blood supply to the heart muscle is greatly reduced or completely prevented, it will eventually cause the muscle to die. Although there could be other causes for a heart attack, the one caused by this buildup of plaque, or atherosclerosis, is known as coronary heart disease, or CHD (â€Å"What is a Heart Attack,† NIH, 2011). The reason behind the name is the fact that the coronary artery is responsible for the supply of oxygen to the heart. (Matthews, 2011) Coronary heart disease is caused by the buildup of plaque for many years, and will most likely lead to a heart attack. As plaque accumulates in the wall of the artery which supplies oxygen-rich blood to the heart, this plaque may cause a rupture inside the artery and thus cause a blood clot to form on the surface of the plaque. If this plaque grows in size and becomes large enough, it may completely block all blood flow to the heart muscle (â€Å"What is a Heart Attack,† NIH, 2011). The complete obstruction of the blood will cause a myocardial infarction, or heart attack. However, partial blockage may only cause chest pain. (Matthews, 2011) Heart attacks may not kill the person and may simply cause heart failure. Heart failure can lead to other problems like dyspnea, or shortness of breath, and edema, or swelling of the body due to buildup of fluid the heart would normall y get rid of as waste if it were functioning efficiently. (Sourfer, 2002) Arteries, Veins and Capillaries Blood vessels are hollow tubes that do not only hold the blood within the body but also circulate them across organs in the body. There are three types or varieties of blood vessels. The arteries transport oxygenated blood away from the heart. The capillaries are the ones that connect the arteries and the veins, and finally the veins carry the deoxygenated blood back to the heart. (â€Å"Blood Vessels,† 2011) The main function of arteries is to carry blood from the heart to all the other organs, except for the pulmonary arteries that carry deoxygenated blood towards the lungs. Arteries are thick-walled blood vessels and thus may be able to withstand constant stretching every time blood rushes through them for every heartbeat. The thick walls of the artery protect it from the high pressure of blood flow coming from the ventricles of the heart. (â€Å"Blood Vessels,† 2000) Veins, on the other hand, may undergo less pressure coming from the blood flow from organs. It also follows that the wall of a vein is thinner than that of an artery. The function of veins is generally to carry deoxygenated blood from the organs towards the heart, except for pulmonary veins that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs towards the heart. Moreover, veins have a special purpose of carrying waste

Difference in Elderly Care between US and Japan Essay

Difference in Elderly Care between US and Japan - Essay Example Elderly Health Care in US and Japan become very important because of the increasing number of the elders in these countries and the fast growth of the country, even without having much time to spare for their family. One of the recent studies conducted in U.S. about the ratio of the elders points out that the number of elders in U.S. is estimated that "35.6 million people -12.2% of the population ...are 65 and older and by 2011, the baby boom generation will begin to turn 65, and by 2030, one in five people is projected to be age 65 and older." (Senior facts: Non medical in home care facts: Facts on aging, n.d). The given data points to the number of elders in U.S. and shows that their number covers 12.2% of the population. It also shows the necessity of giving great care to elders that their number is expected to be one in five people by 2030 which is not at all a lesser number. The United States contains less than five percent of the world's population and thirteen percent of its p eople are above the age of eighty. The growth rate of elderly population is considerably increasing day by day. It may double manifold in the coming years. It indicates the need for more activities to give assistance to the elderly people. When one analyzes the Elderly Care in U.S. and Japan it is understood that elderly care in these countries are different and U.S. stands much better among the two in Elderly Care. The United States has implemented many facilities for the elderly people especially for their health. An observation of U.S. health care reveals that the health care in United States is consistent with basic standards is largely unknown. One among the methods of elderly care in U.S. is Hospital Care. It is generally provided by physicians. They provide both inpatient and outpatient services. As the elders are in need of great care and concentration a group of doctors and nurses are needed to monitor them. These elderly patients who are admitted to the hospital are physically unstable and they need full time observation and care to maintain their physical as well as mental health. The hospital care is equipped with all the care taking measures so that the people who want to give a satisfactory care to their elderly relatives automatically turn to the Hospital Care facility. Another facility is that of the Nursing Home. The elderly people will have a facility where they are watched over by nurses and staff as well. Here they get help for all sorts of daily living activities. Say for example, they get food in correct time, get bathed and the pills that help them to sustain their health sound.  

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Locke’s Second Treatise of Government Essay Example for Free

Locke’s Second Treatise of Government Essay Introduction In this essay, I would like to discuss Locke’s Second Treatise of Government section 131. This essay is divided into four parts. In the first part, I would like to interpret what Locke’s position is developed in section 131 and in the next part, I would like to discuss how Locke supports this position by tracing back to the origin of government. Then in the third part, I would like to point out some flaws in this position by arguing evidences provided by Locke to support his position. The last part of my essay is the conclusion. Locke’s Position in Section 131 In section 131, Locke explained that the ultimate aim of uniting a society is to protect the security and property of the people and developed the position that the society should never extend its power farther than the common good of citizens because its supreme power is originated from the consent of people. In a word, according to Locke, the society is obligated to secure their property and is limited by the consent of people. In order to prove the limits of the government, Locke traces back to the origin of government: why man is willing to give up his freedom and subject himself to the dominion of a commonwealth instead of staying in the state of nature where he has right to everything. Three Inconveniences in the State of Nature According to Locke, for a rational man, the reason why man is willing to surrender their rights, though man has right to do anything without being affected by the will of others within the law of nature in the state of nature is the uncertainty of his preservation. The enjoyment is unsafe. Because man is partial to his own interest and is lacking awareness of the law of nature ‘That being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions’ (Chapter 2, Section 6) and there are probably continual invasions of others. As a result of this, there are three inconveniences under those circumstances. The first inconvenience is that there are no such established and well-known laws which can be used as the standard to judge what is right and what is wrong so that everyone is uncertain about their future and their property including their security, estate and possession etc. Or if there is a united society, The second one is that there is no popular and indifferent judge to rigidly distinguish between right and wrong by the established law. Everyone can be the judge himself in the state of nature, but they always tend to bias to themselves, their friends and families. The third one is that there is no power to ensure the punishment. In the state of nature, everyone has the right to punish whoever breaks the law of nature. According to Locke, it is executive power. But that may put them in a dangerous situation so that the punishment is hard to be carried out. The origin of the Government According to Locke, due to all these defects in the state of nature, people were thinking about uniting a commonwealth. Surrendering their rights to a sovereign which can use the supreme power to protect them is a remedy. The right of government comes from its subjects, and the government can never override them. Locke’s Solutions to Restrict the Power of the Government and My argument From my perspective, I think Locke’s position on the limits of government seems kind of idealistic. The biggest question is how citizens can ensure that after the government gains the supreme power, it does what it is expected to do as original intention. Political power has a character to expand itself. If there is no limit of power of the sovereign, even though he is a man who has a good virtue, it is still uncertain that he governs the society following the law without any extemporary decrees all the time. Hence, Locke provides three solutions to restrict the power of the government. There might be some fIaws in them. I would like discuss all of them below step by step. The first solution that Locke provides is that the government is limited by the law established by the consent of the majority. When the sovereign rules the state, he must obey the laws which made by the majority rather than govern it by his own will. â€Å"And so whoever has the legislative or supreme power of any commonwealth, is bound to govern by established standing laws, promulgated and known to the people, and not by extemporary decrees† (Chapter 9, Section 131) From my perspective, obviously there is no coercive power to guarantee that the government is run by the law except revolution (I will it discuss in the third point.) Moreover, it is also questionable whether there exists such kind of law which is able to represent the common good indeed. Even in our times when the legal system is more developed than the times when Locke lived, a large number of flaws can be found in our laws. Locke argues that laws can be updated. But no matter how up-to-date the law is, it still cannot cover everyone’s interest. The universal of controversy cannot be avoided as long as people are in the different situation. Locke himself admitted that when man enters into a society, he gives up his equality â€Å"when they enter into society, give up the equality†. (Chapter 9, Section 131) As there are different classes of citizens, they must have some different interests, which make them in different statuses of society. There is no contradiction unless there is no difference among people. Even that we are equal before the law, we cannot be protected by the laws equally. For instance, is a person is too poor to afford a lawyer, when his right is impaired, he cannot protect his right by law means and if a person has not studied laws, his property might be invaded without knowing it. If the inconvenience is caused by the ignorance, there is no distinct difference between the state of nature and the commonwealth. Furthermore, if there are conflicting interests between a person and the government, it will be in a dilemma. In this situation, if the person protects his own interest by law, interests of government will be impaired. And in the long run that may lead to the impairment of interests of more  people even include the first man who tried to protect his interests by law. Locke may argue that in his second method that he advocates the division of political power and that he divides supreme power into three: legislative, executive and foreign power. What the government has is just executive power. The parliament has right to making law. And the government is run by the law. How can it do beyond the law? Moreover, the legislative power which belongs to citizens is always higher than executive power. It is one of the greatest contributions of Locke that he advocates to make legislative and executive powers apart, but in comparison to three individual powers: legislative, executive powers and judicial review in political system today are employed, like the United State of America, It is not hard to find out the lack of judicial review in Locke’s theory. Locke only divided legislature and executive branches. It seems that the structure of the government created by Locke is less developed than that of today. Without judicial review, the balance of power is weaker. Even our modern society in which there judicial system exists, the administration tends to gain power from time to time. For example, under the circumstance that judicial review exists, it seems that the strength of the president becomes stronger and stronger in the US. Moreover, Locke thinks that legislature could be formed of not only representatives but also the noble or a single hereditary person who has an executive power. â€Å"Let us suppose then the legislative placed in the concurrence of three distinct persons. 1. A single hereditary person, having the constant, supreme, executive power, and with it the power of convoking and dissolving the other two within certain periods of time. 2. An assembly of hereditary nobility. 3. An assembly of representatives chosen, pro tempore, by the people.† (Chapter 16, Section 213) That weakens the strength of legislative further. Even though those two solutions cannot completely ensure the government is run in the right way, Locke provides the third solution that people can take back their rights that they gave to the government by revolution and transfer rights to another sovereign if the government breaks the law of  nature. However, another problem may rise. There is the limit of revolution that Locke provides. According to Locke, the revolution could be legimate only carried out by the majority. What if what the government did is just harmful to the interest of the minority? Can the government united with the majority benefit from the minority by abusing their rights? The only thing that they can do is bearing subject themselves under the exploit. I do not think that Locke himself would like to become one of the minority members in that situation. Sometimes the good of the majority is not necessary the good of the minority. That is also an action of beyond the common good. It can be imagined that the consequence of benefit from doing harm to a small group of people is no difference with a political system of tyranny. In conclusion, Locke supports his statement that the government can only do the common good and never override citizens by tracing back the origin of the government. Because of three inconveniences in the state of nature, people are willing to transfer their rights to a government. The right of government comes from the consent of people, so it can never extend farther. And Locke provides three means to limit the power of government. However, I suggest that there might be some difficulties to carry out these measures. There is no such coercive power to compel the government to play its role by laws. Furthermore, there is a doubt if such kind of laws representing the common good existing. And there is no judicial review to decide whether and when actions break the law. The action of revolutions does not working all the time. The rule of revolution Locke provided may be the legitimate basis of putting the minority in the tyranny of the majority. But in any case, Locke’s theory shows us the end of the society and the idea, the balance of power, and directs us to think about the way to improve the political system and make it more democratic.

Monday, October 14, 2019

A Christian Philosophy Of Education Religion Essay

A Christian Philosophy Of Education Religion Essay In the beginning, God created man in his own image. God told man to eat of the fruit of all the trees in the garden except the one in midst of the garden, the Tree of Knowledge, lest man should surely die. The serpent convinced woman that she would not die but rather, that God knows that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5). Since the beginning of mankind, man has sought for truth and knowledge. What is good, true, and beautiful? These questions go to the heart of our concern for educating people who posses a knowledge of reality, are ethical in their behavior, and live lives that are balanced and aesthetically harmonious (Gutek, 2005, p. 31). King Solomon, in his Book of Ecclesiastes, explores various avenues for satisfaction-power, possessions, prestige, pleasure-he finds them hollow. God moves him along the path of discovery until he finds no real meaning to life under heaven, but only in relationsh ip to God and His eternal purposes (Maxwell, 2007, p. 802). Educators confront philosophical issues on a daily basis even though they may not recognize it as such. As a Christian educator, examination of ones personal assumptions, beliefs, attitudes and values can assist one in shaping instructional methods and effective learning techniques. By understanding ones self, ones motivations, and ones view of mankind, one can better assist others in their personal quest to discover the purpose of self and ones role as a member of mankind. I attempt to identify the basis of the philosophical beliefs which contribute to the overall philosophy of education from which I function as an educator by examining the historical and philosophical foundations of education from influential philosophers such as Plato, Jefferson, Eramus, Calvin, Rousseau, and others. Worldview Why are we here? What is our purpose? What is true? How do we know? From the beginning of time man has asked these questions. My personal biblical worldview answers those questions for me based upon Holy scriptures, the laws and words of I am that I am (Exodus 3:14). The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). Knowledge is knowing the facts; knowing how to use those facts is wisdom. All knowledge and wisdom comes from a higher being known as the God of the Hebrews and father of Jesus Christ. All gifts and talents come from God;  each person has different abilities to understand, receive and respond to the knowledge that God reveals to him or her. We are told,  We know that the Son of God is come and has given us an understanding that we may know him that is true and we are in him that is true, even in his son Jesus Christ (I John 5:20). I know in whom I have believed. Our universe is so massive and our God so glorious with our limited understanding we only à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦see through a glass darklyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (1 Cor. 13:12). Who was there when He laid the foundations of the earth (Job 38:4)? There exists a spiritual realm beyond our earthly eyes which exists simultaneously with ours. We truly cannot conceive the majesty and splendor that exists beyond our sense of reality. God cannot be put in a box and is far beyond anything we can comprehend. All one can know about Him is what He has outlined in His Word, which is inspired and written by the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is a certainty and of this I am confident that He which has begun a good work in me will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil 1:6).   A Christian worldview defines my values, my actions, my time, my dreams, my life. We are created beings ; Solomon sums up existence, Fear God and keep His commandments. For this is mans all (Ecc.12:13). Epistemological Beliefs In Platos allegory of the cave, he proposes that there is a true intellectual self within and superior to the material human body. The purpose of life is to strive for knowledge of ultimate and perfect ideas, the form of the good from which all other ideas are derived (Gutek, p. 39). For Plato, an Idealist, reality is non-material or spiritual (Gutek, p.38). Plato understood that man is composed of spirit but without the Creator, his idealism was in vain; all knowledge and wisdom comes from God. Gods omniscience means that he knows all, that all knowledge, truth, wisdom, intelligence and all that there is to know, He knows. John Calvin had an intense religious conversion experience that illuminated his thought like a flash of light. This experience provided Calvin with the revelation knowledge of Divine Majesty (Gutek, p. 114). I know that I know because of a similar revelation experience which I term being zapped. While deep in prayer, a flash of light consumed my whole being for one millisecond of a second. I know that I know that the Father is, and that Jesus Christ is the light and the Truth. No man can pluck me from His hands. Metaphysical Beliefs Pestalozzi and Rousseau believed that the infant is intrinsically good (Gutek, 2005) and opposed the doctrine of innate human depravity. According to the Word of God, Man is born in a depraved state. R.C. Sproul writes, Because total depravity is so often poorly defined, let me substitute another phrase that means the same thing: radical corruption. We are depraved in the radix or root of our being, and that core depravity influences everything we do. In the fall we became radically depraved, which means that corruption pervades every area of our lives (as cited by Li, 2007). According to Plato, man can reach the ultimate truth by seeking knowledge. This knowledge may be truly called necessary, necessitating as it clearly does, the use of pure intelligence in the attainment of pure truth (Plato, 360 B.C.). Plato asserted that the truth is within each of us, and is found deeply within the recesses of the human mind or psyche (Gutek, p. 40). For Aristotle, truth is a correspondence bet ween the persons mind and external reality (Gutek, p. 54). According to Freires philosophical inclination to existentialism, reality is subjective and within the individual. Dewey, a Pragmatist, contended that truth is tentative, a warranted assertion, rather than universal, eternal and absolute (Gutek, p.342). He argued that revealed truth does not exist and that anything that can be called truth must be determined experimentally. When Pilate asked Jesus, What is truth? (John 8:38,), he was asking, What is the really real? Jesus did not reply; the question had already been answered forever. The God of scripture is truth as He tells us in Psalms 119:160, The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting; and, in the words of Christ himself in John 14:6, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. Animals and plants, seasons and stars were created by God for man. God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the earth (Genesis 1:27-29). He is the first and the last. For since the creation of the world, Gods invisible qualities -his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen and can be understood from what has been made, so that man is without excuse (Barker, 2009). Axiological Beliefs Good is whatever God says is good. Evil is a perversion of the truth. Wicked comes from the word wicker which means twisted. The Devil takes the truth, twists and perverts it to corrupt that which God has created for good (Barker, 2009). For Aristotle, the supreme good to which all aspire is happiness (Hummel, 1993). What is good and what is right? His Word lays out the moral foundation for mankind and exists for all people across all time. What is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good reportthink upon these things (Phil 4:7). A Christian worldview asserts that the ultimate goal of man is to transform into the image of Jesus. Do not be conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect , will of God (Romans12:2). Gods Word is the moral authority on which the universe revolves. Educational Philosophy Educational beliefs Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, developed an educational plan based upon civic education and cultural nationalism in order to prepare people to become active and engaged citizens (Gutek, p. 180).   Mann believed that a proper civic education should teach basic principles of government, provide insights into representative institutions, and generally form good citizens (Gutek, p. 226). Calvins theology and educational philosophy stressed literacy as a tool of salvation to fulfill both religious and economic objectives (Gutek, p. 118). Calvin set up a relationship between education, religious orthodoxy, civil order, and economic prosperity (Gutek, p.116). If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chron. 7:14). When Madelyn OHair succeeded in taking prayer out of our public schools in 1 964, our nation turned away and today we see the results.   Discipline The understanding of the emotional needs of students is an important part in a teachers discipline management plan. If we realize that the child comes to school after a night filled with violence and alcohol or drug induced behavior, we can understand why the student may scream or disrupt or refuse to participate. Often the school is the safest structured environment the child sees. Public schools have been forced to be not only the center for academic and skills training but also the basis for establishing secure human relationships for children. Carey (2007) states discipline arises through activity. When students are engaged in hands-on learning, are being successful  at meaningful tasks, and receive positive reinforcement, discipline will be minora result of kids being kids. No contrived program will eliminate disruptive behavior in the classroom without a moral foundation in the family and in a society without limits and boundaries for individual behavior. The philosophies of Rousseau and others If it feels good do it, has led to a child-centered approach that has had negative implication for classroom control. Children need boundaries in order to develop self discipline. According to Montessori, obedience is the foundation of society and civilization (as cited by Carey, 2007). For whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives (Hebrew 12:6). If the Father of spirits corrects those He loves, then teachers, who care about their students as Pestalozzi desired, must discipline those they teach. Role of the student and teacher in the process of learning With the influence of educators like Rousseau, Pestalozzi, Froebel, and Dewey the child became the center of learning. Froebel introduced the concept of letting children grow freely as plants, according to the nature of child (Gutek, p. 266). This secular humanist child-centered role has replaced Calvinist Christian educational theory which asserts that, This book of law shall not depart from your mouth, but you meditate in it day and night that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success (Joshua 1: 8). By 1985, from primary grades through college, [teachers] are reluctantly concluding that the principle means by which students may be engaged is entertainment (Claggett, 2009). Montessori asserted that children possessed an innate drive, called a divine urge that stimulates their self-activity to perform actions that promote growth and that they are eager to try and master new skills (Gutek, p. 369). According to Dewey, the childs own instincts and powers furnish the material and give the starting point for all education (Dewey, 1897). Because of the individuality of each student, the student is the driving force behind education and the most important entity in the education continuum (Bartlett, 2007). Research shows that student motivation, relevance, and engagement in the learning process promote learning. Learning is an action and is not, cannot be, fun at all times. Learning does not occur by osmosis and students must be willing to expend energy and thought processes to be successful All students can learn, but not all students learn in the same way, at the same time, and at the same intellectual level. Cognitive ability, not politically correctness, plays a major role of what a student can and will learn. Teachers must establish relevance, provide expertise, establish interest, in aspects of curriculum design and methods of teaching pertinent to establishing relevance and thereby motivating student learning (Kember, et.al., 2008 ). A loyalty to human dignity-and human possibility-is maintained when the teacher is loyal to the knowledge and/or skill being learned (Vandenberg, 2009). How does learning occur The brain is the most intricate and complex mechanism God created. Theorists such as Froebel and Rousseau realized that a child was similar to nature, like other things of Gods creation; they pass through various stages of development from a seed to an oak tree. God created the mind to learn but as a result of genetics (the sins of the fathers are passed on through generations), environment (where, when and how one lives), and physiological impairments, all students cannot learn all things. The brain is influenced by outside factors; active participation in experiences encourages brain growth; learning, playing, good nutrition contribute to learning; learning is a social activity; chemicals in the brain affect memory and learning; singing and music affect release of positive brain chemicals (Sprenger, 1999). Professional development In order to promote literacy in reading and mathematics, the NCLB act emphasizes teacher professional development based upon scientifically based research methods of instruction. Eramus believed teachers needed to be well-educated individuals and possess a commanding knowledge of their subjects (Gutek, p.103). Mann held that inadequately prepared teachers had lowered the quality of instruction (Gutek, p. 224). In the age of technology, brain research is producing new information daily on how the brain works and how it can be applied to the educational settings. Teachers must be exposed to the methods and research based strategies in order to provide the best education possible to each and very student. Curriculum In 1867, John Stuart Mill stated, In every generation, and now more rapidly than ever, the things which it is necessary that somebody should know are more and more multiplied (Mill, 1867, p.5). Since Mills time, knowledge has exploded. Vast amounts of knowledge, beyond Platos wildest imaginations, are everywhere and still the questions remain: What should be taught? Who should be taught? When should it be taught? How should it be taught?   According to Mill, the vexed question is whether general education should be classical à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ or scientific (Mill, p.4). Educational theorists from Plato to Spencer to the U.S. Office of Education have focused on these issues and we still face them today. An effort to restore disciplinary rigor to education began after WWII with the scientific systems thinking approach to learning (Rudolph, 2002). The buzzwords today are rigor and relevance in the educational circles. Yet thirty years after the analytical systems-based curriculum reform movement, Sykes states, American schools are in deep trouble, not because they lack men and women who care about children, but because they are dominated by an ideology that does not care much about learning (Sykes, 1996). According to some, we must develop more programs similar to West Springfield High School to assist students in applying technology to their needs and in making intelligent judgments about problems associated with techno logy? (Alukonis Setter, 2008).    The Greco-Roman philosophers, Confucius, the Renaissance reformers, and the utilitarian liberalists focused on education as the path to produce the perfect ideal society. Knowledge becomes a means to an end. Who can possess knowledge? Calvinism promoted reading and writing for every one which is the ultimate goal for UNESCO today. How do we teach and what do we teach?   Today a liberal arts curriculum is offered to all. According to a recent study, 63% of the work force skills today do not require a college education. What is the purpose of obtaining knowledge? What type of knowledge is needed to create the greatest good for the greatest number? Spenser promoted direct experience in the real world and individualism. Sykes contends that American students are unable to effectively compete with the rest of the industrialized world, because our schools teach less, expect less, and settle for less than do those of other countries (Sykes, p.9).    We are in an age defined by global competition, change, immediate information and communication. The pace of change has become so rapid that the skill set required is not sufficiently being met by the public schools. Basic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics will still produce individuals who based upon their God-given talents will excel in problem-solving, critical thinking, and inventiveness necessary to sustain personal happiness and societal contribution. Collaboration Learning does not occur in isolation. An individuals ability is influenced by his environment, his background and experiences. To provide the best education possible, a school system must collaborate with parents and community to assure that each child is receiving an education that will provide the best opportunity for him or her to reach his or her highest potential. Diversity Mann, who is considered the father of Americas public education, wrote, Education, then, beyond all other devices of human origin is the great equalizer of the conditions of men-the balance wheel of the social machinery (Gutek, p.225). He believed that the school curriculum should provide the same basic knowledge and skills equally to all its students. The same basic knowledge of history, literature, science, mathematics and the arts should be provided for every child in the public schools. This basic knowledge should provide knowledge necessary for responsible citizenship, for national prosperity and development, an economic equalizer, and to instill moral and values as Mann states. . Today the reconstructionist theory screams for the multicultural curriculum for minority students who are deprived equal education of the white elite controlling class. Educators must be aware of the hidden agenda of the social reconstructionists who have as an ultimate goal, the destruction of capitalism, nationalism, Christianity and democracy as we know it. Cultural diversity and multiculturalism is a political agenda to destroy the capitalist system of the United States from within using the cries of the oppressed as the bait. Many people with cultures, languages, and skin colors other than the American mainstreams are treated as second class citizens in our schools. Christians in education need to fight racism and cultural differences: there but for the grace of God go I. Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:40, as much as you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers, you did it to me. Christian educators will embrace all students as children of God, and will provide equity and fairness in a diverse and multicultural classroom. Assessment NCLB ties public school accountability directly to federal funding and has as its goal, literacy in reading and mathematics for all children by 2014. Annual state and school district report cards inform parents and communities about state and school progress (USDE, 2003). Accountability based upon annual testing and standards for reading and math has become a major part of public schools. Various assessments techniques have been suggested other than traditional testing such as portfolios and performance assessments that focus on the demonstration of mastery of a task. Test scores alone cannot be the measure of a schools success or of a students achievement but basic knowledge and essential skills must be assessed in some manner to provide information on the success of both instruction and student ability. Teacher and student/ parent relationships Pestalozzi recognized that the affective side of human nature, emotional growth, was as important as cognitive development (Gutek, p. 162). He maintained that the educational setting must be based upon a climate of emotional security. Classroom circumstances may affect the brains chemistry in either a positive or a negative way (Sprenger, 1996). Providing a safe environment for students is the responsibility of both teachers and parents. Before learning can occur, teachers must realize the emotional needs of students affect their behavior and abilities to think cognitively. Communication with parents is the ideal way to assist teachers in creating instructional methods based upon the needs of individual students. Conclusion In mans ego-centered life, he continues to build the Tower of Babel. After 5,000 years of civilization, man has not reach utopia, nirvana, or heaven through Platos quest for knowledge, Aristotles exercise for rationality; Quintilians rhetorical goodness; the merge of Aquinass realism and Catholicism; Erasmuss Christian humanism; Calvins Evangelical Protestantism; Comeniuss vision of Pansophism; Rousseaus, Froebels, and Pestalozzis child permissiveness; nor the militant rebellious reconstructionist ideas of Dubois and Freire. Man continues to seek beyond the stars, beyond the universe but cannot and will not find the ultimate Truth nor the reason that man exists. Not until the Creator of the vessel determines to reveal the truth to the created, will man reach knowing. The earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until nowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦(Romans 8:19-22). Aquinas asserted that a person was called to teaching in a way that was similar to the priests vocation, a call to service (Gutek, p. 88). A child is life, a gift of God. A true teacher has for his or her motivation that which will promote each individuals ability to become the person according to the perfect will that God has determined. Adequate schooling must prepare young people to act responsibly in all areas of their lives. We must work to build responsibility whenever we can to promote Gods kingdom being realized as much as possible in the here and now. This is our calling and this is our work as Christians .Christian educator must gently, lovingly, accept every student and work with their differences, needs, hang-ups, foibles, even sins-constantly modeling the high standards of the Christian life and a personal, responsible integration of faith and learning that eventually can be emulated by the student (Holtrop, 1996). Plato, a founding father of Idealism, asserted that reality is nonmaterial or spiritual. For Plato, the father of Idealism, ideas are the only true reality, the only thing worth knowing. He argues values are universal regardless of place, time, and circumstances (Gutek, p. 39). Plato believed that the search for the truth is an interior search to recall ideas latently present in our minds (Gutek, p. 40). In idealism, the aim of education is to discover and develop each individuals abilities and full moral excellence in order to better serve society. Based upon a Christian worldview, I agree with the premise of Plato that truth and reality are a spiritual quest, although I assert one can only attain the truth through the Word of God rather than from recalling knowledge from a prior existence. My spiritual convictions and views of absolute truth can be labeled as a Christian Idealist. For the Perennialist, providing knowledge of eternal truth and preparation for life is educations most important purpose. Teaching basic subjects such as history, math, science and literature provide knowledge of mans struggle and achievements. My educational philosophy may be viewed as a theist Perennialist based upon my belief that human nature never changes and ideas and truth are constant based upon Holy Scriptures (Cohen, 1999).