The Obesity Epidemic Essay - 1182 Words

Obesity rates are soaring throughout North America (What Is Obesity?, 2013). With obesity reaching almost epidemic proportions in the United States, and the threat of a global epidemic, we must watch this alarming increase carefully ( Health Risks of Obesity, 2013). Obesity is defined as: †¦an excess of adipose tissue†¦ (A Report of the Surgeon General, 2014). The two most common measures of obesity are Body Mass Index (BMI is a ratio of weight to height) and relative weight index, such as percent desirable weight (Body Mass Index , 2013). BMI is the most frequently used measure of obesity as it has a strong correlation with more direct measures of adiposity, such as underwater weighing (A Report of the Surgeon General, 2013). Some†¦show more content†¦With over 22.5% of the current U.S. population considered to be clinically obese, compared to only 14.5% in 1980, there does not seem to be a cessation of this epidemic in sight (Hill Peters, 1998). Goran and Wei sners (2000) proposal that ... the inherently lower resting metabolic rate in women versus men is responsible for the higher adiposity rates in women... is wanting, especially since the potentially modifiable factors of; less physical strength, less daily free-living physical activity, and lower total energy expenditure are more likely the cause of the differences in observed adiposity between men and women. Since our genetic makeup has not appreciably changed in the last twenty years, we cannot strictly attribute the explosion of obesity to genetics. As these biological causes of obesity are disproved, a focus on the environment as a reason for obesity is taking centre-stage. With a multitude of environmental factors playing an ever-increasing role in the reasons for obesity, it is hard to focus on one reason as the root cause of obesity. Ever-decreasing levels of physical activity, married with poor dietary habits are two likely causes of the obesity epidemic. 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Qualifications of a Tragic Hero Antigone vs. Creon free essay sample

In the tragedy of Antigone by Sophocles, Antigone, the main protagonist, is conflicted whether or not to bury her dead brother and go against Creon’s law or follow Creon’s law. Creon is the main antagonist in this story and punishes Antigone for breaking his law and burying Polynieces. Though they are two different characters, Creon and Antigone could both qualify as the tragic hero because they are both responsible for their own fate, endowed with a tragic flaw and falls from high esteem. In the story, Antigone and Creon are responsible for their own fate, seeing as it’s their actions that cause them to be a tragic hero. Antigone knows about Creon’s law not bury Polynieces, yet she’d rather go against Creon than the Gods. She did what she thinks is correct but Creon is furious and sends her to a stone grave. Antigone knows what the consequences would be, â€Å"[her] death is the doing of [her] own conscious hand† (iv. We will write a custom essay sample on Qualifications of a Tragic Hero: Antigone vs. Creon or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page 46). She wouldn’t be dead if she didn’t bury Polynieces and follow Creon’s law. She chooses to go against him and that seals her fate. Creon, on the other hand, chooses to be stubborn and punish Antigone for breaking his crime. He couldn’t bear to seem weak to the citizens of Thebes. It was Antigone’s punishment, â€Å"if she lives or dies/That’s her affair† (iv. 55-56). Even if it means sending his own, soon to be daughter in law, to her death. Creon let his pride control his actions and that causes him to lose his wife and his last son. Both, Antigone and Creon could avoid their tragic endings but their flaws cause their ultimate downfall. The tragic flaw endowed in both these characters is pride, one refusing to admit what she did was wrong and another refusing to listen to others. Antigone not only goes against Creon’s law but she boasts about it. She refuses to admit she is wrong, saying that Creon’s law â€Å"[is] not God’s proclamation. That final Justice/ That rules the world below makes no such laws† (ii. 57-58). She stands for what she believes in and that makes Creon angry. Though Antigone did follow the law of the Gods, it did not stop Creon from punishing her for breaking his laws. Similarly, Creon’s hubris causes him to lose everything too. Haemon had come to him saying that a good king listens to other people’s opinions and â€Å"[Doesn’t] believe that [he] alone can be right† (iii. 74) but he doesn’t listen. Then Teiresias comes and tries to convince Creon to fix everything, for the Gods are angry and it’s his fault. He finally comes to his senses and tries to right his wrongs by mimicking a proper burial for Polynieces and freeing Antigone from her grave, but he is too late. Creon loses his entire family for Haemon kills himself in grief for Antigone and Eurydice takes her life in grief for the loss of both her sons. Everything was going well in their lives until pride gets in the way and ruins the life they once had. Antigone and Creon had a pretty good life in the beginning, seeing as Antigone is getting married and Creon is ruling as king of Thebes, but all that deteriorates once they are forced to face the consequences of their actions. Antigone is already mourning for the loss of both her brothers in the war and now that Creon made a law that Polynieces isn’t going to be buried and Eteocles is, makes it worse. She chooses to get involved and ends up with her â€Å"[making] a noose of her fine linen veil/And [hanging] herself† because she’d rather die for what she believes in than what someone tells her to believe in (Exo. 59-60). She could’ve left it alone and let Polynieces rot in the field and go about her life to marry Haemon, yet she chooses to risk her life and when the time comes, accepts her death with honor. At the same time, Creon has also let his life go to waste because he already lost one son in the war, he saw another take his life in front of him and comes back home to find his wife had taken her life as well. All Creon wants to do is to die because â€Å"[his] comfort lies here dead. /Whatever [his] hands have touched has come to nothing† (Exo. 136-137). Creon went from being King of Thebes, with a family at home, to just Creon, who became a victim of the Gods and fate. Although he didn’t die, he accepts the fact that he was too late to fix everything and asks to be led away, for his entire family is dead because of him. Most readers would immediately argue that Sophocles chose Antigone as the tragic hero since the story is called Tragedy of Antigone. Although this is true, according to Greek terms of a tragic hero, Creon, to an extent, could also qualify as the tragic hero. Antigone and Creon had two different roles in this story, but in the end they are both the tragic hero because they’re responsible for their own fate, possess a tragic flaw and they fall from high esteem.

Advances in technology free essay sample

This world goes through a lot of changes as time goes on. Changes in technology can make a brighter future for individuals. Because of advances in technology, this world is becoming more efficient and saving us money in the long-run with fuel, electricity, communication, etc. The social lifestyle of an individual involves technology in some way. Technology has become a necessity in these modern days and it is going to become more advanced as time goes on. With these advances in technology, the social lifestyles of individuals can be simpler. Technology moves our world forward into a new and advanced era. Without technology, we would all be stuck in the same time as our ancestors. Technology is a very good thing for people anywhere and everywhere, no matter how old, it helps us in every aspect of our daily lives, and it is a thing that cannot be lived without. Technology has many branches and levels, from cell phones to the internet and even for medical purposes. We will write a custom essay sample on Advances in technology or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page However, cell phones and the internet have taken the main role in changing our society. I find it truly amazing that a person from China is able to talk to a person from the United States, all through the internet. Programs such as facebook make finding an old childhood friend extremely easy, all that is to be done is type in their name. The advantages of technology include better health facilities due to increased disease diagnosis using technology and faster as well as more accurate business results and solutions through technology. Technology has also enabled the automation of manual work thus saving time and money. It has boosted the entertainment through games and computer programs as well as increase in economy growth due to faster and easier business. Without technology in our lives, our world we be a very different place. Not only does technology provide us with a new and improved way to communicate, is gives us new and exciting ways to research and get ideas out to the world faster. Technology is only going to get better and better as each day progresses and with the appropriate efforts and integrating it into the classroom will enhance education forever. Our advance in technology has and always will be a good thing that will always benefit our world. People’s lives are becoming simpler.

Building organisational culture that encourages innovation in Higher Institutions in the UK The WritePass Journal

Building organisational culture that encourages innovation in Higher Institutions in the UK Introduction Building organisational culture that encourages innovation in Higher Institutions in the UK IntroductionLITERATURE REVIEWLITERATURE REVIEW: ON MAIN THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKLITERATURE ON THE CHOSEN SECTORRESEARCH METHODOLOGYMETHODS OF ANALYSISNG PRIMARY DATAETHICAL CONSIDERATIONSREFERENCESRelated Introduction The motive for researching this topic is to examine how the way of doing things in an organisation influences innovation from the perception of education. Organisational culture is a very essential determinant of the employees’ behaviour in an organisation and encompasses what the core strengths of an organisation are and what has worked well in the past. It influences how innovative individuals or groups of people are in an organisation. Every organisation that exists has their own culture of doing things. Organisational culture in the higher institutions influences the quality of students produced by a school and the level of knowledge sharing determines how innovative the students are in their learning. The reason why I am looking into the education sector is that the kind of student produced by a school will determine the kind of employees in the working environment. Graduates are the products being produced by higher institutions. These students are the determinants of the culture existing in an organisation whether strong or weak, and quality of employees we could find in organisations in the future. The stakeholders in the academics have a great impact of change to make on their economy through whichever organisation they find themselves. The culture in every organisation influences the products or services they offer. Innovation is not only restricted to manufacturing firms, service industries and so many other industries but also education sector is there with lot of ideas to consider innovatively. Any organisation where learning and knowledge sharing occurs, there is tendency for them to be innovative. The school should ensure maintaining a strong organisational culture to keep the students and tutors informed and build them to be innovative , creative based on the learning given to them and knowledge sharing   they have gained during their experience as a student. They are able to represent a good image of the school wherever they go and employers can see those quality students who are qualified, being able to perform and deliver value to any organisation they find themselves. Is it all about a strong organisational culture or quality organisational culture? It appears organisational culture has a great influence on the quality of graduates produces by University of Wales, Newport. It is imperative that the culture of an organisation should not only be strong but also be of a good quality that has great values to add to individuals in the organisation. There should be connection between the culture of the organisation and its values. Blanchard, K et al (2008) argued that, Ã¢â‚¬Ë œanytime there is cessation between specified values and the way an organisation function, the ethics displayed are ignored. He also said the genuine culture and values always speak louder than the specified ones.’ In the process of ensuring effective culture in an organisation to achieve success, there is tendency for an organisation to make changes at some point in time, which needs to be managed effectively to make sure it does not affect the individuals in the organisation. It is in the process of these changes that learning and knowledge sharing still continues. It is therefore based on this learning and knowledge that innovative and creative ideas comes up and every organisation try to work towards building good corporate values in order to accelerate innovation, learning, knowledge, and creativity in their organisation. Creativity and innovation is not only for organisation but can also be related to individual people. The tutors and the school top management must try to be innovative and creative in the way they function in University of Wales, Newport in order to materialise the mission of the university. Students are the major stakeholders in the university, therefore, they should be able to deliver good work innovatively, and creatively more than what the tutor has taught them. This can also be linked to the way organisational culture may be stimulated in an organisation through learning, knowledge, creativity, and innovation. Various authors have talked on these and I will build on it by making sure I add to the existing knowledge which is from the perspective of educations and   I will be giving some authors’ works and thought from articles and textbooks to defend my explanation. LITERATURE REVIEW LITERATURE REVIEW: ON MAIN THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK The organisational culture of an organisation is a picture of what and how things are done in the organisation. I have found some major frameworks developed by other authors in the process of my research. The literature review will consider different definitions about organisational culture and its role in the organisation. However, the popular definition of organisational culture is, ‘the way we do things around here.’ Terblanche, F et al (2003) defined organisational culture as, ‘mutual beliefs, and values genuinely placed in an organisation.’ Campeanu-Sonea, E et al (2010) cites the work of Armstrong (2006) that, ‘organisational culture is the form of beliefs, customs, and attitudes that are unlikely to be expressed but structures the mode of people’s behaviour and getting things.’ These standards and assumptions are preserved as people continue to relate with one another in the organisation. Terblanche, F et al (2003) discussed some roles of organisational culture by citing the work of Furnham and Gunter (1993) that, ‘it helps in internal integration such as socialising and commitment of employees’ to the organisation. It also helps create a competitive advantage, understanding the environment and enhance communication and mutual understanding.’ Johnson, G et al (2010 p.168) conferred that, ‘organisational culture contributes to how groups of people respond and behave in relation to what they face.it has an influence on the development and change of organisational strategy.’ I will consider more of these definitions and roles of organisational culture by analysing in details in my literature review. More so, the concept of innovation is very crucial for the success of an organisation. Huczynski and Buchannan(2010) inferred that, ‘innovation is unrestricted to new products and most organisations wants to construct an inventive style to organise, develop new and better working practices, and deliver customers and clients with novel service.’ This definition is limited by not considering why they develop ideas and commit to creative process.   Brychan, T   et al (2011) strongly argues by citing the work of Baregheh et al (2009 p. 10) that innovation is, ‘the multi-stage process whereby organisations transform ideas into new/improved products, services or process in order to advance, compete and differentiate themselves magnificently in their marketplace.’ It appears most organisations makes attempt to be innovative and creative in their activities. When an organisation comes up with ideas, there is need to implement it because without implementation, there cannot be innovation and the innovation will bring about changes to the organisation. Rogers (2003) argued that, ‘innovations is perceived by individuals as one with numerous fundamental benefit, consistent, apparent and less intricate can be easily acknowledged than others.’(Haggman, K.S 2009)   To manage innovation effectively, knowledge is very essential. Henry, J (2001 p.64) conferred that, ‘the moment organisations becomes innovative, they construct fresh knowledge and information, from the inside out, in order to express again both the problems and solutions and reform their environment in the process.’ Furthermore, organisational culture and innovation tends to relate in some ways. Martins and Terblanche (2003) described some key determinants of organisational culture, ‘which are strategy, structure, communication, supporting mechanism, and behaviours that encourage creativity. These determinants rely on and interact with one another.’   There is a strong link between organisation culture and employee’s attitude. Gregory, B et al (2009) argued that, ‘individuals in an organisation use the culture as a determinants for their expected behaviour to decide the kind of behaviour that fits a particular situation.’   Valencia, N et al (2010) argued that, ‘organisational culture is one of the aspects that encourage innovative behaviour among individuals in the organisation.’ Terblanche et al (2003) concluded that, ‘organisational culture affects the degree to which inventive clarifications are stimulated, sustained and realised throug h socialisation process of organisations, individuals learn what behaviour is acceptable and how activities should function.’ It shows it is very vital for an organisation to ensure innovative ideas in whatever type of business they are in and maintain a quality and strong culture. Valencia, N et al(2010) conferred that, ‘to ensure a competitive edge that is sustainable and succeed in the market, innovation is very crucial because firms that are innovative can sustain themselves when the environment is unstable, respond quickly to changes , create novel opportunities and take advantage of existing market to a greater extent than the competition.’ Organisational culture is a facilitating factor for learning to take place in an organisation and every organisation needs to imbibe a learning culture as a basis for openness for innovative ideas. Rebelo and Gomez (2009) concluded that, ‘learning culture concerned with elevation and facilitating of employees learning, sharing, and spreading in order to contribute to the growth and performance of the organisation.’(Rebelo and Gomez, 2011) Different definitions were even given for a learning organisation. King, W (2001)argued that, ‘ a learning organisation is one that focuses on developing and using its information and knowledge capabilities in creating highly valued information and knowledge, to change behaviours and improve final outcome.’   Senge, P (1990) defines a learning organisation to be, ‘an organisation that is escalating its capabilities unceasingly to build its future.’(Graham and Nafukho, 2007) This literature review will be critically assessed comprehensively by the start of my dissertation. LITERATURE ON THE CHOSEN SECTOR The education sector is one of the important sectors in the entire sector in the UK. It is very challenging and has a very significant influence in the career of individuals because people continue to learn and add to their knowledge every day. My sector will be narrowed down to University of Wales, Newport and the Newport Business school and School of art will be coming together in the next session, the reason for this will be researched later. Recently, there has been increase in school fees of home students, which has caused protests from students. Jamila, M et al(2008) argued that, ‘it is imperative for higher institutions to have customer focus in pursuing excellence in education and top management must ensure quality of undergraduates and graduates students by developing professional abilities of individuals involved in the delivery of teaching and learning. More so, cultivate fresh and flexible ways of learning, teaching and assessing, and exploiting new technologies whe never necessary.’   The school fees remains the same in Wales except for Aberystwyth University that has given it   consideration and concluded that only students from other places are going to be paying the  £9000 by September 2012. According to Eddie, B et al in their paper research, there is a vision 2035 with the aim of reducing foreign students and globalise as they realise the students do not get adequate work experience to complement their learning. The students need to study in their home country to be able to benefit their economy and society as a whole. The Higher Education Funding Council in England is also planning for a 10 years vision to increase merged Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) institution as Joint Corporation. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 5.1. Research Paradigms: In order to achieve my aims and objectives, the research paradigms that will be used is positivism because it will test hypothesis and it will help me to show I have achieved validity and reliability. More so, this research will focus on facts from the respondents. It would give me the chance to consult different students from different departments and backgrounds. This will also help me to develop ideas through induction from data collected. 5.2. Research Approach: The approach taken to this research is a quantitative research, as it will help analyses of measurement within data. The research approach will be carried out by conducting a primary research that involves collecting original data from management that makes decision and plan for the running of the university. The secondary data will be gathered from information that will be useful for critical arguments in the literature review and help to explore different authors’ opinion and arguments. Secondary data would be collected from proper journals, refereed articles, textbooks, and official reports from departments/international organisation. 5.3. Research method: The Research Methods to be used in carrying out this research is a questionnaire and observation. With my experience in the University, I have observed a lot but more will still need to be done to carry out a successful work. Bryman and Bell (2011) concluded that, ‘it is possible to record incidents, observe, and record for a short period of time at some intervals or for a long period of time.’ However, the questionnaires will be administered to students in order to test hypothesis because it allows anonymity and can be much clarified but it takes long to analyse.   The questionnaire will be self-administered after considering necessary ethical issues. 5.4. The sampling criteria are targeted towards students from different background, age group, course, and discipline. The reason for choosing student is to gather their opinions about how the culture of the university influences their performance and if in any way makes them to be innovative in their learning or keep to the same mode of doing things. It will also enable me to know whether the culture of this university influences them positively or someway negatively.   The sample size will be 50 students to ensure my research will be realistic, as it will give me better opportunity to know the extent to which students will agree with some issues in the university, as they are the key determinants for the existence of this university.   This would help draw on the existing data to get information from respondents to justify the literature review. METHODS OF ANALYSISNG PRIMARY DATA Since a quantitative method would be used to carry out my research, the data collected will be analysed using a SPSS. The relationship in my questions will determine whether to use univariate, bivariate or multivariate analysis. I intend to undertake more readings to ensure a well-presented analysis is carried out.   I will research more to know the better options to do a quality and effective analysis. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS The identity of my respondents will be kept confidential as they would want to be sincere about their opinions and might not want their names to be disclosed. I will ensure I protect their privacy as I know the research will give people the chance to give their honest opinions about the school whether the university is really building organisational culture that stimulates innovation through their students or not. I will ensure I get the consent of people before giving the questionnaire out to them and ensure I do not disclose the name of the respondents. I will ensure I use people’s data to support my dissertation with their consent. I will also ensure good behaviour even when some people failed to accept to fill the questionnaire or fail to turn up for the appointed time. The location to be chosen for filling questionnaires will be a suitable and comfortable place with adequate safety because without them, there cannot be a successful dissertation. REFERENCES BLANCHARD, K et al. 2008. Who Killed Change? Solving the problem of leading people through change. London: HarperCollins Publishers BRYMAN, A., and BELL, E. 2011. Business Research Methods. 3rd edn. United States: Oxford University Press. BUCHANNAN, D.A and HUCZYNSKI, A.A. 2010.   Organisational Behaviour.   7thedn. Harlow: Pearson Educational Limited. CAMPEANU-SONEA, E. et al. 2010. Organisational culture in a transitional economy. Employee Relations. 32(3). pp. 328-344 EDDIE, BLASS et al. (PAPER RESEARCH). VISIONING 2035: THE FUTURE OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR IN THE UK. [WWW] Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.. (15 June 2011) HAGGMAN, K. S. 2009. Functional actions and perceptions of innovation attributes: Influence on innovation adoption. European Journal of Innovation Management. 12(3). Pp. 386-407 HENRY, J. 2001. Creative Management. 2nd edn. London: Sage Publications GRAHAM, M. C. and NAFUKHO. M. F. 2007. Employees perception toward the dimension of culture in enhancing organizational learning. The Learning Organisation. 14(3). Pp. 281-292 GREGORY, T. B. et al. 2009. Organizational culture and effectiveness: A study of values, attitudes, and organizational outcomes. Journal of Business Research. 62(7). Pp. 673-679. JAMILA, M et al. 2008. The role of organisational culture in stimulating creativity and innovation among engineering students. Conference paper. 05-December 2008. P 269- 276 JOHNSON, G. et al. 2011.   . Exploring Strategy. 9th edn   Harlow: Pearson Education Limited TERBLANCHE, F and MARTINS, E.C. 2003. Building organisational culture that stimulates. European journals of Innovation Management.   6(1). Pp. 64-74 BRYCHAN, T. et al. 2011. INNOVATION AND SMALL BUSINESS- VOLUME 1. [Online book] http://bookboon.com/uk/textbooks/economics/innovation-and-small-business-volume-1. Cardiff: VENTUS PUBLISHING. (04 May 2011) REBELO, M and GOMES, D. 2011. Conditioning factors of an organisational learning culture. Journal of Workplace Learning. 23(3). Pp. 173-194. Valencia, N. J. et al. 2010. Organisational culture as determinants of product innovation. European Journal of Innovation Management. 13(4). Pp. 466-480

Business Management concepts Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Business Management concepts - Assignment Example This guarantees high returns for the corporate or organization because there is no manual work force required besides machines are much faster than a person’s memory. This technique reduces time spent during manufacturing process besides increasing output speed hence resulting to increased production. In this way, when the jobs are well scheduled their execution is at almost the same time besides being mapped to the processing unit after they are done. Moreover, some factors such as absenteeism alter productivity in case they are common besides if the company has a flat rate output of sixty-two computers in a day it simply means that it is not an effect of workers not being present. Besides, quality problems may not have much impact on production, as they are capable of making sixty-four repairs in a day. Cheating on size or content of some goods or products is among the common unethical business acts practiced by many corporates (Mandal, 2010). This refers to deception in advertisement whereby a product is made to appear much better or bigger that its exact quality size. By doing this, the corporate proofs not to be adhering to the ethical principle of being honesty (Ferrell, Fraedrich & Ferrell, 2010). Honesty entails maintaining morality in all actions and communications. This principle calls for the business owners not to deceive or else mislead their clients by either providing them with partial truths and overstatements among other vices about their goods or services. This is because upon realizing the clients may lose trust on the company’s products, hence cease buying from them. As the CEO, I will ensure honesty is paramount by briefing my staffs who draft advertisements that they should be taking the actual pictures of the item intended to be advertised and include it s mass as well as dimensions. Through this act, my clients will have a clear picture of my products besides which will make them build some trust on the corporates products. Copying

Approaches to management and leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Approaches to management and leadership - Essay Example Western notions of leadership and management are distinct as to say that these compel tasks to be done by hook or by crook. For that, Western approaches to management have always been strictly based upon certain principles. The primary objective that includes all those principles is the objective of economic gain. Financial stability or the policy called Laisez Faire has always been on the forefront of promoting business by any means. In achieving this purpose, the workers or the employees are considered to be a means towards an end. In the Marxist point of view, the employees are next to commodities that are extensively used to generate revenue (Kumar & Ghosh, pp. 2-4, 2003). Whether we talk about the 19th Century when agricultural society was transforming into an industrial society or we talk about the contemporary world, the Western approaches have always been alike. Earlier, in the Western society, employees were treated a little less than human and were merely considered as mean s. Western philosophers and theorists like Plato, Machiavelli, Karl Marx, John Adair and many others have proposed certain theories that are applied to the Western management approaches and concepts. The theories like situational, trait and contingency theories are inculcated in the leadership concepts and these advocate that leaders have the mandate to use power and control over the manipulation of circumstances or adapt certain traits that they think are required in the present situation and that enhance their skills. Experts suggest that the approach towards leadership in the Western parameter revolves around certain traits that are utterly distinctive and differentiate the Western writers from the Eastern concepts. These characteristics are goal orientation, at first. Western leadership approach tend to direct itself to a certain prescribed goal while having multiples of these, however, Eastern theorists do not tend to think that having one single goal in mind can work in the lo ng run but a leader is one who has to manage multiple tasks together. Secondly, the concept of leadership in the West also stresses upon the characteristic of one-on-one relations. As mentioned earlier, the leader has more than merely a cursory view of the work that the subordinates assume. Moreover, the individual concerns get individual and formal time rather than incorporating them in a socialized gathering. Thirdly, Western approach bases there results on a short-term level; they are indeed goal oriented but they tend to achieve a single goal at a certain point in time and attain there short-term prospective before moving forward. Rationalism and a logical attitude is the final characteristic that defines the Western arena of leadership. The Western leadership concept tries to base all its step, methods and procedures on appropriate reasoning rather than on emotional grounds. Marx argues that the people in the managerial position are in control of the means of production of the organization and thus are not liable to any one. He analyzed that they have the power and thus, they exploit the subordinates in order to make a task done and meet the goals of the organization. Moreover, the theorist also cites that these are the people who are in close contact with the owners who gratuitously rely upon them as making and breaking of policies for the organization since they are considered as the best skilled people for this job. Thus, the overall control comes in handy to the managers who try to perpetuate the school of thought, which they have already learned from their learning institutes (Kumar & Ghosh, pp. 73-74, 2003). One major thing that separates the Eastern concepts of management and leadership from those of the Western

Action Research in the Classroom Essay Example for Free

Action Research in the Classroom Essay The classroom is a very interesting place to start. As a teacher, there are a lot of privileges for me since the students look up to me as an authority figure. Admittedly, there are times that dealing with students can become very stressful, especially in moments that students are very difficult to direct and control. When kids become naughty and the teacher does not have the sensitivity and the patience to deal with them, it might simply become a nightmare. Even if the teacher has a natural penchant for loving and teaching kids, it can still be a bit of challenge to teach them. Â  The teacher has a very important role in the intellectual and social development of the kids in the school. If they do not appreciate education, it is the duty of the teacher to inculcate in them the importance of education for themselves and for their future. This cannot be done, however, by shoving these ideas down their throats. Rather, what is needed is a careful observation of their ways, the things they enjoy as well as the different modes of learning that they have, the activities they enjoy inside and outside the school. By undertaking an action research and carefully observing the students, the teacher will be able to understand the students more and use this understanding in making the classroom more effective in terms of educating the students and preparing them for the future ahead of them. Some of the areas of observation would be the study habits of the students, their social standing in the community and how this impacts their studies, the social activities they enjoy inside and outside the school, the role of their parents, their learning styles, and the different media that they are exposed to. The observations presented in this action research may be a bit crude, yet they may be expanded upon as time passes by and a better understanding of the students will be arrived at. Study Habits Action research demands keen observation skills regarding the different areas identified by the researcher (Avison, Lau, Myers Nielsen, 1999). In observing the study habits of the students, what I have looked for is the way that they regard the library, the media that they enjoy well and the different kinds of media that they are exposed to. In going through these observations, I looked at the rate of submission of homework by the students; I also went to the library and conducted random observations if my students were there. In terms of preparation of homework, a number of students were not very keen in completing their homework. A handful of them heeded my requests for them to study and complete some homework. Both honor students and some silent kids showed aptitude in completing homework. Those who did not complete homework tended to be those who are very playful and did not show great concern for their studies. My trips to the library were not very fruitful. The number of students who frequently visit the library does not even exceed the number of my fingers in one hand. Only when I gave an assignment that expressly required them to go to the library did they go there and looked for the information I requested them to look up. Perhaps this may be explained by the proliferation and the widespread use of the Internet among my students. Most information can be found in the Internet, so they may choose not to go to the physical library anymore and simply type some words and click on some links. The challenge is therefore to make students realize the value of the library. Economic and Social Standing My students are predominantly white although there are Asians, Hispanics and Blacks interspersed. Most of them were either in lower middle class and those who are found in the middle of the middle class segment of the society. As such, most of the kids did not enjoy great amenities and economic riches. Those who belong to the upper middle class tend to have parents who exert greater influence on other teachers and on the school in general. Because of their social standings, more than half of my students had to keep part-time jobs to pay for their bills and meet some of their needs. This also poses another challenge for the teacher. Even if they did not absent themselves from school frequently, because of their work, there were times that their study habits were affected. Instead of spending their time in reading their lessons, they have to work and earn money. This may also explain why a lot of them were not able to do their homework. Once when I was in the mall, I encountered a student of mine working there and had a conversation with her. After that, I decided to also look at the work of my students and look at the nature of their work and how the nature of their jobs affects their studies. Truly, economic situations affect the well-being of the students. But since they have no choice, then the teacher would have to do his best to take into account these realities in the way that they are being taught. Activities Outside the School Students who belong to higher economic status tend to enjoy more time outside the school. They hang out at some cafes or snack bars where they can chat about school. I also asked several of them regarding the activities that they do and these kids also tend to sleepover at each other’s homes. Students who belong to lower income families, however, tend to limit their outside school activities so that they can earn some money for personal and for family use. They still hang out with some of their friends; however, this is less frequent than the students from higher income families. Another activity that occupies the leisure time of students is their use of game consoles such as Playstation and Xbox. Through these bonding moments, they develop their relationships with their friends. This is also their way of relaxation. Connecting to the Internet and connecting socially to friends. Video games is also a past time that some students told me they do during their leisure time. The Role of Parents I was not able to observe directly the role of the parents in the education of the students. From my conversations with students, however, those who belong to middle class and higher income families usually have their parents reminding them to study well and do their best. This in turn encourages the students to study better. In some cases, parents promise rewards for their children if they perform up to a certain level. Those from lower income families, however, do not have very encouraging parents. Rather, they are expected to help out in paying some of the bills in the house. This arrangement, however, does not seem to dampen the desire of some students to study well. There are those, however, who tend to get discouraged with this and focus more on their jobs than on their studies. Implications for the Teacher The teacher has a very important role in the development of the students; especially so, because he gets to stay with the kids longer than their parents. Observing students and trying to know them more deeply will help the teacher in dealing with the students. With the sheer number of students, however, it is difficult to observe each and every student. Nonetheless, the teacher is called upon to establish meaningful relationship with students because then, the process of teaching becomes more enjoyable. The teacher has to vary his teaching style depending on the students and their backgrounds. Their study habits has to be understood well so that the teacher will know how to approach them and present the lessons in such a way that the students will understand. Not only that, when their learning style corresponds with the teaching style of the teacher, then they will not only learn but they will also come to love the way that the teacher teaches. Conclusion Action research enables the teacher to become a part of the world of the students instead of simply a detached outside force in the classroom. When this is undertaken, it opens up important insights, which can help the teacher improve his teaching strategies and style. The teacher’s role in the life of the students is very important. As such, it should not be taken lightly. By becoming immersed in the life and the studies of the students, the teacher becomes a friend and a mentor to his students. Reference Avison, D., Lau, F., Myers, M. Nielsen, P. A. (1999). Action Research. Communication of the