Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Cultural Perspectives in Education Essay Example for Free

Social Perspectives in Education Essay The word ‘Culture’ alludes to progress or human action. It can likewise allude to all inclusive human capacity to arrange abilities, and to prepare and pass on them typically. In this manner, one can say that Culture advances over some undefined time frame in light of versatile difficulties. What exercises are completed, who ought to partake, why they are esteemed and the principles of collaboration are coded into the social models. There are various approaches to teach, communicate or uncover information to an understudy. The student’s training especially relies on the teacher’s theory of instruction. This philosophical perspective seems, by all accounts, to be genuine that could acquire a negative impact the homeroom, regardless of what schedule is intended for the understudy. The understudies have various characteristics and convictions that educators ought to acknowledge and figure out how to adjust to in the study hall. On the off chance that educators can't go past the limits of social class, religion, race, belief, sexual orientation, sex, handicap or social foundation, at that point the focal point of the understudies will likewise turn vigorously upon contrasts and the grouping of understudies as unique needs or underachiever, in this manner building inhumane pre-desires toward understudies in the homeroom. â€Å"The essential objective of instruction is to show understudies various perspectives and urge them to assess their own convictions. The instructor should assist the understudies with appreciating how ones perceptions and understandings are affected by social character and background†. Chang, H. (1993). Understudies ought to be permitted to don't hesitate to voice an assessment and engaged to protect it. An understudy can concentrate on and appreciate learning more when the school and study hall cause him to feel safe-great with himself and with his encompassing. The learning circumstance ought to be made socially impartial by remembering the possible boundaries and snags that every understudy may have. Considering Marda Steffey (2001) recommends a four point persuasive system for socially open educating: 1. Setting up inclusionâ€norms, techniques, and structures woven together to frame a learning setting in which all students and instructors feel regarded by and associated with each other. 2. Creating attitudeâ€â€Å"norms, methodology and structures that make through importance and decision a positive demeanor among students and educators toward the learning experience or learning objective. 3. Upgrading meaningâ€norms, systems, and structures that extend, refine, or increment the intricacy of what is found out such that issues to students, incorporates their qualities and purposes, and adds to a basic awareness. 4. Causing competenceâ€norms, systems, and structures that make a comprehension for students of how they are or can be viable in getting the hang of something of individual value†. (Nawang, 1999) The fundamental thought of the four focuses is that when understudy and instructors end up lowered in a special universe of the homeroom, the connection of culture is priceless for the accomplishment of the learning procedure. Solomon, B. B. (1991). Educator ought to perceive any predispositions or generalizations in the study hall, â€Å"by regarding every understudy as an individual, and regard every understudy for whom the person is. Alter any language practices or models that bar or debase any gathering, ought to know about how understudies feel about the social atmosphere in the classroom†. (Woolbright, 1989) gainful training must beginning with a consciousness of these issues and some essential plans for conquering them. Albeit an assortment of lessons can be productive, it appears to be particularly agreeable to offer an environment where understudies can without much of a stretch have an open conversation instead of class meeting in which a right answer is required. Genuine open conversation will communicate something specific of power between equivalent understudies who have something generous to add to a typical undertaking. Sharing the realities and standards of ones control with understudies is significant as that assists with setting up a situation of solace, trust and joint regard. Consequently, such a situation makes it feasible for individuals to trade thoughts and musings on complex and regularly alarming issues. It opens a path for understudies to do a shared opinion of joint practices and regard which can tie understudies together and simultaneously make it simpler for them to comprehend and watch numerous distinctions. The educator ought build up a substance of decent variety as well as a strategy that makes and show valuation for assorted variety. It is critical to remember that understudies consistently watch and get familiar with their teachers’ conduct just as their appearances. The study hall condition not just speak to the major estimation of energy about assorted variety of societies in any case it additionally give in extraordinary awards as far as essential reasoning abilities, particularly the fitness to esteem modern numerous purpose of perspectives on complex normal and moral issues. The school or school ought to perceive the entirety of the different sorts of assorted varieties, regardless of whether it is social or not. Understudies ought to comprehend when they go their study hall that they will interface with a wide range of kinds of understudies from all strolls the entirety of life. Levinson, B. A. , and Holland, D. (1996). They ought to comprehend that they are all in this office for an explanation and that it doesn’t matter what they resemble or what language they talk, they have to collaborate to make their class condition progressively helpful for learning. It is deplorable to state that very little improvement in this has been made the world over aside from barely any nations, while in rest there is despite everything school and universities where social elements are given inclinations. Each order is impacted by the imbalance of intensity that exists across racial and social gatherings, among sexual orientations, and among other socially made classes of contrast. Notwithstanding propels in race and social relations, sexual orientation uniformity, and strict resistance, noteworthy recorded contrasts keeps on existing the world over. So as to increase genuine moderate instruction, school organization should respect assorted variety of societies. It ought to perceive occasions of different ethnicities and consistently concentrate new and intriguing lifestyles. The understudies of the particular schools and universities ought to â€Å"love finding out about different societies and how they communicate with one another†. (Harold, 2006) The understudies ought to be permitted to do expressions and activities that are delegates of different societies and invest wholeheartedly in the way that they currently know about their siblings and sisters around the globe. Instructors have an obligation to help the individuals who are sufficiently favored to be understudies in getting mindful of the disparities around them. Along these lines, every instructor should work to mix each class with the differing voices that added to the information base of the order. References Chang, H. (1993) Affirming Childrens Roots: Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Early Care and Education: California Tomorrow. Hodgkinson, Harold L. (2006) Education in Social and Cultural Perspectives: Prentice-Hall Levinson, B. A. , and Holland, D. (1996). The social creation of the informed individual: A presentation. In B. A. Levinson, D. Foley, and D. Holland (Eds. ), Albany: SUNY Press. Phuntsog, Nawang. Enchantment of socially responsive teaching method: looking for the Genies light in multicultural training. Instructor Education Quarterly, Summer 1999 Solomon, B. B. (1991) Impediments to Teaching a Culturally Diverse Undergraduate Population: Kendall/Hunt Publishing. Woolbright, C. (Ed. ). (1989) Valuing Diversity on Campus: A Multicultural Approach. Bloomington, Ind. : Association of College Unions-International.

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Harlem’s darkness and hardships Free Essays

Baldwin’s â€Å"Sonny’s Blues† is an account of the two siblings living in Harlem. Harlem is where the two siblings encountered the murkiness of the general public. This murkiness calls attention to bigotry and medication maltreatment as one of the serious issues encountering by numerous African-American in Harlem. We will compose a custom article test on Harlem’s murkiness and hardships or on the other hand any comparable point just for you Request Now Despite the fact that prejudice was felt by the two siblings and medication misuse chased Sonny, one of the two siblings, they despite everything figured out how to embrace and get by through the assistance of one another. Toward the start of the story, the more established sibling is en route to fill in as a teacher. As he goes not far off, he likewise peruses the paper and discovered that his sibling was found managing champion. Indeed, even previously, Sonny was associated by his more established sibling with utilizing unlawful medications however the more established sibling sits idle. Before the medication related occurrence occurs, the more seasoned sibling who is likewise the storyteller of the story consistently discusses Sonny just like a decent sibling. He says â€Å"When Sonny was youthful, his face was brilliant and open†. Sonny’s sibling stresses over the inclusion of Sonny in unlawful medications. Sonny is being reliant on medications and utilizations it as an approach to get away from his issues. This issue makes his sibling think about the things he fouled up to make Sonny associated with illicit drug use. Because of that, the sibling misjudges all the demonstrations Sonny is doing. He doesn't tune in to Sonny regardless of whether it must be about the clarification and reasons of why Sonny connected with to sedate related exercises. Sonny ends up ignored by his sibling. This makes him imagine that nobody could support him yet his own self. Understanding this, he redirects his thoughtfulness regarding music. This inclusion to music makes him finds the alleviation he is scanning for. With the music playing, Sonny can get away from the issues he is experiencing. The improvement of Sonny is not really seen by his sibling. From the start, his association to music disillusions his sibling not until his sibling understands the progressions music has done to Sonny. His sibling acknowledges reality and understands that music has worked admirably to Sonny’s advancement. Everything occurred in the piece of the story where his sibling is tuning in to Sonny as he plays the piano. As Sonny plays the piano, his sibling feels that Sonny need his direction and love. The unlimited love by the sibling to Sonny was delineated in the story. Tuning in to the Jazz music played by Sonny, the disposition of the sibling towards life, himself and Sonny changes. The irritation of the two siblings hurt them both. Sonny’s commitment to music and his assurance to avoid any type of illicit medications move the more seasoned sibling to change. The affection and energy of the two siblings are appeared in the story. Their battle against the haziness in Harlem caused them to understand that to win is to acknowledge the shortcoming of every last one of them and to have the option to endure is to help one another. As a last point, to have the option to get by in a general public where you are not the principle character, you should figure out how to adjust and to help other people that are additionally adjusting. The difficulties of Black American siblings in the hour of prejudice and its battle against unlawful medications can be explain if trust, acknowledgment and love is inside the family ties. The most effective method to refer to Harlem’s dimness and hardships, Papers

Monday, August 3, 2020

Reasons Why Your Spouse Wont Listen to You

Reasons Why Your Spouse Won't Listen to You Relationships Spouses & Partners Marital Problems Print Why Your Spouse Doesnt Listen By Sheri Stritof Sheri Stritof has written about marriage and relationships for 20 years. Shes the co-author of The Everything Great Marriage Book. Learn about our editorial policy Sheri Stritof Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD on January 28, 2020 facebook twitter linkedin Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments.   Learn about our Medical Review Board Carly Snyder, MD on January 28, 2020 Vincent Besnault/Digital Vision/Getty Images More in Relationships Spouses & Partners Marital Problems LGBTQ Violence and Abuse When one or both of you are not listening to one another, you have a problem in your marriage. If the lack of listening continues, it could be a sign that your marriage is in jeopardy. Possible Reasons Why Your Spouse Doesnt Listen to You The listening problem in your marriage could be related to issues that your spouse has, your method of delivery, or a combination of both. Your Method of Delivery You may be taking too long to say what you want to say. Long-winded monologs are boring. Get to the point.You may monopolize conversations with your spouse. Give your spouse a chance to talk.If you have a history of saying things that are hurtful, insulting, intimidating, dismissive, or disrespectful of your spouses beliefs and feelings, your spouse will be protective and defensive by not listening to you. Dont say these things!If there is a pattern of manipulation in what you say to your spouse, your spouse will tune you out. Stop being manipulative. Say what you mean.If your talking style is one of preaching, lecturing, or questioning, your spouse may prefer to not hear your lectures or questions. Stop being the professor or attorney in your marriage.You may use too many generalities in your statements. Comments that use words like always, never, and constantly can cause a spouse to tune out the entire conversation. Eliminate these words from your vocabulary.Your timing could be of f. Your spouse probably wont listen when tired, preoccupied with other thoughts, involved with a project, watching television, or working on the computer. Tell your spouse you want to talk and ask if it is a good time. If your spouse says no, dont get pouty.Any conversations about topics or issues that have been discussed at length previously will cause a spouse to tune out. Dont keep bringing up old issues or topics.Your spouse may have grown tired of continued conversations where you complain, whine, or speak negatively. Be more positive.Perhaps you dont listen to your spouse. Exam how you listen when your spouse is discussing an important topic with you. Why Sharing Feelings With Your Spouse Is Worth the Emotional Risk Your Spouses Own Personal Issues Your spouse may not be interested in the subject you are talking about. Ask if this is something your spouse wants to talk about.Your spouse may be afraid of intimacy.Your spouse may disagree with what you are saying and isnt open to hearing your side of an issue.Your spouse may have listened as much as possible that particular day and is in information overload. Dont push for more.If you are giving your spouse advice or information, your spouse may believe that he/she already knows the answer or how to do something.Your spouse may have the habit of racing ahead of what you are saying by thinking of how to respond.Your spouse could judge that what you have to say isnt important.Your spouse may believe that ignoring what you say will make the issue or situation go away.Your spouse may not want to hear what you have to say.Your spouse may only be using half a brain to listen. Researchers in the United States have found that men only listen with half their brain, while women use both si des ... he [Dr. Joseph T. Lurito] suggested women were not necessarily better listeners. He said women may need to use more of their brain to listen to conversations, but said it could show women could listen to two conversations at once.??Your spouse may feel intimidated and not comfortable expressing his/her opposing view, so tuning out is an easier option. Allow your spouse to disagree with you.Your spouse may have a short attention span. According to Carla Rieger, the attention span of an average adult is only 7 seconds. You need to pause now and then as you speak. Allow your spouse to ask questions to clarify what you are saying.Your spouse may have too many distractions at the time of your conversation. If having total attention to what you are saying is important to you, turn off cell phones, etc.Your spouse may not want to listen to avoid conflict.Your spouse may have heard what you said, but believes differently or doesnt want to do what you asked, and it is easier to be pe rceived as not listening than to say no. Getting Your Spouse to Hear What You Are Saying

Saturday, May 23, 2020

Solving The Foreclosure Crisis Essay - 987 Words

It is a well know fact that the world is in a financial crisis which has resulted in the foreclosure crisis. This is a problem that can not be resolved by the government alone. If the government continues to hand out bail out money to businesses trying to help them avoid bankruptcy or from going out of business the national debt will continue to increase. The national debt will have to someday be paid off and if the government continues to borrow money the result will be higher income taxes paid by those that are already struggling to bring home a paycheck that will meet their basic living expenses. In turn this will make the financial crisis continue to get worse as time goes on. This is a problem that has to be solved by each business†¦show more content†¦The solution is mortgage amendments. These amendments are not the same as a refinance and do not require any refinance fees or appraisal. They should take very little time and expense to create, approve and be considered a legal amendment filed with the original documents. These are meant to be temporary but the time limit on them is dependent on the borrower’s income allowing them time to find a job or increase their current income. There will be two types of amendments. The first one will lower the interest rate significantly which will lower the monthly payment without changing the term of the mortgage. This one can be very beneficial to those who have taken a pay cut or a slightly lower paying job and will not extend the term of the loan. The second one will also lower the interest rate significantly but will also lower the principle payment and extend the term of the loan until the loan is paid in full. The disadvantage to this amendment is that the borrower may end up paying more in interest through the length of the loan. The advantage is that the borrower will be able to lower their payment to an amount they can afford. With both amendments the borrower will report their income yearly until their income reaches the amount that was provided in the original mortgage documents or their income from the borrower’s previous job. Reasonable income guidelinesShow MoreRelatedSolving the Foreclosure Crisis 1107 Words   |  5 PagesSolving the foreclosure crisis is not an easy quest. In order to solve the crisis, it will take everyone getting involved. The banks and other lenders need to be willing to work with people who have been in their homes and need to have their loans restructured or refinanced. There should not be any more QUICK FIXES. Too many of the lending institutions are trying to put a bandage on an open wound. Instead of working with the homeowners, they are willing to put the residents out of the homes and thinkRead MoreSolving the Foreclosure Crisis 972 Words   |  4 PagesIn order to solve the foreclosure crisis, first we must identify and examine the reasons why people are going i nto foreclosure. The unstable economy which has led to the loss of thousands of jobs is the most obvious reason that people are foreclosing their homes. Without a stable and sufficient source of income, it is virtually impossible to pay back mortgage lenders. The first step we should take to solve the foreclosure crises is to create more jobs so that people can pay their mortgages on timeRead MoreSolving The Foreclosure Crisis Essay985 Words   |  4 PagesHome foreclosures have been a hot topic in recent months as the economy has been in a serious downfall with a very slow recovery process. There are many different philosophies and many people truly feel that we can recover from this. We can alter the foreclosure status by giving serious consideration to the economic times and the types of mortgages that are available. Buyers must become more educated on the additional costs when getting a mortgage such as taxes, insurance, etc. The governmentRead MoreSolving the Foreclosure Cr isis 1156 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Foreclosure filings were reported on 336,173 U.S. properties in June, the fourth straight monthly total exceeding 300,000†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Brooklyn, NY – December 30, 2009 Foreclosures continue to rise drastically across the United States due to the recession, and have effected, and continue to affect thousands of families and individuals every day. One aspect we must take into consideration is that most people are not informed of what foreclosure means, or the process, even those who are homeowners.Read MoreSolving The Foreclosure Crisis1012 Words   |  5 PagesThe current foreclosure crisis is affecting everyone in this nation. If people are not experiencing the crisis firsthand, they hear about it through family, friends, and their other social networks. Nonetheless, it is impossible to escape because the media is constantly showing coverage about it. People are becoming more aware and seeing how expansive the impact is through television, internet, print, and radio. Americans are quickly realizing the impact the foreclosure crisis is having on theRead MoreSolving the Foreclosure Crisis 979 Words    |  4 PagesOne way to solve the foreclosure crisis is to actually foreclose on every homeowner’s home loan, including the homeowners in bankruptcy, pre-foreclosure and post-foreclosure. The credit report of these homeowners should read as a recession in 2009 and it should not lower their credit scores. The banks should then match the previous interest rates to the interest rates of today and appraise each home and property at the value that it was assigned by its local tax assessor. By doing this it willRead MoreSolving the Foreclosure Crisis 1578 Words   |  7 Pagespotential loss breaks down as follows: Loss from sales price: $200,000.00 5% Commission: $10,000.00 3% closing cost credit: $6,000.00 Repair credits: $1,000.00 Foreclosure fees: $50,000.00 Total loss $267,000.00 Case number one: For those whose income has not had any major variations from the time they initiated their mortgage, but are finding themselves unable to continue their payments because of anRead MoreSolving the Foreclosure Crisis Essay1092 Words   |  5 PagesThe foreclosure crisis was one of the harbingers of the coming economic recession. This was the issue that shifted the focus of the 2008 presidential election from the Iraq War to the economy. As one can imagine, many individuals and families are currently hurting as a result of this foreclosure crisis. High unemployment rates and lack of job creation leave very few options for already struggling homeowners. Because the housing industry composes such a large part of the American economy and affectsRead MoreEssay on Solving the Foreclosure Crisis 969 Words   |  4 PagesThe current foreclosure crisis that our nation is experiencing has become a great hardship on many people in America. People that have lost their jobs due to cut backs, people with families for whom they need to provide shelter, people who are otherwise very responsible but have been put in a position from which they cannot escape, these are the people that are suffering. Normally if one could not afford to make payments on their mortgage, there would be ways for them to refinance their mortgageRead MoreThe Solving The Foreclosure Crisis933 Words   |  4 Pages The foreclosure crisis, which tragically happened several years ago, stole away the homes from countless Americans and left them high and dry. These Americans were not even neglecting to pay for their mortgage on purpose; the economy took a drastic downfall and took all of those unshielded Americans with it. Now, these Americans are left with many questions that are unanswered – until now. They still have the chance to improve their credit, test out their dream home, and thrive in the current reasonable

Monday, May 11, 2020

The Government Should Limit Advertising Aimed At Children

The Government Should Limit Advertising Aimed at Children The government should exercise more control and limits on advertising that is aimed at children. Children are the leaders of the future and the children watch on average two or more hours of television a day. These are children’s most formative years. When children form ideas that prove to be substance of how they will think as adults. There are several reasons why advertising aimed at young children should be banned. Advertisers and marketers influence young children. Children are the future leaders of our world. Television encourages them to become consumers and equate ownership of things with self-worth. Thus, at an early age, children are influenced to associate status and self-worth with materialistic things. We are producing young consumers rather that productive citizens who will add value to society. While the government states its purpose for protecting children, in general terms, children are simply influenced and cannot tell advertising agenda from the truth. There are some specific and real problems that advertising can cause upon children (William A. Ramsey). Fast-food restaurant advertising it’s influencing our children to be obese. Childhood obesity around the world is causing worries, especially detrimental as its effect carries on into parenthood. The ratio of children s who are overweight has approximately tripled in the same period, reaching fourteen percent (Center for disease controlShow MoreRelatedThe Government Should Exercise More Control And Limits On Advertising868 Words   |  4 Pages The government should exercise more control and limits on advertising that is aimed at children. Children are the leaders of the future and the children watch on average two or more hours of television a day. These are children’s most formative years. When children form ideas that prove to be substance of how they will think as adults. There are several reasons why advertising aimed at young children should be banned. Advertisers and marketers influence young children. Children are the futureRead MoreChildhood Obesity And Its Effects On Children1188 Words   |  5 Pagesadopted by children affect their mental and physical health. Studies have shown that there is a link between what children see in advertisements and the lifestyle choices they make. Studies also showed that children who viewed advertisements showing healthy eating were more likely to engage in healthy eating habits (Carter and Maria). There are large amounts of advertisements for foods and drinks high in fat and sugar. Many studies show that there is a link between childhood obesity and advertising. ThereRead MoreEssay about Advertising and Childhood Obesity2520 Words   |  11 Pagesalways beat a playground, and everything is motorized. This is the way that American children are growing up, and out. But in a society that is so obsessed with look ing good and thus, thin, how are these children getting so large? Advertisements. The news has been attacking advertisements aimed at children, and rightfully so, they are showing unhealthy lifestyles and eating habits in a socially acceptable way. Children watch cartoons. Simply put, this statement has held truth for many, many years. SaturdayRead MoreFood Marketing Targeting Children And Their Own Communities Across The Country1509 Words   |  7 Pagesspeech including the regulation of advertising to children. Advancements in digital technology have allowed marketers to find more direct and personalized gateways to reach young audiences through advertising, side-stepping the authority of adults and taking advantage of children’s vulnerability. While food corporations might argue that it is ultimately the targeted audience who assesses a product and therefore no regulation should be permitted, the government needs to regulate how far commercialRead MoreObesity Is A Major I ssue844 Words   |  4 Pagessomething that should be taken lightly as it is known to lead to multiple health concerns and overall lower life expectancy. Unfortunately, the rate of obesity of children under the age of 19 has drastically increased from where it was in 1971. Also, there was a notable spike in the last 10 years and these rates continue to rise (Pineros-Leano). So why the recent spike? The fast-food industry. Despite the industry effort to reduce the marketing aimed and children, fast-food advertising for kids hasRead MoreThe Government Should Not Control What Children Eat Essay1841 Words   |  8 PagesStates, nearly twenty percent of children between the ages of 6 and 11 are clinically obese; however the government has no place trying to control this. (CDC, 2008) The current administration over steps its authority moving beyond the control of federally funded school lunches and into oversight of privately owned vending machines in public schools. Major corporation s are being bullied into censoring their advertisement exposure to younger children so that the government won’t impose their own regulationsRead MoreThe Argument Against Ban On Tobacco Related Advertising850 Words   |  4 Pageson tobacco related advertising in India are plentiful. First, proponents of the ban assert that the state has the right to intervene in the name of public health. Second, there are other precedents for dangerous or potentially dangerous products’ advertising being restricted such as firearms or pharmaceuticals. Third, tobacco related deaths are projected to increase over the next few years and we need to take action to stem the flow of new users. Fourth, youth targeted advertising campaigns are wrongRead MoreIndias Ban on Tobacco664 Words   |  3 Pagesmain concern for many governments and forced them to act and take measures to minimize the damage caused by tobacco products. One typical example of these authorities is the Indian government . For this session of written assignment, I will analyze a case study of ban on tobacco Ads by Indian government. By 2001 the government of India announced for the banning of Tobacco companies from advertising their products and sponsoring sports and cultural events. This was primarily aimed at reducing tobaccoRead MoreAdvertising Targeted to Children Essay1039 Words   |  5 Pagesdecisions on our own to not be manipulated by advertisement we encounter today but what is the there to regulate advertisement aimed to children in today’s society? In order to control advertisement targeted to children the government must set up laws to regulate what is shown because if advertisement goes unregulated the hidden effects and causes will lead our children to a variable amount of things such as health, poor future decisions and even a child’s behavior. According to CBS News In 1983Read MoreVideo Games And Its Effects On Children1403 Words   |  6 Pageslist of a million things and this list changes every day. It should come as no surprise though with the way the toy market aggressively advertises towards children. They base the continuation of certain television shows based upon the sales of certain products, they create video games based around toys to generate interest on two fronts, and they even use food as a way to get toy names out. But what does that really do for our children? Kids from impoverish families know that they won’t be able to

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Up-to-date Mobile Phones Free Essays

? The use of mobiles or cell phones in educational institutions, specifically among universities, has caused many arguments in the society. One part of society has supported the use of cell phones in universities; the other part has opposed their use bitterly during in universities. Students should not be allowed to use mobile phones in university because they misuse them, cause distraction and limit learning. We will write a custom essay sample on Up-to-date Mobile Phones or any similar topic only for you Order Now First of all, students should not use cell phones in universities because they cause disruptions during class time. For instance, some student in class may have a loud, funny ringtone that interrupt learning whenever a student receives a call or SMS. This happens as some students forget to switch off their phones and, as a result, they make a lot of noise during class time that eventually disorders the learning process because it will make students forget a part of the lesson that is so important to them. Secondly, mobile phones should not be used in universities and other institutions of learning because the students can misuse it. Despite the fact that the up-to-date mobile phones are well equipped with other additional features like email, radio, Bluetooth and cameras, students have tended to abuse them through cyber bullying whereby they hurl insults and write vulgarity to harm other students through social platforms like Facebook and twitter. Another reason why mobile phones should never be accepted in universities is the fact that their use has been known to deter the remembering of learned knowledge by the students. It has been recognized that some students have become addicted to the use of mobile phones to the extent that their rate of knowledge retention is too low because of minds that are preoccupied with social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The use of mobile phones by students in universities should be banned altogether since their use has been associated with exam cheating thus gaining an unfair advantage over their peers. In conclusion, given the compelling evidence and the undeniable negative results regarding the use of mobile phones by students within university grounds, government legislators should support the ban on mobile phones. This is because while the gadgets were meant to aid communication between different people in different circumstances, the students have continued to use them negatively thus bringing lots of harm on each other. Some people said that cell phones should not be prohibited on campus because it helps students in studying times. For example, it can be used for a quick search for information rather than wasting time to open the computer. They also said that cell phones can be used to translate words. This is true but the majority of students tend to use it in a bad way How to cite Up-to-date Mobile Phones, Papers

Thursday, April 30, 2020

My Experience in English Composition free essay sample

My experiences in this six-week English Composition-I class have been challenging and rewarding, as well as educating and developing. As far as challenging, I have only been able to attend half of the classes and therefore have only learned half as much as I could have learned otherwise. Although extenuating circumstances have kept me from attending every class, it has been a pleasure sitting under the teaching of the course instructor. As far as rewarding, I have been able to gain knowledge, understanding, and wisdom in the realm of the writing process. As far as educating, I have been informed of the basic foundation of the writing process. As far as developing, my confidence and skills have steadily improved. Over fourteen years ago, I took English Composition-I for the first time. I attended every class, wrote descent papers, and completed all of my homework. I managed to get a high grade in the class. We will write a custom essay sample on My Experience in English Composition or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page However, since those days, I have lost touch with the fundamentals of English Composition. I am retaking a full academic year of English Composition for mainly two reasons: First, I need the courses as prerequisites for admission into a foreign medical school, which prefer higher grades. Secondly, I need to improve my writing skills for the Medical College Aptitude Testing (MCAT) writing sample. Taking English Composition-I for the second time has been a rejuvenating experience. Relearning the precious essentials of English Composition-I have caused me to be a better writer. There have been several highlights in the class that have made the experience better: The insight and enthusiasm of the instructor; the hand-chosen homework assignments; the concepts of the standard composition textbook; the illustrative stories of The Longman Reader; the detailed look into process analysis; the peer review practice; and, the revising, editing and reflections have been priceless. I believe these elements of English Composition-I have adequately prepared me for English Composition-II. The insight and enthusiasm of the instructor has been of utmost importance. As far as insight, the instructor was very knowledgeable in the subject of English Composition. Also, he was able to correct mistakes made by the students, as well as encourage the students to excel. As far as enthusiasm, he had a good personality, a positive attitude, a smile on his face, and was able to effectively communicate to the level of his audience. I was captivated by these teaching characteristics. The experience I gained as a result of the instructor is that he influenced me to take composition by the heart and be meticulous with the writing process. The hand-chosen homework assignments were given with directions to read particular illustrative stories taken from â€Å"The Longman Reader. † This manual gave detailed portrayals of specific types of writing such as metaphors, narration, process analysis, compare and contrast, cause and effect, and argumentation and persuasion. The Longman Reader was designed to give short stories with many examples of each type of free writing. I was impressed by the organization of the manual. Taken as a whole, I was fascinated by the short stories; specifically the detailed breakdown and analysis of each short story. The homework seemed to always request the selection thesis for each narrative. The experience I gained from reading the short stories and answering the questions is that I formulated a methodical mindset to locate the selection thesis in every narrative. This has been an asset to my experiences gained through English Composition-I. The concepts of the English Composition textbook called â€Å"A Writer’s Reference† have been a major influence to the writing process. The book covered subjects such as: composing and revising, academic writing, sentence style, word choices, grammatical sentences, ESL challenges, punctuation, basic mechanics, researching, MLA papers, and basic grammar. This book has saved me a lot of time. It is divided into several sub-sections, which have quickly led me to the information needed. The experience I have gained from this book has caused me to realize there is a detailed and meticulous system to being a good writer. It seems almost impossible to be a perfect writer with all of the rules involved. Perfection or not, the manual is a guide to being the best writer possible. The detailed look into process analysis has been vital to understanding the organization of a particular subject. Some of basics I have learned from the study of process analysis are: to recognize the desired product of the process analysis; to put together a thesis that clarifies my attitude owards the process; keeping the audience in mind; utilizing basic prewriting to identify the best route to take in organization; identifying the directional and informational aspects of process analysis; explaining the process one step at a time; making it easy for the readers to follow the sequence of the analysis; establishing the right tone throughout the process; and, how to open and close the process an alysis effectively. My experiences learned from process analysis is the recognition of how important it is to explain the steps or sequences involved in doing something. This satisfies our need to learn as well as our curiosity about a particular matter. The peer review aspect of the class was very intriguing. My experience from peer review involved looking at other student’s papers from a constructive critical viewpoint. I learned to use a balance of tact, kindness, honesty, rigor, care, and positive reinforcement in each review. In the past, peer review seemed like a waste of time and an unnecessary step. However, as a result of this English Composition-I class, I have recanted my feeble position on the matter. My new opinion is that peer review is absolutely critical to achieve the best success in writing. The revising, editing, and reflections are the final stages of perfecting the writing process. Although no work is absolutely perfect, these final stages are necessary in developing the writing as an effective communicator. It follows this stage of the writing process separates the professional writers from the amateur writers. The scrupulous work of revising, editing, and reflection is the case in point. My experience gained from this class, concerning the final stages of the writing process, should be done with a planned strategy. This will save precious time, and will systematically help to polish the final draft of any paper or writing. In conclusion, I believe the English Composition-I class has helped me to exchange ideas and information, offer suggestions, and receive constructive, thoughtful criticism from my teacher and peers. Furthermore, the class has expanded my abilities as a writer; it has enhanced my abilities of reading, organizing, revising, and proof-reading skills; it has aided me to accentuate my ideas effectively and has brought clarity to my writing. My experiences gained through English Composition-I have been positive, beneficial, and foundational.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Women’s Power Essays

Women’s Power Essays Women’s Power Essay Women’s Power Essay Simone De Beauvoir is regarded to be rationalistic and Eurocentric. Furthermore, the contemporary feminist theorists think of her to be male-biased and opinions on Beauvoir’s works to be simply valued for historical reasons. It was also told that her ideas were generally outdated. These opinions had been spreading in the 1999 during the Fiftieth Anniversary of â€Å"The Second Sex† conference in Paris (Wyatt, 2007). Upon reading Simone De Beauvoir’s essays, it can be noted, though not obviously or greatly evident that Beauvoir’s philosophy includes a lot of very important insights for feminism, both contemporary and future feminism. Simone de Beauvoir believes that the existence precedes essence (Blunden, 1997). In this sense, Beauvoir greatly believes that an individual was not born as a woman. As such, an individual only becomes a woman if she becomes one. Beauvoir also believes that women, as placed in the context of being the â€Å"other†, are in a situation wherein men put a certain â€Å"mystery† around them. Men try to stereotype women in order to gain or have an excuse to create a society where men would dominate or thus obtain a patriarchy within the society. Women’s roles are shrouded with this false â€Å"mystery† that men place unto them. As such, oppression of women is often present in a patriarchal society, where men tend to tell everything that they need to do. There is a certain hierarchy placed in the society, where men are above, and the women below or under them. This certain mystery also occurs on other things, which may include religion, class or even in races. Regarding the slogan, â€Å"Come along way† (baby)? , in the point of view of Simone de Beauvoir, women may not have arrived because of men’s oppression or their â€Å"mysterious† state because of men. For Beauvoir, if feminism is still not present up to this day, then it did not exist even before. Though, women did come along way or need to travel a long way in order to reach or arrive in a situation where the society is no longer patriarchal. Women can only be said to have arrived if there is equality among the sexes and that women is treated as a human being, not just as the other. On the other hand, if feminism is indeed present or achieved today, then we can say that women had already arrived. In the society, man dictates the definition of women. She is characterized in relation to man; to him and not to herself. Furthermore, man can still think of himself even if woman is not present. Unlike the man, being the â€Å"other†, a woman is not able or cannot think of her self without the presence of man. Arriving at the end of woman’s journey would be difficult. In this sense, woman would need more effort for they lack the concrete means of organizing themselves. They do not have the enough capabilities to be united and stand against the other and they continue to be overshadowed by the other sex’s power. According to Beauvoir, woman has no past, no religion of their own and has no history and that she is generally dependent on man (Blunden, 1997). Throughout the course of time, as society evolves, feminism continues to live in struggle in a patriarchal society. The classes, races, religion, science and even in economics, throughout the history of humans, women are always undermined by man, though her situation is changing from one point of time to the other. They are some points in history where the battle of the sexes, the equality of men and women, had been going on and in some point, stops. But one thing is for sure, man dread feminine competition. This is probably why woman would have a hard time arriving at a place that they want to be. Estelle B. Freedman is a U. S. historian and she is well-versed in the field of feminist studies and is a co-founder of a program regarding feminist studies (Freedman, 2007). Her specialization is women’s history and social reform. She had already been recognized for her works and exemplary essays. For Freedman, feminism does not fully exist, rather it is unwell and is still being reassessed and restored to its strength with great importance and vitality. Despite the fact that she also believes that feminism has a very good future and has exceptional and unparalleled history. Freedman also believes that it requires great effort and so much work to do for women to attain the true equality and obtain real power that is parallel to that of which men have.

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

37 Cool Science Experiments for Kids to Do at Home

37 Cool Science Experiments for Kids to Do at Home SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Are you looking for cool science experiments for kids at home or for class? We’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled a list of 37 of the best science experiments for kids that cover areas of science ranging from outer space to dinosaurs to chemical reactions. By doing these easy science experiments, kids will make their own blubber and see how polar bears stay warm, make a rain cloud in a jar to observe how weather changes, create a potato battery that’ll really power a lightbulb, and more. Below are 37 of the best science projects for kids to try. For each one we include a description of the experiment, which area(s) of science it teaches kids about, how difficult it is (easy/medium/hard), how messy it is (low/medium/high), and the materials you need to do the project. Note that experiments labelled â€Å"hard† are definitely still doable; they just require more materials or time than most of these other science experiments for kids. #1: Insect Hotels Teaches Kids About: Zoology Difficulty Level: Medium Messiness Level: Medium Insect hotels can be as simple (just a few sticks wrapped in a bundle) or as elaborate as you’d like, and they’re a great way for kids to get creative making the hotel and then get rewarded by seeing who has moved into the home they built. After creating a hotel with hiding places for bugs, place it outside (near a garden is often a good spot), wait a few days, then check it to see who has occupied the â€Å"rooms.† You can also use a bug ID book or app to try and identify the visitors. Materials Needed Shadow box or other box with multiple compartments Hot glue gun with glue Sticks, bark, small rocks, dried leaves, bits of yarn/wool, etc. #2: DIY Lava Lamp Teaches Kids About: Chemical reactions Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Medium In this quick and fun science experiment, kids will mix water, oil, food coloring, and antacid tablets to create their own (temporary) lava lamp. Oil and water don’t mix easily, and the antacid tablets will cause the oil to form little globules that are dyed by the food coloring. Just add the ingredients together and you’ll end up with a homemade lava lamp! Materials Needed Water Vegetable oil Food coloring Antacid tablets #3: Magnetic Slime Teaches Kids About: Magnets Difficulty Level: Medium Messiness Level: High (The slime is black and will slightly dye your fingers when you play with it, but it washes off easily.) A step up from silly putty and Play-Doh, magnetic slime is fun to play with but also teaches kids about magnets and how they attract and repel each other. Some of the ingredients you aren’t likely to have around the house, but they can all be purchased online. After mixing the ingredients together, you can use the neodymium magnet (regular magnets won’t be strong enough) to make the magnetic slime move without touching it! Materials Needed Liquid starch Adhesive glue Iron oxide powder Neodymium (rare earth) magnet #4: Baking Soda Volcanoes Teaches Kids About: Chemical reactions, earth science Difficulty Level: Easy-medium Messiness Level: High Baking soda volcanoes are one of the classic science projects for kids, and they’re also one of the most popular. It’s hard to top the excitement of a volcano erupting inside your home. This experiment can also be as simple or in-depth as you like. For the eruption, all you need is baking soda and vinegar (dishwashing detergent adds some extra power to the eruption), but you can make the â€Å"volcano† as elaborate and lifelike as you wish. Materials Needed Baking soda Vinegar Dishwashing detergent Water Large mason jar or soda bottle Playdough or aluminum foil to make the â€Å"volcano† Additional items to place around the volcano (optional) Food coloring (optional) #5: Tornado in a Jar Teaches Kids About: Weather Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Low This is one of the quick and easy and science experiments for kids to teach them about weather. It only takes about five minutes and a few materials to set up, but once you have it ready you and your kids can create your own miniature tornado whose vortex you can see and the strength of which you can change depending on how quickly you swirl the jar. Materials Needed Mason jar Water Dish soap Vinegar Glitter (optional) #6: Colored Celery Experiment Teaches Kids About: Plants Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Low This celery science experiment is another classic science experiment that parents and teachers like because it’s easy to do and gives kids a great visual understanding of how transpiration works and how plants get water and nutrients. Just place celery stalks in cups of colored water, wait at least a day, and you’ll see the celery leaves take on the color of the water. This happens because celery stalks (like other plants) contain small capillaries that they use to transport water and nutrients throughout the plant. Materials Needed Celery stalks (can also use white flowers or pale-colored cabbage) Glass jars Water Food coloring #7: Rain Cloud in a Jar Teaches Kids About: Weather Difficulty Level: Medium Messiness Level: Low This experiment teaches kids about weather and lets them learn how clouds form by making their own rain cloud. This is definitely a science project that requires adult supervision since it uses boiling water as one of the ingredients, but once you pour the water into a glass jar, the experiment is fast and easy, and you’ll be rewarded with a little cloud forming in the jar due to condensation. Materials Needed Glass jar with a lid Boiling water Aerosol hairspray Ice cubes Food coloring (optional) #8: Edible Rock Candy Teaches Kids About: Crystal formation Difficulty Level: Medium Messiness Level: Medium It takes about a week for the crystals of this rock candy experiment to form, but once they have you’ll be able to eat the results! After creating a sugar solution, you’ll fill jars with it and dangle strings in them that’ll slowly become covered with the crystals. This experiment involves heating and pouring boiling water, so adult supervision is necessary, once that step is complete, even very young kids will be excited to watch crystals slowly form. Materials Needed Glass jars Water Sugar Large saucepan Clothespins String or small skewers Food coloring (optional) Candy flavoring (optional) #9: Water Xylophone Teaches Kids About: Sound waves Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Low With just some basic materials you can create your own musical instrument to teach kids about sound waves. In this water xylophone experiment, you’ll fill glass jars with varying levels of water. Once they’re all lined up, kids can hit the sides with wooden sticks and see how the itch differs depending on how much water is in the jar (more water=lower pitch, less water=higher pitch). This is because sound waves travel differently depending on how full the jars are with water. Materials Needed Glass jars Water Wooden sticks/skewers Food coloring #10: Blood Model in a Jar Teaches Kids About: Human biology Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Medium This blood model experiment is a great way to get kids to visual what their blood looks like and how complicated it really is. Each ingredient represents a different component of blood (plasma, platelets, red blood cells, etc.), so you just add a certain amount of each to the jar, swirl it around a bit, and you have a model of what your blood looks like. Materials Needed Empty jar or bottle Corn syrup Red cinnamon candies Marshmallows or dry white lima beans White sprinkles #: Potato Battery Teaches Kids About: Electricity Difficulty Level: Hard Messiness Level: Low Did you know that a simple potato can produce enough energy to keep a light bulb lit for over a month? You can create a simple potato battery to show kids. There are kits that provide all the necessary materials and how to set it up, but if you don’t purchase one of these it can be a bit trickier to gather everything you need and assemble it correctly. Once it’s set though, you’ll have your own farm grown battery! Materials Needed Fresh potato Two wires Galvanized nail Copper coin Lightbulb #12: Homemade Pulley Teaches Kids About: Simple machines Difficulty Level: Medium Messiness Level: Low This science activity requires some materials you may not already have, but once you’ve gotten them, the homemade pulley takes only a few minutes to set up, and you can leave the pulley up for your kids to play with all year round. This pulley is best set up outside, but can also be done indoors. Materials Needed Clothesline 2 clothesline pulleys Bucket #13: Light Refraction Teaches Kids About: Light Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Low This light refraction experiment takes only a few minutes to set up and uses basic materials, but it’s a great way to show kids how light travels. You’ll draw two arrows on a sticky note, stick it to the wall, then fill a clear water bottle with water. As you move the water bottle in front of the arrows, the arrows will appear to change the direction they’re pointing. This is because of the refraction that occurs when light passes through materials like water and plastic. Materials Needed Sticky note Marker Transparent water bottle Water #14: Nature Journaling Teaches Kids About: Ecology, scientific observation Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Low A nature journal is a great way to encourage kids to be creative and really pay attention to what’s going on around them. All you need is a blank journal (you can buy one or make your own) along with something to write with. Then just go outside and encourage your children to write or draw what they notice. This could include descriptions of animals they see, tracings of leaves, a drawing of a beautiful flower, etc. Encourage your kids to ask questions about what they observe (Why do birds need to build nests? Why is this flower so brightly colored?) and explain to them that scientists collect research by doing exactly what they’re doing now. Materials Needed Blank journal or notebook Pens/pencils/crayons/markers Tape or glue for adding items to the journal #15: DIY Solar Oven Teaches Kids About: Solar energy Difficulty Level: Hard Messiness Level: Medium This homemade solar oven definitely requires some adult help to set up, but after it’s ready you’ll have your own mini oven that uses energy from the sun to make s’mores or melt cheese on pizza. While the food is cooking, you can explain to kids how the oven uses the sun’s rays to heat the food. Materials Needed Pizza box Aluminum foil Knife or box cutter Permanent marker Ruler Glue Plastic cling wrap Black construction paper Tape #16: Animal Blubber Simulation Teaches Kids About: Ecology, zoology Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Medium If your kids are curious about how animals like polar bears and seals stay warm in polar climates, you can go beyond just explaining it to them; you can actually have them make some of their own blubber and test it out. After you’ve filled up a large bowl with ice water and let it sit for a few minutes to get really cold, have your kids dip a bare hand in and see how many seconds they can last before their hand gets too cold. Next, coat one of their fingers in shortening and repeat the experiment. Your child will notice that, with the shortening acting like a protective layer of blubber, they don’t feel the cold water nearly as much. Materials Needed Bowl of ice water Shortening #17: Static Electricity Butterfly Teaches Kids About: Electricity Difficulty Level: Medium Messiness Level: Medium This experiment is a great way for young kids to learn about static electricity, and it’s more fun and visual than just having them rub balloons against their heads. First you’ll create a butterfly, using thick paper (such as cardstock) for the body and tissue paper for the wings. Then, blow up the balloon, have the kids rub it against their head for a few seconds, then move the balloon to just above the butterfly’s wings. The wings will move towards the balloon due to static electricity, and it’ll look like the butterfly is flying. Materials Needed Cardboard Tissue paper Thick paper Pencil Scissors Glue stick/glue Balloon #18: Edible Double Helix Teaches Kids About: Genetics Difficulty Level: Medium Messiness Level: Medium If your kids are learning about genetics, you can do this edible double helix craft to show them how DNA is formed, what its different parts are, and what it looks like. The licorice will form the sides or backbone of the DNA and each color of marshmallow will represent one of the four chemical bases. Kids will be able to see that only certain chemical bases pair with each other. Materials Needed 2 pieces of licorice 12 toothpicks Small marshmallows in 4 colors (9 of each color) 5 paperclips Tape #19: Leak-Proof Bag Teaches Kids About: Molecules, plastics Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Low This is an easy experiment that’ll appeal to kids of a variety of ages. Just take a zip-lock bag, fill it about â…” of the way with water, and close the top. Next, poke a few sharp objects (like bamboo skewers or sharp pencils) through one end and out the other. At this point you may want to dangle the bag above your child’s head, but no need to worry about spills because the bag won’t leak? Why not? It’s because the plastic used to make zip-lock bags is made of polymers, or long chains of molecules that’ll quickly join back together when they’re forced apart. Materials Needed Zip-lock bags Water Objects with sharp ends (pencils, bamboo skewers, etc.) #20: How Do Leaves Breathe? Teaches Kids About: Plant science Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Low It takes a few hours to see the results of this leaf experiment, but it couldn’t be easier to set up, and kids will love to see a leaf actually â€Å"breathing.† Just get a large-ish leaf, place it in a bowl (glass works best so you can see everything) filled with water, place a small rock on the leaf to weigh it down, and leave it somewhere sunny. Come back in a few hours and you’ll see little bubbles in the water created when the leaf releases the oxygen it created during photosynthesis. Materials Needed Large leaf Large bowl (preferably glass) Small rock Magnifying glass (optional) #21: Popsicle Stick Catapults Teaches Kids About: Simple machines Difficulty Level: Medium Messiness Level: Low Kids will love shooting pom poms out of these homemade popsicle stick catapults. After assembling the catapults out of popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and plastic spoons, they’re ready to launch pom poms or other lightweight objects. To teach kids about simple machines, you can ask them about how they think the catapults work, what they should do to make the pom poms go a farther/shorter distance, and how the catapult could be made more powerful. Materials Needed Popsicle sticks Rubber bands Plastic spoons Pom poms Paint (optional) #22: Elephant Toothpaste Teaches Kids About: Chemical reactions Difficulty Level: Medium Messiness Level: High You won’t want to do this experiment near anything that’s difficult to clean (outside may be best), but kids will love seeing this â€Å"elephant toothpaste† crazily overflowing the bottle and oozing everywhere. Pour the hydrogen peroxide, food coloring, and dishwashing soap into the bottle, and in the cup mix the yeast packet with some warm water for about 30 seconds. Then, add the yeast mixture to the bottle, stand back, and watch the solution become a massive foamy mixture that pours out of the bottle! The â€Å"toothpaste† is formed when the yeast removed the oxygen bubbles from the hydrogen peroxide which created foam. This is an exothermic reaction, and it creates heat as well as foam (you can have kids notice that the bottle became warm as the reaction occurred). Materials Needed Clean 16-oz soda bottle 6% solution of hydrogen peroxide 1 packet of dry yeast Water Dishwashing soap Food coloring (optional) Small cup #23: How Do Penguins Stay Dry? Teaches Kids About: Zoology Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Medium Penguins, and many other birds, have special oil-producing glands that coat their feathers with a protective layer that causes water to slide right off them, keeping them warm and dry. You can demonstrate this to kids with this penguin craft by having them color a picture of a penguin with crayons, then spraying the picture with water. The wax from the crayons will have created a protective layer like the oil actual birds coat themselves with, and the paper won’t absorb the water. Materials Needed Penguin image (included in link) Crayons Spray bottle Water Blue food coloring (optional) #24: Rock Weathering Experiment Teaches Kids About: Geology Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Low This mechanical weathering experiment teaches kids why and how rocks break down or erode. Take two pieces of clay, form them into balls, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Then, leave one out while placing the other in the freezer overnight. The next day, unwrap and compare them. You can repeat freezing the one piece of clay every night for several days to see how much more cracked and weathered it gets than the piece of clay that wasn’t frozen. It may even begin to crumble. This weathering also happens to rocks when they are subjected to extreme temperatures, and it’s one of the causes of erosion. Materials Needed Clay Plastic wrap Freezer #25: Saltwater Density Teaches Kids About: Water density Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Medium For this saltwater density experiment, you’ll fill four clear glasses with water, then add salt to one glass, sugar to one glass, and baking soda to one glass, leaving one glass with just water. Then, float small plastic pieces or grapes in each of the glasses and observe whether they float or not. Saltwater is denser than freshwater, which means some objects may float in saltwater that would sink in freshwater. You can use this experiment to teach kids about the ocean and other bodies of saltwater, such as the Dead Sea, which is so salty people can easily float on top of it. Materials Needed Four clear glasses Water Salt Sugar Baking soda Lightweight plastic objects or small grapes #26: Starburst Rock Cycle Teaches Kids About: Geology Difficulty Level: Medium Messiness Level: Medium With just a package of Starbursts and a few other materials, you can create models of each of the three rock types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Sedimentary â€Å"rocks† will be created by pressing thin layers of Starbursts together, metamorphic by heating and pressing Starbursts, and igneous by applying high levels of heat to the Starbursts. Kids will learn how different types of rocks are forms and how the three rock types look different from each other. Materials Needed Starbursts Aluminum foil Wax paper Toaster oven Towel Oven mitts #27: Inertia Wagon Experiment Teaches Kids About: Inertia Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Low This simple experiment teaches kids about inertia (as well as the importance of seatbelts!). Take a small wagon, fill it with a tall stack of books, then have one of your children pull it around then stop abruptly. They won’t be able to suddenly stop the wagon without the stack of books falling. You can have the kids predict which direction they think the books will fall and explain that this happens because of inertia, or Newton’s first law. Materials Needed Wagon Stack of books #28: Dinosaur Tracks Teaches Kids About: Paleontology Difficulty Level: Medium Messiness Level: Medium How are some dinosaur tracks still visible millions of years later? By mixing together several ingredients, you’ll get a claylike mixture you can press your hands/feet or dinosaur models into to make dinosaur track imprints. The mixture will harden and the imprints will remain, showing kids how dinosaur (and early human) tracks can stay in rock for such a long period of time. Materials Needed Used coffee grounds Coffee Flour Salt Wax paper Bowl Wooden spoon Rolling pin #29: Sidewalk Constellations Teaches Kids About: Astronomy Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Medium If you do this sidewalk constellation craft, you’ll be able to see the Big Dipper and Orion’s Belt in the daylight. On the sidewalk, have kids draw the lines of constellations (using constellation diagrams for guidance) and place stones where the stars are. You can then look at astronomy charts to see where the constellations they drew will be in the sky. Materials Needed Sidewalk chalk Small stones Diagrams of constellations #30: Lung Model Teaches Kids About: Human biology Difficulty Level: Medium Messiness Level: Low By building a lung model, you can teach kids about respiration and how their lungs work. After cutting off the bottom of a plastic bottle, you’ll stretch a balloon around the opened end and insert another balloon through the mouth of the bottle. You’ll then push a straw through the neck of the bottle and secure it with a rubber band and play dough. By blowing into the straw, the balloons will inflate then deflate, similar to how our lungs work. Materials Needed Plastic bottle Straw Rubber band Scissors 2 balloons Play dough #31: Homemade Dinosaur Bones Teaches Kids About: Paleontology Difficulty Level: Medium Messiness Level: Medium By mixing just flour, salt, and water, you’ll create a basic salt dough that’ll harden when baked. You can use this dough to make homemade dinosaur bones and teach kids about paleontology. You can use books or diagrams to learn how different dinosaur bones were shaped, and you can even bury the bones in a sandpit or something similar and then excavate them the way real paleontologists do. Materials Needed Flour Salt Water Images of dinosaur bones Oven #32: Clay and Toothpick Molecules Teaches Kids About: Human biology Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Medium There are many variations on homemade molecule science crafts. This one uses clay and toothpicks, although gumdrops or even small pieces of fruit like grapes can be used in place of clay. Roll the clay into balls and use molecule diagrams to attach the clay to toothpicks in the shape of the molecules. Kids can make numerous types of molecules and learn how atoms bond together to form molecules. Materials Needed Clay or gumdrops (in four colors) Toothpicks Diagrams of molecules #33: Articulated Hand Model Teaches Kids About: Human biology Difficulty Level: Medium Messiness Level: Low By creating an articulated hand model, you can teach kids about bones, joints, and how our hands are able to move in many ways and accomplish so many different tasks. After creating a hand out of thin foam, kids will cut straws to represent the different bones in the hand and glue them to the fingers of the hand models. You’ll then thread yarn (which represents tendons) through the straws, stabilize the model with a chopstick or other small stick, and end up with a hand model that moves and bends the way actual human hands do. Materials Needed Craft foam Straws (paper work best) Tape Beads Twine or yarn Scissors Chopsticks Pen #34: Solar Energy Experiment Teaches Kids About: Solar energy, light rays Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Medium This solar energy science experiment will teach kids about solar energy and how different colors absorb different amounts of energy. In a sunny spot outside, place six colored pieces of paper next to each other, and place an ice cube in the middle of each paper. Then, observe how quickly each of the ice cubes melt. The ice cube on the black piece of paper will melt fastest since black absorbs the most light (all the light ray colors), while the ice cube on the white paper will melt slowest since white absorbs the least light (it instead reflects light). You can then explain why certain colors look the way they do. (Colors besides black and white absorb all light except for the one ray color they reflect; this is the color they appear to us.) Materials Needed Ice cubes 6 squares of differently colored paper/cardstock (must include black paper and white paper) #35: How to Make Lightning Teaches Kids About: Electricity, weather Difficulty Level: Medium Messiness Level: Low You don’t need a storm to see lightning; you can actually create your own lightning at home. For younger kids this experiment requires adult help and supervision. You’ll stick a thumbtack through the bottom of an aluminum tray, then stick the pencil eraser to the pushpin. You’ll then rub the piece of wool over the aluminum tray, and then set the tray on the Styrofoam, where it’ll create a small spark/tiny bolt of lightning! Materials Needed Pencil with eraser Glue Aluminum tray or pie tin Wool cloth Styrofoam tray Thumbtack #36: Tie-Dyed Milk Teaches Kids About: Surface tension Difficulty Level: Easy Messiness Level: Medium For this magic milk experiment, partly fill a shallow dish with milk, then add a one drop of each food coloring color to different parts of the milk. The food coloring will mostly stay where you placed it. Next, carefully add one drop of dish soap to the middle of the milk. It’ll cause the food coloring to stream through the milk and away from the dish soap. This is because the dish soap breaks up the surface tension of the milk by dissolving the milk’s fat molecules. Materials Needed Shallow dish Milk (high-fat works best) Food coloring Dish soap #37: How Do Stalactites Form? Teaches Kids About: Geology Difficulty Level: Medium Messiness Level: Medium Have you ever gone into a cave and seen huge stalactites hanging from the top of the cave? Stalactites are formed by dripping water. The water is filled with particles which slowly accumulate and harden over the years, forming stalactites. You can recreate that process with this stalactite experiment. By mixing a baking soda solution, dipping a piece of wool yarn in the jar and running it to another jar, you’ll be able to observe baking soda particles forming and hardening along the yarn, similar to how stalactites grow. Materials Needed Baking soda Safety pins 2 glass jars Wool yarn Water Summary: Cool Science Experiments for Kids Any one of these simple science experiments for kids can get children learning and excited about science. You can choose a science experiment based on your child’s specific interest or what they’re currently learning about, or you can do an experiment on an entirely new topic to expand their learning and teach them about a new area of science. From easy science experiments for kids to the more challenging ones, these will all help kids have fun and learn more about science. What's Next? Are you also interested in pipe cleaner crafts for kids? We have a guide to some of the best pipe cleaner crafts to try! Looking for multiple different slime recipes? We tell you how to make slimes without borax and without glue as well as how to craft the ultimate super slime. Want to learn more about clouds? Learn how to identify every cloud in the sky with our guide to the 10 types of clouds. Want to know the fastest and easiest ways to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius? We've got you covered! Check out our guide to the best ways to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit (or vice versa).

Monday, February 17, 2020

Bioremediation Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Bioremediation Questions - Essay Example In Situ bioremediation skill developing as a less expensive, more effectual option to the average pump-and-treat techniques applied to clean up aquifers and soils polluted with organic chemicals (e.g., chlorinated solvents), however, has since developed in dimension, to tackle explosives, inorganic, as well as toxic metals (e.g., Chromium).   ISB has the prospective to offer advantages like destruction of the pollutant(s), lesser risk to site workers, as well as lower equipment/operating expenses (Singh, Ajay, and Owen, 20). Oil remediation is the procedure employed to clean up oil spills. However, Oil spills threaten the fitness of beings plus are harmful to the surroundings and might be remedied in a diversity of means. The risk level plus the exact oil remediation applied depend on the dimension of the spill, the oil, the location of the spill as well as the climate where the spill takes place. The most favored technique of oil remediation, particularly in the water, is to leave it alone as well as allow it naturally disintegrates (Alexander 35). Moreover, when there is no threat of leaks influences marine wildlife or coastal areas, the wind, ocean currents, sun, as well as waves will efficiently break up as well as evaporate most types of oil. The lighter the oil the simpler it will break down as expected. Having the oil with booms as well as gathering it with skimmer gear is another technique of oil remediation for a leak in the water, apart from for the high seas. Moreover, Booms might be made of a broad array of materials plus come in a huge diversity of forms (Singh, Ajay, and Owen 25). Depending on the dimension of the leak, they might be positioned in deep water, float consistently with the water line or sit above the water line up to one meter. When the oil is contained, it is sucks out plus positioned in nearby vessels. In several cases, it

Monday, February 3, 2020

Plant Exploration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Plant Exploration - Essay Example Forests, rich in plant life, are spread across Kenya. Some plants in Kenya are used to make refreshment drinks. Plants such as tea and coffee undergo manufacturing and the end product is used to prepare drinks that are often taken in the morning hours. About eighty percent of the Kenyan population wakes up to a cup of tea or coffee every morning. This is due to its cheapness and exudes health benefits. Tea and coffee consumers have grown exponentially for the past few years. Tea and coffee drinks preparation is easy and can be done at the comfort of your home. Fruit juices are also consumed in Kenya. Avocados, oranges, mangoes among others are squeezed to produce a very sweet juice. The tree tomato fruits are used in making salad. The types of juices and salads depend on the consumer taste and most of them are readily available. Some alcoholic drinks are made from plants. Fermentation of plant fruits yield a sweet and alcoholic drink that is consumed by the locals. Each tribe in Keny a has its own type of alcoholic drink. In coastal areas, for example, the locals use the coconut plant to make an alcoholic drink. (www.ktda.com) The building and construction industry in Kenya is aided by plants. Timber is common in the building industry. In rural areas they use trees to build their houses while in urban centres they are used as pillars or roofing materials. Trees are also used in construction of makeshift business premises. Hardwood trees are cut and shaped to manufacture beautiful sculptures by the locals. The baobab tree is used to make durable furniture. Kenya harbours various craftsmen who use plants to make beautiful items such as wall frames. In Kenya, however, deforestation is highly controlled by the government in order to protect plant life. Kenyans also use plants to construct transportation means. Carts and wheelbarrows are wooden and are convenient because they can carry all sorts of luggage. Some communities in Kenya use shrines as sacred places. Thes e shrines are built by placing leaves and trees in strategic positions where people go to communicate with their Deity. In a nutshell, the building and construction industry cannot survive in Kenya without plant life.( Daily Nation Newspaper) Plants are also used for medicinal purposes in Kenya. The idea of treating patients using herbal plants was coined from the forefathers. Herbalists exist in Kenya up to this day. Traditional medicine which comprised of specific plants is still considered in treating diseases. Aloe Vera is an example of a plant used for medicinal purpose. In Kenya, manufactured drugs are expensive depending on the ailment and people turn to plants for their recovery. Herbalists grind and crush different types of leaves from specific plants into a concoction. The concoction then is used in treating headaches, stomach aches, heartburn and other pains. Plants such as Khat are also believed to aid in dieting because they suppress hunger pangs. Leaves from specific p lants treat snake bites in the Kikuyu and Kamba community. Rural health planning in Kenya appreciates medicinal plants for they are readily available and cheap. (www.overlandingafrica.com/kenya/?) Kenyans use plants to relieve hunger pangs each and every day. There are common types of foods across the country although some of them originate from specific communities. Kikuyus enjoy a mixture

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Business Aligning And Business Impact Information Technology Essay

Business Aligning And Business Impact Information Technology Essay There are many views on what constitutes business strategy. Definitions for business strategy and its features include the following. A business strategy à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ should encapsulate a statement of an organisations mission or vision so that there is a clear and consistent point of focus (King, 1978); à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ provides a deliberate plan of action (Kaplan Norton, 1996: Henderson Venkatraman, 1993, King 1978); 2)Definition of IS/ IT Strategy Figure 1: IS/IT Strategy. The figure describes the where, what and how of the planning Source: Source: Edwards, Ward Bytheway, 1991; Ward Peppard, 2002, p.41 IS Strategy IS strategy can be defined as a strategy to implement information systems that recognizes organizational requirements, in other words demand for the information and systems to support the overall business strategy and its plan to gain or maintain the advantage (Rackoff, Wiseman Ullrich, 1985; Ward Peppard, 2002; Edwards, Ward Bytheway, 1991). An IS strategy should include the business needs for the future aligned closely to the business strategy. It should also define and prioritize the investments needed to achieve the application portfolio. IT Strategy IT strategy is the supply to the demand created by IS strategy. It outlines the vision of how the organizations demand for information and systems will be supported by technology (Ward Peppard, 2002). They further suggest that the IT strategy is concerned with the IT capabilities and services like IT operations, systems development and user support. Luftman (2003) refers to the IT strategy as a set of decisions made by IT and functional business managers that either enable or drive the business strategy. It leads to the deployment of technology infrastructure and applications, and human competencies that will assist the organization in becoming more competitive. Figure2: Inputs and outputs of IS/ IT strategy Source: Edwards, Ward Bytheway, 1991 Literature on IS and IT Strategy In view of Clarke (2005), The role of Information Systems (IS) has developed during the years. The original formation was of automation of existing manual and precomputer mechanical processes. This (automation of existing manual processes) was quickly replaced by the rationalisation and integration of systems. In both of these forms, IS was regarded primarily as an operational support tool, and secondarily as a service to Management Clarke (2005) further suggests, Information Technology (IT) had been critical to the implementation of an organizations strategy. The dominant sense in which the term is used is that a strategic information system (SIS) is an information system which supports an organization in fulfilling its business goals. Ward and Griffiths (1996, p1) say that it is essential for the organizations to understand how the role of technology based information systems has evolved. With time, organizations have realised that there is a need to approach IS/IT more tactically by understanding the role of IT in business, and making IT a part of business. As suggested by Ward and Peppard (2002, p1) the organizations are looking at the application of technology not only to underpin existing business operations but also to create new opportunities that provide them with a source of competitive advantage and propose a strategic approach for managing their systems. Kearns and Lederer (2003) have supported the critical and strategic role of IS/IT by stating that, Recent surveys of CEOs (Chief Executive Officer) have shown that, despite numerous failed investments, information technology has assumed a critical and strategic role in their organization. If IS/IT is to fulfil its role, the CIOs (Chief Information Officer) need to adopt Strategic Information Systems Planning. SISP began during 1970s and organizations began using IS/IT in ways that changed the functioning of their businesses. Bruns and McFarlan (1987) thought that, Information Technology has done more than just enhancing the existing processes within the organization. IT has provided the spark that caused the managers to rethink their business strategies. The organizations that have changed their control systems and structures have seen a transformation in the effectiveness of the business processes. Bruns and McFarlan (1987) further suggest that, they have found ways to channel the power of information to the muscles of their corporations. IS/ IT- Business Alignment For an organization to achieve competitive advantage it is important that the business use IS/IT to support the main business processes and become dependant on IS/IT. It is also important that there is IT participation in business planning (BP) and vice-versa. Chan and Huff (1993) say alignment of an IS plan and the business plan is very important and it leads to IS efficiency and value. A closer look at the aims for adopting a IS/IT strategy according to Ward and Peppard (2002) suggests that the SISP process is used for aligning IS/IT with business and gain competitive advantage from business opportunities created by using IS/IT. However, not all IT projects are implemented and many factors have been identified that contribute to IT failures. One of the main failures that have been highlighted is that the 14 failure to implement is due to the planning process and its practices (Hartono et al.2003). Another major problem that has been seen in SISP is failure to translate goals and objectives into action plans (Teo Ang, 2001 in Hartono et al., 2003) and lack of support for IT architecture and also the duration of SISP have been viewed as factors contributing to low rate of implementation. According to Reich and Benbasant (1996) is a process. It is unique to each organization and uses both the IT and business knowledge to support business objectives. Thus, it is important to bring IT into the main business stream and let IT function as an entity in the business. For this to happen, the senior executives in the companies must work together and define the business needs and frame an IS/IT and business strategy to support the business goals and objectives. Thus, for an organization to achieve competitive advantage and improve business performance it is important to align its IS/IT plan with the business plan, and IS/IT systems should be used in accordance with the resources and the capabilities of the organization in times of environmental changes. SISP is a way to implement those IS/IT systems not only to achieve competitive advantage but also for proper functioning in the ever-changing business environment. Business Aligning and Business Impact of IS IT Because of the complexity of the strategic information systems planning process and uniqueness of each organization, there is no one best way to tackle it. Vitale, et al. (1986) classify SISP methodologies into two categories: impact and alignment. Impact methodologies help create and justify new uses of IT, while the methodologies in the alignment category align IS objectives with organizational goals. 1) Impact Methodologies Value Chain Analysis: The concept of value chain is considered at length by Michael Porter (1984). According to him, every firm is a collection of activities that are performed to design, produce, market, deliver, and support its product. All these activities can be represented using a value chain. Porter goes on to explain that information technology is one of the major support activities for the value chain. Information systems technology is particularly pervasive in the value chain, since every value activity creates and uses information. A firm that can discover a better technology for performing an activity than its competitors thus gains competitive advantage (Porter, 1985). Thus value chain analysis: (a) Is a form of business activity analysis which decomposes an enterprise into its parts. Information systems are derived from this analysis. (b) Helps in devising information systems which increase the overall profit available to a firm. (c) Helps in identifying the potential for mutual business advantages of component businesses, in the same or related industries, available from information interchange. (d) Concentrates on value-adding business activities and is independent of organizational structure. Strengths: The main strength of value chain analysis is that it concentrates on direct value adding activities of a firm and thus pitches information systems right into the realm of value adding rather than cost cutting. Weaknesses: Value chain analysis suffers from a few weaknesses, namely, (a) It only provides a higher level information model for a firm and fails to address the development and implementation issues, (b) Because of its focus on internal operations instead of data, it fails to define a data structure for the firm. 2) Alignment Methodologies Business Systems Planning (BSP): The methodology focuses on business processes which in turn are derived from an organizations business mission, objectives and goals. Business processes are analyzed to determine data needs and, then, data classes. Similar data classes are combined to develop databases. The final BSP plan describes an overall information systems architecture as well as installation schedule of individual systems. Steps in a BSP study are: Barlow (1990) and Ledrer and Sethi (1988) have discussed strengths and weaknesses of BSP. Strengths: Because BSP combines a top down business analysis approach with a bottom up implementation strategy, it represents an integrated methodology. In top down strategy, BSP develops an overall understanding of business plans and supporting IS needs through joint discussions. Weaknesses: (a) BSP requires a firm commitment from the top management and their substantial involvement. (b) It requires a high degree of IT experience within the BSP planning team. ((e) Major weakness of BSP is the considerable time and effort required for its successful implementation. About the Assignment The past few decades have witnessed major changes in the way we do business. Increased competition and the pursuit of ever-greater performance have forced businesses to focus on quality, efficiency, and productivity, while encouraging innovation and creativity. In addition, there have been significant changes in global economies and in the structure of the business worlds that exist in those economies. As a result, a variety of disparate approaches and methodologies for evaluating and restructuring business enterprises has emerged. The terms reengineering and business transformation have taken on amazing significance. In many company like Dell, those terms mean the complete assessment, restructure and redesign of entire businesses, including information technology (IT) and Information System its Management (IS) In Below assignment we are going to focus on Business strategies and Information strategies of Dell Company, we are also going to look into Advantage and Disadvantage of Business strategies, Information System and Information Technology in general. Company Overview Dell, a Delaware corporation, was founded in 1984 by Michael Dell on a simple concept: by selling computer systems directly to customers, Dell could best understand their needs and efficiently provide the most effective computing solutions to meet those needs. Dell is based in Round Rock, Texas, and conducts operations worldwide through its subsidiaries. Unless otherwise specified, references to Dell include its consolidated subsidiaries. Dell operates principally in one industry and is managed in three geographic segments: the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific-Japan regions. Vision Statement: Its the way we (Dell) do business. Its the way we (Dell) interact with the community. Its the way we interpret the world around us-ours customers needs, the future of technology, and the global business climate. Whatever changes the future may bring our vision Dell Vision will be our guiding force. Dell needs full customer satisfaction. In order to become the most successful computer company, they need the newest technology and loyal customers. Mission Statement: Dells mission is to be the most successful Computer Company in the world at delivering the best customer experience in markets we serve. In doing so, Dell will meet customer expectations of: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Highest quality à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Leading technology à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Competitive pricing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Individual and company accountability à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Best-in-class service and support à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Flexible customization capability à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Superior corporate citizenship à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Financial stability http://retailindustry.about.com/od/topusretailcompanies/p/dellincprofile.htm Business Strategy of Dell Dells business strategy combines its direct customer model with a highly efficient manufacturing and supply chain management organization and an emphasis on standards-based technologies. This strategy enables Dell to provide customers with superior value; high-quality, relevant technology; customized systems; superior service and support; and products and services that are easy to buy and use. The key tenets of Dells business strategy are: A direct relationship is the most efficient path to the customer.  A direct customer relationship, also referred to as Dells direct business model, eliminates wholesale and retail dealers that add unnecessary time and cost or diminish Dells understanding of customer expectations. At www.dell.com, customers may review, configure and price systems within Dells entire product line; order systems online; and track orders from manufacturing through shipping. Customers can purchase custom-built products and custom-tailored services. Dells flexible, build-to-order manufacturing process enables Dell to turn over inventory every four days on average, and reduce inventory levels. Dell is the low-cost leader. Dell maintains the lowest cost structure among its major competitors, and to pass those savings to its customers. Non-proprietary standards-based technologies deliver the best value to customers.  Dell believes that non-proprietary standards-based technologies are critical to providing customers with relevant, high-value products and services. Focusing on standards gives customers the benefit of extensive research and development from http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826083/000095013405004423/d22995e10vk.htm Information Systems Strategy of Dell Information systems were critical to Dell. The information systems supported the Dell Direct business model by providing a range of tools from order entry to production integration. Information systems provided the means for delivery of instant information to employees through e-mail or over the intranet. And information systems were a way to connect suppliers to the business, to collect and analyze information collected from the marketplace, and to support decisions on everything from hiring practices to product offerings to pricing. IT is an enabler to make the business model work, The backbone of the information system was an architecture called G2 (See Exhibit 3). Data Engine Message Broker Application Server Wed Based Client Application G2 Model The G2 architecture was an object-based infrastructure, with a web browser front end interface. It had a single point of connection and was built in small pieces. There was local control of functionality but a global view of the business. The primary components of the G2 architecture were commonly available applications such as Microsoft office, database engines, and Internet servers. The G2 architecture was similar in design to the Dell organization structure, which was also built in small pieces, with local control but a global view of the business. The Dell business model resulted in a different production profile than other business models. The direct model implied that every production run is unique in some way, and hence every lot was of quantity one. http://www.kppartners.com/documents/zerotime-dell_case_study.pdf Analysing Business Aligning in Dell To show Business aligning in Dell we will use value chains analysis The value chain in place at most firms assumes a make-to-forecast strategy. That is, standard products are produced from long-term forecasts of customer demand. And in the case of Dell Computer corporation Michael Dell made business model, which allows the company to build each product to order. Dell is well-known for its ability to mass-produce computers that are customized to a customers order. This production and operations process is known as mass-customization or, in a value-chain context, a build-to-order (BTO) strategy. In its build-to-order strategy, Dell assembles the product only after the customer has placed the order, . At Dell, this process depends on computer systems that link customer order information to production, assembly, and delivery operations. BTO frequently requires a change in organizational culture, managerial thinking, and supplier interactions and support. Inevitably, the process begins by acquiring a better understanding of customer demand; then improvements in information flow will produce the ability to increase responsiveness in all areas of the value chain. http://www.calstatela.edu/faculty/msabet/c12_Turban_0471705225.pdf Advantage and Disadvantage Of Business Strategies There are numerous advantages you can extract from the marketplace if you know how. And the marketing plan is an excellent tool for identifying and developing Business strategies for extracting these advantages. 1) Advantages of Business Strategies of Dell: Identifies needs and wants of consumers Determines demand for product Aids in design of products that fulfil consumers needs Dells inventory turnover rate of 60 times per year compares to 12-15 times for most indirect vendor. Dell can develop direct customer relationship. Dell knows who the end user is, what equipment it has bought from Dell, where it was shipped, and how much the customer has spent with Dell. Dell uses that information to offer add-on products and services, to coordinate maintenance and technical support, and to help the customer plan its PC replacement and upgrade cycle. 2) Disadvantages of Business Strategies of Dell: Leads to faulty marketing decisions based on improperly analyzed data Creates unrealistic financial projections if information is interpreted incorrectly Identifies weaknesses in overall business plan http://inventors.about.com/od/licensingmarketing/a/advantages_mark.htm Advantage and Disadvantage of IS and IT 1) Advantages of information technology and Information System Dell Inc Dell Inc company realizes Internet-associated efficiencies throughout its business, including procurement, customer support and relationship management. At www.dell.com, customers may review, configure and price systems within Dells entire product line; order systems online; and track orders from manufacturing through shipping. At valuechain.dell.com, Dell shares information with its suppliers on a range of topics, including product quality and inventory. Dell also uses the Internet to deliver industry-leading customer services. For instance, thousands of business and institutional customers worldwide use Dells Premier Dell.com Web pages to do business with the company online. http://e-learning.dmst.aueb.gr/mis/Cases/Dell/index.htm 2) Disadvantages of information technology and Information System for Dell Inc The Internet has also created entirely new markets and formed the basis for thousands of new businesses and that is biggest disadvantage for Dell Inc. Internet technology is based on universal standards that any company can use, making it easy for rivals to compete on price alone, due to which profits have gone down. Information is available to everyone on internet, due which it raises the bargaining power of customers, who can quickly find the lowest-cost provider http://www.prenhall.com/behindthebook/0132304619/pdf/Laudon%20Feature%203.pdf Barriers in implementation of IS and IT in Dell Company Dell Co business model was unique in its way and the company did not had time to think differently because the company was growing by about $1 billion every 9 weeks. Dell had a limited time for classroom training of new Information systems to employees. The Dell business model resulted in a different production profile than other business models. The direct model implied that every production run is unique in some way, and hence every lot was of quantity one. Dell was not able to have a centralized structure, because the local business units had to have their own IT people. As such, the information systems were highly decentralized. No programmers reported directly to the CIO. Instead, each division and business had some IT people. http://www.kppartners.com/documents/zerotime-dell_case_study.pdf Conclusion Dell has increased the opportunity for revenue and the increased access to information, which potentially translates into new product and service offerings. The advantage to the customer is the traditional one-stop-shopping arrangement for products and services, offloading these tasks from information systems organizations, and freeing the IS management up to concentrate on core business issues rather than procurement and services. http://i.dell.com/sites/content/corporate/secure/en/Documents/FY10_Form10K_Final.pdf Recommendations To get a successful IS and IT Strategy program will rely on (1) Senior managements commitment; (2) The full support and participation of the IT IS team (3) The competence of the IS and IT team, which must have the expertise to apply the specific site and system, identify mission risks, and provide cost-effective safeguards that meet the needs of the organization; (4) The awareness and cooperation of members of the user community, who must follow procedures and comply with the implemented controls to Safeguard the mission of their organization (5) An ongoing evaluation and assessment of the IS IT-related mission risks. http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/800-30/sp800-30.pdf Authors Reference Barlow, J.F., Putting Information Systems Planning Methodologies Into Perspective, Journal of Systems Management, July, 1990, pp. 6-9. Bruns Jr., W. J., McFarlan, F. W. (1987). Information technology puts power in control systems. Harvard Business Review, 65(5), 89-94. Chan, Y. E., Huff, S. L. (1993). Strategic information systems alignment. Business Quarterly, 58(1), 51-55. Clarke, R. (2005). The path of development of strategic information systems theory. Retrieved 24/04/2011, from http://www.anu.edu.au/people/Roger.Clarke/SOS/StratISTh.html Edwards, C., Ward, J., Bytheway, A. (1991). The essence of information systems. London: Prentice Hall. Retrieved from 24/06/2011 http://www.coda.ac.nz/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000context=unitec_scit_di Hartono, E., Lederer, A. L., Sethi, V., Zhuang, Y. (2003). Key predictors of the implementation of strategic information systems plans. ACM SIGMIS Database, 34(3), 41-53. Henderson, J.C. Venkatraman, N. (1993) Strategic alignment: Leveraging information technology for transforming organisations, IBM Systems Journal, Vol 32 No 1, pp 472-484. King, W.R. (1978) Strategic planning for management information systems, MIS Quarterly, Vol 2 No 1, pp 27-37 Kaplan, R.S. Norton, D.P. (1996) Translating strategy into action The Balanced scorecard, Harvard Business School Press, Boston, MA Kearns, G. S., Lederer, A. L. (2003). A resource-based view of strategic IT alignment: How knowledge sharing creates competitive advantage. Decision Sciences, 34(1), 1-29. Ledrer, Albert L., and Sethi, Vijay, The Implementation of Strategic Information Systems Planning Methodologies, MIS Quarterly, Vol. 12, No. 3, September 1988, pp. 445-460. Luftman, J. N. (2003). Competing in the information age align in the sand (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. Porter, M.E., Competitive Advantage, Free Press, 1984. Retrieved on 30/04/2011 http://viu.eng.rpi.edu/publications/strpaper.pdf Porter, M.E. and Millar, V.E., How Information Gives You Competitive Advantage, Harvard Business Review, July-August, 1985. Retrieved on 30/04/2011 http://viu.eng.rpi.edu/publications/strpaper.pdf Rackoff, N., Wiseman, C., Ullrich, W. A. (1985). Information systems for competitive advantage: implementation of a planning process. MIS Quartery, 9(4), 285-294. Reich, B. H., Benbasat, I. (1996). Measuring the linkage between business and information technology objectives. MIS Quarterly, 20(1), 55-81. Teo, T. S. H., Ang, J. S. K. (2001). An examination of major IS problems. International Journal of Information Management, 21(6), 457-470. Vitale, M., Ives, B. and Beath, C., Identifying Strategic Information Systems, Proc. 7th Intl Conf. Inf. Sys., San Diego, December 1986, pp. 265-276. Ward, J., Peppard, J. (2002). Strategic planning for information systems (3rd ed.). Chichester: John Wiley. Retrieved on 25/04/2011 http://www.coda.ac.nz/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000context=unitec_scit_di Ward, J., Griffiths, P. (1996). Strategic planning for information systems (2nd ed.). Chichester: John Wiley. Retrieved on 25/04/2011 http://www.coda.ac.nz/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000context=unitec_scit_di Website reference http://retailindustry.about.com/od/topusretailcompanies/p/dellincprofile.htm Retrieved on 30/04/2011 http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/826083/000095013405004423/d22995e10vk.htm . Retrieved on 01/05/2011 http://www.kppartners.com/documents/zerotime-dell_case_study.pdf Retrieved on 02/05/2011 http://inventors.about.com/od/licensingmarketing/a/advantages_mark.htm Retrieved on 02/05/2011 http://www.smallbusinessbible.org/advan_disadvan_informationtechnology.html Retrieved on 02/05/2011 http://www.kppartners.com/documents/zerotime-dell_case_study.pdf Retrieved on 02/05/2011 http://i.dell.com/sites/content/corporate/secure/en/Documents/FY10_Form10K_Final.pdf Retrieved on 04/05/2011 http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/800-30/sp800-30.pdf Retrieved on 04/05/2011 http://www.calstatela.edu/faculty/msabet/c12_Turban_0471705225.pdf Retrieved on 04/05/2011 http://www.prenhall.com/behindthebook/0132304619/pdf/Laudon%20Feature%203.pdf Retrieved on 04/05/2011 http://e-learning.dmst.aueb.gr/mis/Cases/Dell/index.htm Retrieved on 04/05/2011