What Causes Aging Population Of Hong Kong And How Has It...

Geog 142 Population Geography Professor Goodwin-White Research Paper Louis Chu 17th May, 2015 What Causes Aging Population In Hong Kong and How Has It Affected Economics? Introduction Population ageing is a common social problem that occurs in well-developed countries. Population ageing refers the age of a region increase and a shift of a country’s population towards an older age. In this research paper, the content will mainly focus on the problem of ageing population in Hong Kong, my hometown. Based on current fertility and mortality rates, if Hong Kong Government does not do anything about its ageing problem it will have a median age of 56.3 years by 2040, according to the United Nations (Kong). I would analyze the serious impacts of population ageing on Hong Kong’s economics and propose some useful solutions. Causes of Aging Population The reason why population ageing occurs consists of two major reasons; low or declining birth rate and longer life expectancy. 1. Low or Declining Birth Rate The statistics shows that the average birth rate is dropped from 11.3% to 7.9% in Hong Kong from 2008 to 2013 (Statista). The reason of low birth rate is because of the increasing cost of raising a child. A. The price of land and food is shooting through the roof. Therefore, the cost of bringing up a kid is huge. Based on the research result, the price of raising up a child in today would approximately be $5.5 million until the date of graduation. (Chan) The adults are ratherShow MoreRelatedDisneyland Hong Kong8209 Words   |  33 PagesExecutive Summary Hong Kong Disneyland (Disney HK) is owned by Hong Kong International Theme Parks Limited, a joint venture company with 57 percent shares from the Hong Kong Government and 43 percent shares from the Walt Disney Company. 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PeopleRead MoreEssay on INTERNATIONALIZATION OF KOYO JEANS4462 Words   |  18 Pagesï » ¿ International Business Strategy INTERNATIONALIZATION OF KOYO JEANS FROM HONG KONG Contents Executive Summary i 1. Introduction 2 1.1 Purpose 1.2 Background 2. Environmental Analysis (Current Markets) i. Microenvironment (Porter’s 5 Forces) 3 ii. PESTEL of Koyo Jeans (Currents Markets) 3 iii. Internal Factors 4 iv. Lifecycle Analysis – Current Markets 5 v. SWOT/TOWS AnalysisRead MoreManaging in a Global Economy9770 Words   |  40 PagesLong October, 2012 Table of content Hollister Co. 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Finally, anRead MoreThe Walt Disney Company and Disney Management25371 Words   |  102 Pagesits worst.† The well-known, sentimental Japanese attachment to Disney characters contrasted starkly with the unexpected and widespread French scorn for American fairy-tale characters. French culture has its own lovable cartoon characters such as Astà ©rix, the helmeted, pint-sized Gallic warrior, who has a theme park locate d near EuroDisney. Hostility among the French people to the whole â€Å"Disney idea† had surfaced early in the planning of the new project. Paris theater director Ariane Mnouchkine becameRead MoreCarrefour Case Study23561 Words   |  95 Pagesthe world. World population is rising, geographic distribution of populations is shifting, world population is aging rapidly, ethnic mixes in developed countries are changing rapidly, and average household incomes are increasing. The demographic environment presents both opportunities and threats for Carrefour. Increases in population size and household incomes help to expand the market in which Carrefour operates. However, changes in the geographic distribution of populations, due to technologicalRead MoreDevelopment and Globalisation Essay7740 Words   |  31 Pagesand Globalisation Development A process of social and economic advancement in terms of the quality of human life. Development can involve can involve economic, demographic, social political and cultural changes. Development is a term that can be used in many different contexts whether it is social, economical, political etc. However generally development refers to an improvement in certain areas: †¢ Economic o An increase in the country’s economy with a shift fromRead MoreCarrefour Case Study16000 Words   |  64 Pagesthe world. World population is rising, geographic distribution of populations is shifting, world population is aging rapidly, ethnic mixes in developed countries are changing rapidly, and average household incomes are increasing. †¢ The demographic environment presents both opportunities and threats for Carrefour. Increases in population size and household incomes help to expand the market in which Carrefour operates. 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Global Pollution Essay - 2115 Words

Pollution is a growing issue in the world and is the major cause that contributes to many environmental problems. What is usually classified as pollution, what kind of pollution is present in the world, and what the people are doing to deal with this pollution issue in the world. There are several problems with world pollution that are associated with global warming and include waste disposal, water pollution, and air pollution. These things are usually caused by people on the planet who produce waste. This has been a growing complication and is (omit) now been taken as a serious issue. Solutions to these situations have been considered to keep the Earth and all the things in it. One of the situations that are involved with world†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"The problem of exposure to hazardous materials remains, except that it is spread over a wider area† (Newton). Illegal waste disposal is also another reason that contributes to world pollution. It may be defined as the improper disposal of waste at any site other than a regularly licensed landfill or other facility. Usually this kind of disposal is done because people are unaware of the law and are unwilling to take the time or refuse to pay the costs for properly disposing materials, or are in possession of toxic materials that may cause legal problems. (Watts) â€Å"Illegal waste dumping ranges from being a simple nuisance to a serious health hazard and often occur in isolated or desolate places. In the United States, illegal waste dumping is often thought of as a local problem; however, the motives and types of people who engage in it—including multinational corporations, criminal syndicates, and individuals—persist throughout the world† (Watts). The dangers of disposing of waste illegally are often unknown by some corporations or even ignored. By not getting rid of waste properly it encourages more dumping, so a small problem may rapidly become a major hazard. Another danger is the health risks posed by the type of material being discarded. Dangerous materials commonly dumped illegally include such medical wastes as used syringesShow MoreRelatedGlobal Pollution4546 Words   |  19 Pagesfour different forms of global pollution that may arise from a construction project and explain four key methods used to protect the natural environment against such pollutants Environmental Pollution Construction Sites Construction sites are found both within urban and rural areas, often in the close proximity of homes. Due to their proximity to homes and the materials used, construction sites may generate home pollution. This involves air, water, soil, and/or noise pollution. Additionally, constructionRead MoreGlobal Pollution And Its Effects On The Environment1367 Words   |  6 Pagesadequate water to consume and air to breathe. At this rate, if we remain to neglect these issues of contamination, our world will only become barren. On the other hand, there is always a solution to a problem. Despite the serious effects our global pollution has had on not only the environment, but also the people, there is still enough time to change the damage we have done if our advancement in technology improves as well as our acknowledgement of the issue. In some places, much of our waterRead MoreReduce Global Nitrogen Pollution934 Words   |  4 Pagesa) Reduce global nitrogen pollution by forcing people to become vegetarian: It is a reasonable option for only focus on nitrogen pollution solutions. Since the huge amount of consumption of agriculture turning into domestic animal production, then to animal manure will disappear when people stop to require animal meat (According to the ‘Anthropogenic Nitrogen Flow chart). Although the largest nitrogen consumption occurs in plant production, but the overall performance is largely determined by theRead MoreResearch Essay On Global Pollution1172 Words   |  5 PagesResearch Essay on Global Pollution The global pollution is one of the major hazards human civilization is confronted with at present. Few issues in the history of mankind had such a pronounced and universal effect on the entire population of our planet, its environment, flora and fauna. Pollution is a problem that also needs to be analyzed and handled in terms of its perspectives in the future, both short- and long-term. Pollution is defined as the process and result of the introduction of foreignRead MoreIssues of Global Warming and Industrial Pollution1559 Words   |  7 Pageshuman rights, health and environmental protection have expanded considerably in the past several decades. In response, the international community has created a vast array of international legal instruments, specialized organs, and agencies at the global and regional levels to respond to identified problems in each of the three areas. Often these have seemed to develop in isolation from one another. Yet the links between human rights, health and environmental protection were apparent at least fromRead MoreAir Pollution and Global Warming - Summary1696 Words   |  7 PagesAir Pollution and Global Warming SCI 275 Cheryl Wilson September 30, 2012 Tori Robinson Air pollution causes global warming through the greenhouse effect, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The greenhouse effect occurs when greenhouse gases trap and heat energy from the sun and prevent it from escaping Earths atmosphere and entering space.† (EPA, 2012) Atmospheric pollutions are caused by gasses and solid particulates released into the atmosphere. 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Studies on global warming provide evidence such as, â€Å"Over 100 years the average temperature near the earth’s surface has risen less than 1 degree Celsius† (Lindinger, Karin). For many people in society it is hard to notice the slight changes in the weather. EverydayRead MoreTransportation Pollution and Global Warming an Article by Nadeine Unger779 Words   |  3 PagesNowadays, driving has become a part of our lives and culture. However, this culture has also caused us a lot of problems such as traffic congestion, oil consumption, and pollution. For some people, they need cars because it is a personal transportation, and public transportation is not convenient enough. Although my friends and roommates live so close to the school, they love to drive to school because they do not believe the bus schedule. In the artlice â€Å"Drowsy Driving – Stay Alert, Arrive Alive†(drowsydriving

Jimmy Essay Example For Students

Jimmy Essay Jimmy lay flat on the ground, his belly pressed tightly to the earth. Green shrubs sheltered him from view. Only one hundred yards of clearedland sat between him and his objective. He had waited five years for this. It so happened that it was five years ago from today that it had happened. The nightmare that had taken place that evening was again playing in hismind. The sound of the first shot echoed through his head. The scream ashis mother fell. The futile, retaliatory shots from his father . . . That evening had resulted in the death of both of his parents. Hecouldnt help but think that, in some way, it was his fault. If only hehadnt left his parents alone. If only he hadnt gone to explore thewoods. If only hed thought to bring a gun with him. If only he hadntjust stood there watching from the protection of the trees as those lethalbullets found their way into his parents. Then, maybe then, things wouldhave been different. Jimmy couldnt really blame himself. After all, whatcould a fifteen year old boy be expected to do under those circumstances?His parents had dreamed of a better life. A life that would bringprosperity and success for the family, specifically for him. They hadheard there was rich, fertile land out west. Sadly enough, his parentslast breaths were drawn only a few hundred miles from their dream. Theyhad been murdered for nothing more than the few dollars and a couple ofsmall pieces of jewelry that they had possessed. The murderers had laughedas they kicked at his dead father, looking for anything of value. They hadbeen quite sure of themselves and wore no masks. Jimmy could stillremember their faces as if it was yesterday. The murderers would bebrought to justice, come hell or high water, Jimmy had decided. As itturned out, he was complied to track them for the past five years, throughboth hell and high water. Their trail had led through many obscure, sparsely populated westerntowns. It had not been easy. But Jimmy had always looked older than hewas. Even at fifteen, he had been able to get rooms at hotels and bars. Now, at twenty years of age, Jimmy was a hardened man. Life on the roadhad been rough. It had taught him definite proficiency with his revolverand not to be afraid to use it. He had been through it all now,gunslingers, murderers, drunks, prostitutes, you name it, hed been there. The stress showed on his face though his tangled beard concealed most ofit. The only clothes that he owned, he wore. They consisted quite simplyof a pair of jeans, a plaid shirt, a black belt and a Stetson. Other thanhis horse and his highly polished revolvers and his rifle, these were hissole possessions. A shadow stirred in the window and Jimmy forced the memories into theback of his mind. His parents death would soon be avenged. There wereonly several hours until complete darkness would conceal his approach. Jimmy began to plan his invasion. Drunken voices were raised in the cabin. Good, thought Jimmy, They should be intoxicated enough that theyllnever know what hit them. With this for assurance, Jimmy closed his eyesslowly and rested, anticipating the nights conclusion. The sound of a plate breaking and the sounds of knuckles meeting fleshwoke Jimmy with a start. A quick surveillance of the property assuredJimmy that nothing special was happening. He had often seen two bestfriends fight when they were drunk. Liquor had that effect on people. Itmade them do crazy things. That was essentially why he tried to stay awayfrom the stuff. He was wished that hed brought some along tonight though. .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd , .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd .postImageUrl , .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd , .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd:hover , .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd:visited , .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd:active { border:0!important; } .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd:active , .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u5cca3d0cdd0a9f80b79b539e4d4c4dfd:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: A Difficult Decision EssayJust then he was getting a little queasy about the whole affair. During thepast five years there had never been any doubt what he had to do. Now . . . There is no question of what I have to do, Jimmy convinced himself. It was time. The only light source in the area was that coming fromthe lamp on the table in the cabin. His revolver slid out of its holstersilently. Jimmy crept up to the door, staying carefully to the shadows. One deep breath of conviction and a swift, strong kick knocked the door offits hinges. He tensed, ready to fire at the first sign of movement orlife. The air in the cabin hung thick with smoke from the fireplace. Jimmy quickly surveyed the cabin. Signs of a struggle were everywhere. Suddenly his eyes came to rest on two motionless bodies lying on top ofeach other on the floor. Jimmy kicked at the man on top, much like the manhad done to his father. The difference here being that it was not Jimmysweapon that had ended this criminals life. The kick separated the twobodies, revealing a knife in each mans heart. Whether the second man had committed suicide after realizing that hehad killed the first or whether both men had plunged the knives into eachothers bodies at the same time, Jimmy would never know. His five yearnightmare was over.

The Success of Dell Company

Introduction Dell inc. is a corporation that deals in and supplies information technology products and services. Their main products include personal computers; servers and other assorted computer hardware. They have been a major player in the industry for decades.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Success of Dell Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More High definition TVs, printers, cameras and mobile music players are among new products at Dell inc. Dell inc. was largest seller of personal computers in the 1980s and 1990s and in 2009 was ranked third in computer sales with only Hewlett-Packard and Acer Inc doing better than Dell. Dell inc. was in 2006 ranked by Fortune magazine as one of the best companies in the United States. Dell has also been recognized as one of the few companies that have done better than their main competitors in the industry for years (Economic Times, 2010). Scope and brands Dell inc. has a marketing strategy that entails marketing particular brands for specific market segments. It has different classes for these markets; Business/Corporate class, Home Office/Consumer class, Peripherals class and service and support brands are the main classes. The Business/Corporate class targets large clients like corporations. Long life cycles, reliability and serviceability are where most focus is laid upon in this package. The products under this class include OptiPlex, Vostro Latitude, n Series, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerConnect and EqualLogic. OptiPlex handles desktop computers while Vostro is designed for small business computer solutions and mini computers. N series on the other hand are desk top and notebook computers delivered with Linux or freeDOS (Menchaca, 2008). Latitude covers business focused notebooks. PowerEdge are business servers and PowerConnect for network switches. The Home Office/Consumer class targets the ordinary PC (personal computer) user s. Good value, excellent performance and expandability are emphasized in this class to ensure customer loyalty. The brands in this class include Inspiron, Studio, Studio XPS, XPS, Alienware and Adamo. Inspiron are budget PCs and mini computers, Studio brand is for mainstream PCs and portable computers, XPS are top notch desktop and mini computers, Studio XPS are PCs designed to meet top notch multimedia requirements, Alienware was dedicated to bringing the gaming experience to a whole new level by allowing excellent gaming options. Adamo on the other hand is a brand of laptops designed for the sophisticated class of clients as a luxury laptop computer.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The peripheral class includes the accessories department that produces USB drives, plasma TVs, and output display screens. Dell also has a brand of high end monitors under ultrashap. De ll like any company has plenty of competition. Other major market players include HP, IBM, Apple, Samsung, Gateway, Acer, Sony and Toshiba. They compete mainly for the PC and server market. Dell has about 18 percent of the market share. Hewlett Packard on the other hand has 15 percent of the market. In the year 2006 Hewlett Packard took the lead in the PC business from Dell. Dell grew by 3.6% in 2006 in while HP went by 15% during the 2006 period. Gartner and IDC in 2006 indicated that HP had exported a lot more units around the globe than Dell. In the fourth quarter of 2006, Gartner again estimated that Dell exports had gone down 8.9% while HP’s had grown by 39.9%. By the end of the year Dell’s market share was at 13.9 % in comparison to HPs 17.4 % (Bert Seggewiss, 2008). IDC reports indicated that Dell had gone down in terms of market share than all of its competitors. Its share of the server market had declined to 8.1 % from 9.5% the previous year. Dell has made se veral acquisitions over the years in a bid to tap new markets and improve business. As of the year 2009, Dell had acquired in excess of 10 companies. ConvergeNet was the first company acquired by Dell. In 1999, Dell acquired Alienware which is a company that specializes in manufacturing desktop computers. This was then absorbed into Dell’s department of high end product lines. Some new products introduced by Dell upon its acquisition of Alienwares were the introduction of a unit to produce CPUs for Dell. Previously, Dell’s CPUs had been obtained from Intel. Alienware is run by Dell but as an entirely separate entity (Lee, 2006). This is the strategy employed by Dell to prevent cross market products. EqualLogic was acquired by Dell in 2008.This decision was arrived at to ensure that they remain competitive in the iSCSI storage market because this coupled with an efficient and already established manufacturing line brought down the cost of production (Gonsalves, 2007).Pe rot systems; a company that deals with application development, information technology solutions a business process outsourcing was also acquired by Dell further diversifying its services.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Success of Dell Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More HP is clearly Dells most fierce competitor. It is a company that offers similar products including printers, scanners, digital cameras, calculators, PDAs, servers, workstation computers and computers. Hp became particularly competitive after its merger with PC giants Compaq. It now prides itself as a company that not only supplies software but also offers solutions in design and support of IT infrastructure. IPG is part of HP and deals with imaging and printing. It is worth noting that it is the biggest player in printer related products and scanning devices in the world. IPG is unique because it not only offers solutions to c orporation but also to individual consumers. This has earned the company a large and loyal client base all over the world. Inkjet and laser jet printers are some of the products associated with IPG. Multifunction machines that allow the user to print, photocopy and scan are also part of IPGs products. In any industry there are barriers of entry. These barriers reduce the number of new companies joining the industry and ensure that the existing companies enjoy a good market share. Barriers could be circumstantial or sometimes calculated. Government regulations, economic factors and market conditions are some of the things that form entry barriers. In the information technology field, the barriers that are most likely to bar new entrants include very tough competition from the industry giants who have been there for a long time. These giants are also very rich corporations and a new entrant would be no match for them in terms of marketing budgets. Top brands also have the advantage of name recognition and customers are more likely to buy what they have heard about. It would be very difficult for a new PC company to produce equipment and try to sell is to clients who have been loyal to another brand. The pricing of the PC could also be a factor to consider because of the tight competition. Personal computers and small components sell at very low price margins. A new entrant would have to have the capital and capacity at to produce the product in very large quantities and at a low cost in order for them to make enough profit to keep them afloat. The PC industry is probably one that experiences the most frequent and dramatic price fluctuations. Normally the prices go down and this would be devastating for a new entrant if they go down so rapidly upon the new company’s launch. Conclusion The success of Dell as a company can be attributed to consistency in the production of high quality products in every field. Dell has developed a brand name that is synonymou s to good quality and has a large following of loyal customers.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Brand loyalty has been a key selling factor for Dell like most of its top competitors. The diversity in its products is also another good marketing strategy used by dell. USB drives, LCD TV sets, plasma TVs, projectors and monitors are some products produced by Dell in addition to its main products; computers and servers. As discussed above, Dell targets specific markets for particular products. This in my opinion has helped them relate and interact better with their different markets making them a brand anyone would like to be associated to. The tight competition in the market has ensured innovation in every area both in terms of new features and cost reduction. Dell has come a long way as a top brand and with the recent acquisitions is bound to soar to great heights despite the fact that it lost its leadership in the server supply market. References Dell will offer U.S customers three different systems with Ubuntu 7.04 installed: the XPS 410n and Dimension E520n desktops and the I nspiron E1505n notebook. Economic Times. Retrieved from Worldwide PC shipments jump 15.8% in Q4: IDC (cmd). Web. Gonsalves, A., (2007). Dell’s EqualLogic Buy Could Drive Down iSCSI Storage Prices. InformationWeek. United Business Media. Web. Lee, L., (2006). Dell Goes High-end and Hip. BusinessWeek. McGraw-Hill. Web. Menchaca, L., (2008). Dell Offers Three Consumer Systems With Ubuntu 7.04. Direct2Dell blog. Web. Seggewiss, K., Hill, B., (2008). The Dell dream dies. The Ottawa Citizen. Web. This research paper on The Success of Dell Company was written and submitted by user Eden Kerr to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Triad of the Greek Thinkers essays

Triad of the Greek Thinkers essays An unexpected cause happened after the Persian Wars: the Greek flood of new ideas. When the war ended, religious beliefs declined and caused more people to ignore the traditional explanations of the world of nature. The Greeks were dissatisfied with supernatural and mythical explanations of reality and began questioning their destiny. This is when philosophy arose. The Greek philosophy may not only of effected us directly, but the Greeks paved the way to modern development. They gave us knowledge from the field of math through Pythagoras and his theorem on the right triangle, and science through Aristotles study of biology, and Democritus study of atoms. However some philosophies may seem incapable, but Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates changed the way people think. These three Greek philosophers questioned the most basic and widely accepted ideas based on virtue and moral excellence. The first of the Hellenic philosophers was Socrates, the revolutionary thinker. Although Socrates opposed everything the Sophists stood for, he shared the rejection of philosophizing about nature, focus on human problems, and desire to empower individuals to make their own moral choices. As curious as he was, Socrates was always questioning what things are and searching for definitions. He would ask people such questions as what is friendship?, what is justice?. By asking these questions people became annoyed, but Socrates was not just looking for the definition but also the essence to understand the knowledge of the world (History P39). Socrates core of ethics was virtue. Its the deepest and most basic propensity of man. And virtue is knowledge (History P40). A famous statement of Socrates was a bad man is a bad man through ignorance (History P40). This means a person who knows the truth will not commit evil deeds and those who do wrong, do so out of ignorance. ...

Free sample - The Pros and Cons of Video Games. translation missing

The Pros and Cons of Video Games. The Pros and Cons of Video GamesThe world of electronic gaming has undergone radical transformation since it was conceived more than two decades ago. At the beginning, games like Super Mario Brothers, and Pong were just childish, enjoyable, and essentially harmless. However, today, video gaming has become a thriving industry that has a wide range of customers, spanning various ages, genders, nationalities, and moral beliefs. Just like books, television, and movies, some video games are aiming at the older audience through the use of violence, sex, and adult content. Despite the existence of a rating system and recognition for people wishing to purchase adult video games, some politicians and parents claim that video games have a hugely negative impact on the young generation. In efforts to locate the blame about the content of video games, politicians and developers alike seem to have forgotten that parents have a responsibility to make decisions on the type of material that is suitable for their children. Farrales observes that Video game content appears to have become an issue for the first time when Mortal Kombat was released in 1993 (12). Many parents complained the high degree of violence evident in the graphic depictions of blood, fighting, and death. The ESRB (Electronic Software Ratings Board) was formed by the Entertainment Software Association with the aim of coming up with a rating system for monitoring the content of video games. Fernandez indicates that video games stand accused of bringing about violence, obesity, and lousy grades (3). However, some people beg to differ, pointing out that the games are ideal for children’s mental well being. Video games are not just hard, they are adaptively hard. The games tend to challenge the players at the edge of their mental abilities. As players become better and score higher points, they are challenged to move up the ladder of more demanding play levels. This adaptive challenge can be stunningly powerful in the case of entertaining video games. Scientists point out to the importance of video games in ascertaining the extent to which the human brain is malleable. In this regard, fast-paced video games that are action-packed have been proven, in different studies, to boost spatial perception, visual acuity and the ability to pick out objects easily in a scene. Complex games that are strategy-based can significantly improve many cognitive skills, including reasoning and memory. These findings fit in well with the scientists’ increasing understanding of the malleability of the human brain. Researchers are now aware of the way in which practicing and learning an extremely challenging task can change the human brain. The question of generalizing gaming situations to non-game situations remains one of the main issues that surround many emerging game software being marketed as a way of keeping the human neurons spry as we continue to age. It is still unclear whether these games are helpful in situations that are outside the context of the game. However, in a promising study carried out in 2008, senior citizens who began playing Rise of Nations, a game devoted to nation building and acquisition of territory, started improving on many cognitive abilities, thereby performing impressively on various subsequent tests of memory, multitasking, and reasoning. The tests were administered after training was carried out for eight months. Unfortunately, no follow-up testing was carried out to determine whether the gains lasted or not. There are attempts by researchers to concentrate on the most crucial aspects of off-the-shelf games, potentially allowing designers to come up with many new games that can boost the human brain power. In the same light, there has also been some focus on determining how video games can be used to promote socially acceptable behaviors, particularly actions that can be of help to other people. Unlike, say books and movies, video games do not just have content, they are also defined by rules that are clearly stipulated. In every video game, certain actions are rewarded while others are punished. For this reason, they contain an immense potential to train children about values and ethics. However, the same games could also be used to reward antisocial behavior just as easily as the pro social behavior. A significant number of off-the-shelf games contain strong pro-social themes, for instance, the Oregon Trail or The Sims. These two video games make the players fully responsible for the well being of each other. A big challenge for developers of new games will be to figure out ways of wrapping virtuous features into a highly engaging package. Ultimately, quips Gallagher, every video game should be an entertaining experience (2). On the other hand, it is true that some of the most popular video games are the violent ones. The reason why the market is flooded with violent games is that violence sells. People enjoy action-packed violent games most. It is rarely a matter of contention whether a game is violent or not. The contention arises regarding how violent the games actually are. In an interview with Dr. Craig Anderson, a leader in the current research on the various effects of prolonged exposure to violent computer and video games on aggressive behavior, the General Aggression Model was discussed at length. Dr. Anderson pointed out that he was motivated to research about aggression in video games by the work he did on the model as well as on media violence literature. Dr. Anderson pointed out that although there were hundreds of studies on aggression and violent video games, many questions remained unanswered. Students were looking for compelling and publishable research topics, and in this way, they were able to come up with many gaps in the literature. In the beginning, Dr. Anderson looked at priming issues in the context of media violence effects. However, after debating with cognitive psychologists, the researcher thought about modifying the Stroop test, although he chose to adopt reading reaction time tasks among participants. Dr. Anderson pointed out that many researchers in the media violence generally think that everyone who is high on trait aggression is influenced more by exposure to media violence than by anything else. In other words, the conviction among many scholars is that highly aggressive people are the ones who are most susceptible to the video games’ harmful effects. In the early years of video gaming, violence used to be cartoonish. In games such as Space Invaders and Wonder Boy, when a player killed an enemy, this would be shown by the unfortunate subject disappearing in a small explosion or a cloud of smoke and debris. At the time and with the technology that was current, these games were considered violent. Today, with improvements in technology, people no longer disappear in a cloud of smoke and debris. Today, enemies have to bleed before they die. The grotesque image of the corpse also has to appear, complete with a gunshot wound. A game such as Metal Gear Solid 2 portrays enemies performing elaborate maneuvers when a player shoots them. It is always thoroughly entertaining to shoot them at the limbs and to see them go limp, or to shoot at their radio, rendering it useless. Some people say that what has increased is the level of realism and not violence, since the aim has always been to shoot and kill anything that comes in one’s way. However, this very aspect of realism makes some forms of violence appear acceptable, for example, in Wonder Boy, and others unacceptable, for example, in Metal Gear Solid 2. Yet others do not notice any difference in various types of violence, insisting that violence of whatever nature brings about the same effect on society. Farrales highlights the views of General Everett Koop, a U.S. surgeon, who once claimed that home and arcade video games are among the top three reasons where there is family violence (4). There are many instances that would perfectly make Koop’s statement on the negative impact violent video games on behavior agreeable. However, there are also many instances that portray violence as having little or no any negative effects on the individuals playing them. Some kids play video games and end up becoming violent people. Others play them but do not become increasingly aggressive. These varying outcomes make it difficult for the effects of video violence on all players to be determined accurately. Meanwhile, the most undesirable aspects of violence in video games include lack of punishment for killing, constant killing and hurting of other people, and perpetual justification for killing other people. This situation makes players to start accepting killing as an acceptable means of solving problems. They are also made to believe that there is nothing wrong with violence. In other words, violence is desensitized, and players start seeing human beings as mere objects rather than human beings, thus drastically lowering their empathy levels. Of course older players can differentiate between fantasy and reality, but children cannot. Surprisingly, argues Anthes, these older people are affected by video games as well, though not in the same way as kids. Among kids, the violence contained in video games leads to increase in aggression. A common effect of video games is to make players developed abnormally high adrenaline rates, which may result to hyper-aggressiveness together with the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder. Increase in adrenaline rates leads to stimulus addiction, a common response among children who are often immersed in violent video games. People who suffer from stimulus addiction require stimulation that is increasingly strong in order to attain the same emotional experience. Sometimes, this search for stimulation leads them so go looking for more violent video games. Meanwhile, the question of whether video games result in violence in the real world remains unanswered. Many parents are worried that violent games will not only bring about restlessness in their children, they will make them more violent their behavior as well. Farrales points out to the research that was done in 1998 on a group of children aged between 5 and 7 years (9). In this study, the children were observed to imitate during free play whatever they had experienced in video games. Children who had played games with violent themes were aggressive, while those who played active, nonviolent games reflected their experiences in their play. The level of stimulation in both cases appeared to be more profound in girls than in boys. This could be because, generally, males are exposed to violence more, making a significant increase in aggression to be more profound in females. Unlike TV or movies, which present a predominantly passive viewing experience, violent video games require an individual to shoot, stab, rob, and kill enemies actively. With a movie, even if one was to watch it several times, some additional details may be obtained but it is fundamentally about the same thing. With a video game, many things can be changed according to one’s way of thinking, level of play, and dexterity in pressing the control buttons. Fernandez points out that Cho Seung-Hui, a student who killed 32 people at the Virginia Tech Campus back in 2007, is reported to have been played video games obsessively, and many commentators have been instinctively linking game violence with the killings in the campus. Claims of Cho Seung-Hui’s stint with obsessive video games were debunked by the campus panel that investigated the killings. The obvious problem with the desensitization claim made on video games after the Virginia Tec incident is that millions of adults and kids play violent video games every day and they never engage in any violent behavior. In fact, during the past decade when video games have surged in popularity, violence by youth has declined. According to a study that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention released, the number of school killings reduced considerably between 1992 and 2006. However, this is not where the debate ends. Although video games may not directly result in school shootings, it is undoubtedly strongly linked with aggressive feelings. Those who are opposed to computer and video games would want to see them censored. These people cite many reasons for their stance. They insist that over-dependence on video games fosters social isolation, since in some cases the games are played alone. They also point out that women are portrayed as the weaker sex, sexually provocative and always helpless. Moreover, game environments are always based on gender bias, aggression and plots of violence. Additionally, video games have inspired criticism because of the way in which they fail to provide actions that require creativity and independent thought. Instead, they confuse fantasy with reality. In most of these games, there is no alternative route to winning other than being a violent player. Furthermore, not surprisingly, academic achievement tends to be negatively related to the overall time that is spent playing computer and video games. Anand indicates that there is a correlation between use of video games and academic performance, if the grade-point average (GPA) and scholastic aptitude tests (SAT) on students who use video game are anything to go by (555). According to Anand’s study, there is a negative correlation between the time spent by student playing video games and the student’s SAT and GPA scores. The research findings presented by Anand suggest that video and computer games could be having a detrimental effect on the GPA of the individual, and possibly, on SAT scores as well. Although the results portray statistical dependence, it still remains rather difficult to prove a cause-and-effect relationship. This difficulty arises from the complex nature of academic performance as well as student life. In a New York Times article published on the November 15, 2010 edition, the question of whether stores should sell violent video games to minors was raised. Indeed, the question was not of the article writer’s own making, it was being debated by the Supreme Court in an attempt to determine what the writers of the Bill of Rights would have thought about a violent video game like Postal 2. In the New York Times Article, Adam Liptak wrote that the justices struggled to define the manner in which the First Amendment ought to apply to video games. A suggestion was made on the imposition of a $1,000 fine on all stores that continue to sell violent video comes to minors. The violence in the computer games, according to the Supreme Court, is characterized by acts of killing, dismembering, maiming, and sexually assaulting a human being’s image, in a manner that is ‘patently offensive, lacks serious artistic, scientific, political or literary value’, and appeals to the deviant and morbid interests of minors. In summary, the cons of video games by far outweigh the pros. There is a need for these games to be regulated, particularly with regard to access by minors. The regulation standards imposed by the ESRB should be revised to reflect the need to protect children and students from being lured into the world of aggressive video games.       Anand, Vivek. â€Å"A Study of Time Management: The Correlation between Video Game Usage and Academic Performance Markers†, CyberPsychology Behavior, 10.4(2007): 552-559. Anthes, Emily. â€Å"How video games are good for the brain.† The Boston Globe, NY Times Co., 12 Oct. 2009. Web. 18 Oct. 2010 Farrales, Bernard. â€Å"Violence in Video Games.† Violence in Video Games,   N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2010 Fernandez, Alvaro. â€Å"Playing the Blame Game: Video Games Pros and Cons.† SharpBrains, SharpBrains, 26 Sept. 2008. Web. 18 Oct. 2010 Gallagher, Richard. â€Å"Video Games: Cons and Pros.† Education.com. NYU Child Study Center, n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2010. National Society Honor in Psychology, Sarah Howe, Jennifer Stigge, and Brooke Sixta interview with Dr. Craig Anderson: Video Game Violence, Web, (n.d) The New York Times, Should Stores Sell Violent Video Games to Minors? November 15, 2010.

Details are below Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Details are below - Essay Example The article begins by stating the essential skills that a nurse should possess to make the patients comfortable while answering the questions posed by the nurse. According to the article a nurse who possesses good communication skills can make the process of taking the patient history more constructive. The article guides a nurse through the entire of process of taking patient history, by providing details about the manner of approach that should be followed by the nurse. For taking an accurate history of the patient, it is vital that the nurse is proficient in communication skills. â€Å"The nurse should be able to gather information in a systematic, sensitive and professional manner. Good communication skills are essential.† (Lloyd, 2007). And it is the development of these communication skills that is discussed in the article. The article also aids a nurse to communicate efficiently with the patients, by providing the kind of approach that the nurse should adopt while deali ng with the patients. â€Å"Practitioners should avoid the use of technical terms or jargon and, whenever possible, use the patient’s own words†. (Lloyd, 2007). When the patient is comforted by the approach of the nurse, he/she will not be hesitant to disclose the information needed by the nurse. The article also presents the requirement of obtaining the consent of the patient and the necessity of this procedure. It also mentions the various methods through which the consent of the patient can be acquired. The process of taking the history of the patient is divided into various sections. And the course of action that should be followed in each part by the nurse is presented in the article. In the article, the author has suggested some questions that can help the nurse in starting the process of taking of patient history. It also provides the details of the

Performance Improvement Plan for San Francisco Medical Center Essay

Performance Improvement Plan for San Francisco Medical Center - Essay Example Values of the organisation include providing a teamwork atmosphere, education, caring care, excellence and quality, and compassionate. The other values include honesty, integrity, honesty, and ensuring that they work with the community. There are three main values that the medical centre focuses which are stewardship, excellence, and dignity(Lewis, Dirksen, Heitkemper, & Bucher, 2014). In stewardship, the medical centre aims at using the resources available to promote healing and wholeness. It also promotes dignity which is the inherent worth and value of a person. Additionally, it comes up with exceeding expectations through innovation and teamwork. Evidenced-based practice is very important in performance improvement. For an organization to ensure that all the requirements are fulfilled, they must come up with an evidenced based practice. The need for healthcare transformation underscores the need for having an effective, efficient and safe management plan. If a company will achieve its organizational goals, there must be a proper evidence-based practice. The evidence-based practice aims at hardwiring the current knowledge in the nursing sector to improve patient outcomes and care processes. Evidenced based practice promotes the quality of the healthcare services (Williams & Hopper, 2013). Additionally, the evidence-based practice is critical in creating an excellent culture among the staff. The organizational culture greatly determines the success of an organization. One of the objectives of the healthcare is to improve the patient’s functional abilities, thus improving the quality of life (Francis, 2000). Through performing the functional assessment, nurses determine the current level of the healthcare and improve it. The growing need for better health care services promotes the implementation of the evidence-based practice. In San Franco Medical Care, the societal demands involve the

Shakespeare and His Tyrants Essay Example for Free

Shakespeare and His Tyrants Essay Do you know who any of these people are? Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein, Muammar al-Gaddafi or Osama Bin Laden? These men used their authority who exercised power oppressively or despotically. They are defined as tyrants. But even during William Shakespeare’s time there were similar men who terrorised countries. Shakespeare portrays tyrants so that they will always suffer the consequences for their terrible deeds. The most famous of his tyrants are Richard III and Macbeth. In his tragedy Macbeth the main character Macbeth was once a thane (a low-ranking nobleman) and a hero but a prophecy creates a powerful ambition within him for power which leads him to follow a dark path. He ascends the throne by murdering the king and also killed anyone who threatened to take him off the throne. His impending doom loomed over him when a man named Macduff fought Macbeth to avenge the death of his loved ones (who were killed under Macbeth’s order). Macbeth was beheaded in the fight. He was a doomed man at the start. He was prophesised to die at the hands of another man and this shows that tyrants will always suffer in the end. In popular culture tyrants similar to Macbeth are portrayed in remakes of plays, films and video games. A tyrant who was similar is Ulfric Stormcloak from Bethesda Game Studio’s game Skyrim. Ulfric Stormcloak was a Jarl (a chieftain) of the former capital of Skyrim. After learning ancient powers, he abused the knowledge by murdering the High King to take the throne. A war is waged to stop Ulfric. In the end Ulfric Stormcloak is beheaded in a siege on his fortress. This is very similar to Macbeth’s story because both of them are misled by their ambition for power which supports that Shakespeare has influenced the tyrants of popular culture. Richard III in the play of the same name is depicted as being deformed, self-absorbed and wanting nothing more than to gain power. His split personality developed his character. However his undoing and death occurred during a final duel with Richmond (later known as Henry VII of England) at the Battle of Bosworth Field. A tyrant comparable to Richard III is Queen Clementianna in the Snow White remake â€Å"Mirror Mirror†. The Queen is a very beautiful woman but she was narcissistic and cruel to her people. She believed that she was the rightful ruler of the land and orders the murder of Snow White (her step-daughter) which ultimately fails. The Queen talks in her spare time with her own mind (which is the mirror) except it is a much more wiser and younger version of herself. In the end she is foiled by Snow White and suffers her consequences for using dark powers against the King. She is transformed into a witch-like figure and Snow White rescues her long-lost father. Both of these tyrannical people are alike as they are both self-absorbed and deformed in many ways. They never have their happily ever after ending, lose their titles and are hushed away or killed (in Richard III’s case). This shows that tyrants always pay for their crimes. Unfortunately a small number of tyrants never suffer for the atrocious acts that they commit. This is outrageous as the wicked and selfish men and women of our society should suffer for their crimes. Shakespeare’s influence ranges from many popular topics such as love and violence but his portrayal of tyrants is cunningly similar to those of modern day culture. Would he have known that his view on tyrants was never going to change throughout the course of history? Who knows? But we will always know that tyrants were similar in both eras. Being a tyrant will lead to their own demise.

The Conservative Party Essays -- Papers

The Conservative Party The Conservative Party stands for patriotism, having respect and pride for the country we live in, keeping the United Kingdom as a 'union', and putting Britain's interests first. Tories also have a respect for British traditions and values, such as a respect for the Monarchy and the Church of England. However they think pragmatically, they are willing to change but they are suspicious of change, especially dramatic change, thus they prefer evolution to revolution. Also, the Conservatives stand for having a strong but limited, Government, meaning they feel that the Government should be powerful, but they should also intervene with people's lives less. This is done by taxing people less, allowing them to have more of their own money to spend on what they want. The Tories prefer to tax people indirectly, by means of value added tax (VAT) for example. This ties in with another Conservative belief, that people should have freedom of choice so long as it is within reason of the law. Following on from this, the Conservative Party stands for strict law and order, by insisting that people should abide by the law, and that those who don't shall receive longer and tougher sentences/punishments. Furthermore, the Tories stand for meritocracy, a belief that those who work harder and are more able should be rewarded for doing so. This can be linked with their belief in a respect for authority, that people who work hard to get into places of authority deserve respect. Finally, the Conservatives stand for preserving traditional family values, believing that close family units are vital for stability, and ... ...arget of votes, therefore retaining the position of Prime Minister, it showed that many people in the Government opposed Major, damaging his reputation. The final factor that caused Conservatives devastating defeat in 1997 is that Tony Blair, the 'new' labour party leader Tony Blair appeared to be firm and strong, while and the same time the Conservatives were further dogged by sleaze stories. Also, after calling a general election, Major refused to show the 'Faust' video as part of the Conservative campaign, which showed Blair making false promises, and he opted to talk about his policies rather than making personal attacks on Blair as advised. Because of all these problems that Major faced, as well as a hugely successful 'new' labour campaigned led by Tony Blair, the Conservatives suffered a landslide defeat.

Ignou solved assignment 2014 Essay

Describe the evolutionary process of organization design and different perspectives of organization design and their relevance. Q. Explain the meaning and purpose of Job design and briefly discuss the impact technology has on Job design. Q. Discuss the purpose of organizational analysis and briefly describe the tools which could be used for organizational analysis and their effectiveness. Q. Identify different kinds of change which take place in organization and strategies which are used for change and their effectiveness. Discuss how resistance to change can be handled before implementing it. Give examples. Q. Discuss the process of institution building and the role of chief executive in institution building with an example. 1. Organization design-A process for improving the probability that an organization will be successful. More specifically, Organization Design is a formal, guided process for integrating the people, information and technology of an organization. It is used to match the form of the organization as closely as possible to the purpose(s) the organization seeks to achieve. Through the design process, organizations act to improve the probability that the collective efforts of members will be successful. Typically, design is approached as an internal change under the guidance of an external facilitator. Managers and members work together to define the needs of the organization then create systems to meet those needs most effectively. The facilitator assures that a systematic process is followed and encourages creative thinking. Hierarchical Systems Western organizations have been heavily influenced by the command and control structure of ancient military organizations, and by the turn of the century introduction of Scientific Management. Most organizations today are designed as a bureaucracy in which authority and responsibility are arranged in a hierarchy. Within the hierarchy rules, policies, and procedures are uniformly and impersonally applied to exert control over member behaviors. Activity is organized within sub-units (bureaus, or departments) in which people perform specialized functions such as manufacturing, sales, or accounting. People who perform similar tasks are clustered together. The same basic organizational form is assumed to be appropriate for any organization, be it a government, school, business, church, or fraternity. It is familiar, predictable, and rational. It is what comes immediately to mind when we discover that †¦ we really have to get organized! As familiar and rational as the functional hierarchy may be, there are distinct disadvantages to blindly applying the same form of organization to all purposeful groups. To understand the problem, begin by observing that different groups wish to achieve different outcomes. Second, observe that different groups have different members, and that each group possesses a different culture. These differences in desired outcomes, and in people, should alert us to the danger of assuming there is any single best way of organizing. To be complete, however, also observe that different groups will likely choose different methods through which they will achieve their purpose. Service groups will choose different methods than manufacturing groups, and both will choose different methods than groups whose purpose is primarily social. One structure cannot possibly fit all. , the form of organization must be matched to the purpose it seeks to achieve. The Design Process Organization design begins with the creation of a strategy — a set of decision guidelines by which members will choose appropriate actions. The strategy is derived from clear, concise statements of purpose, and vision, and from the organization’s basic philosophy. Strategy unifies the intent of the organization and focuses members toward actions designed to accomplish desired outcomes. The strategy encourages actions that support the purpose and discourages those that do not. Creating a strategy is planning, not organizing. To organize we must connect people with each other in meaningful and purposeful ways. Further, we must connect people with the information and technology necessary for them to be successful. Organization structure defines the formal relationships among people and specifies both their roles and their responsibilities. Administrative systems govern the organization through guidelines, procedures and policies. Information and technology define the process(es) through which members achieve outcomes. Each element must support each of the others and together they must support the organization’s purpose. Exercising Choice Organizations are an invention of man. They are contrived social systems through which groups seek to exert influence or achieve a stated purpose. People choose to organize when they recognize that by acting alone they are limited in their ability to achieve. We sense that by acting in concert we may overcome our individual limitations. When we organize we seek to direct, or pattern, the activities of a group of people toward a common outcome. How this pattern is designed and implemented greatly influences effectiveness. Patterns of activity that are complementary and interdependent are more likely to result in the achievement of intended outcomes. In contrast, activity patterns that are unrelated and independent are more likely to produce unpredictable, and often unintended results. The process of organization design matches people, information, and technology to the purpose, vision, and strategy of the organization. Structure is designed to enhance communication and information flow among people. Systems are designed to encourage individual responsibility and decision making. Technology is used to enhance human capabilities to accomplish meaningful work. The end product is an integrated system of people and resources, tailored to the specific direction of the organization. 2. Job design refers to the way that a set of tasks, or an entire job, is organized. Job design helps to determine: †¢ What tasks are done? †¢ How the tasks are done, †¢ how many tasks are done, and †¢ in what order the tasks are done. It takes into account all factors which affect the work, and organizes the content and tasks so that the whole job is less likely to be a risk to the employee. Job design involves administrative areas such as: †¢ job rotation, †¢ job enlargement, †¢ task/machine pacing, †¢ work breaks, and †¢ Working hours. A well designed job will encourage a variety of ‘good’ body positions, have reasonable strength requirements, require a reasonable amount of mental activity, and help foster feelings of achievement and self-esteem. 3. Organizational analysis may be done for different purposes. These include: 1) Enhancing the general understanding of the functioning of Organizations (i. e. educational or research purposes. ) (The direct beneficiary is the researcher or the analyst rather than the Organization). Such a study may aim at enhancing the understanding of human behaviour through a study of it in organisation, or to enhance the understanding of the society as reflected in organisational life. 2) Planning for growth and diversification An analysis or a diagostic study may be necessary for planning growth, diversification, expansion etc. Organisational analysis may reveal the strengths that could be used for growth and diversification, weak spots that need to be removed in the new plans, the precautions to be taken, structural dimensions to be kept in mind etc. Several insights may be provided on structure, people, systems, styles, technology etc. that have implications for growth. 3) Improving Organisational Effectiveness or Planning General Improvements Organisational Analysis may be used also for improving the general efficiency of an organisation. On the basis of a diagnosis made out of the analysis action steps could be initiated in terms of toning up administration, introducing new management systems and processes, reduction of wasteful expenditure, introduction of time savers, change of personnel policies to enhance employee motivation, restructuring of some parts, training, elimination of unwanted structures and teasers, improvements in general health of the organisation etc. 4) Organisational Problem Solving Whenever some subsystems departments, units etc.fall sick or start creating problems a diagnosis may be undertaken with a view to identify the source of the problem and take corrective action. A sick unit, a bottleneck, a communication block, a poor performing department, frequently occurring conflict between two departments, repeated failures of a management system or an organisational process, a frequent violation of an organisational norm, fall in discipline, reduction in output absenteeism, increase in conflicts e tc. can all lead to the need for an organisational diagnosis of a part of the organisatioin or the entire organisation. tools of organisational analysis Observation represents the careful and planned method of recording certain phenomena, objects, events in conjunction with a given situation. Constantinescu, etc. (2008) considers it necessary, within the organisation, to focus on observing the interaction between employees, in order to find answers to questions such as: What is the working pace of the employees – slow, methodical, alert, spontaneous? What rituals do you notice in the enterprise? What are the values disseminated? Do the meetings generally provide revealing information? Who participates in these meetings? Who speaks? Whom do these people speak to? To what extent is sincerity situated in these meetings? How much time is devoted to different topics? The topics which often recur and which are discussed in depth frequently represent indications of the organisational culture values. Observations are used for gathering data on the symbols which are analyzed by the qualitative analysis methods. Observations include mostly behavioural material, but also semantic symbols. Observations of behavioural symbols include monitoring and recording the organizational rituals, such as, for example, the celebration of company day as a ritual of integration. There will also be careful attention focused on the state and architecture of the buildings, decor, billboards, staff dress code, behaviour and habits, working environment, the way in which everyone fulfils their role, employee behaviour in conflict situations. The analysis of these aspects allows knowing the reality, the working environment, both the organisation’s physical components and the emotional, psychological elements, harder to decipher at first glance. The opinion interview technique always involves oral information, having the advantage of flexibility, of the ability to get specific answers to each question. Along with the use of the questionnaire, it is one of the techniques most often used in qualitative research. The interview is, however, a complex technique that requires certain abilities and skills from the researcher, especially social, communication and self-reflection skills. The interview is used in the study of organisational culture to collect qualitative data about the cognitive elements of the culture, such as assumptions, values, norms and attitudes. Interviews may also serve to identify symbols, certain expressions, stories, anecdotes specific to the organisation. â€Å"To successfully use the interview in organisational culture research, it is important to determine the persons that will be interviewed, when, where and how the interview will be conducted, the set of questions that will be used and the method of recording it† (Janicijevic, 2011 , p 85). Interviews help us perceive the consistency between what the interviewees say and the facts recorded from other sources. † These perceptions are generally useful for:  · defining an updated vision of the history, the important events and its impact on the functioning of the organisation;

Homoscocial and Homoerotiscism in Shakespeare

Consider the relationship between homosocial and homoerotic in William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice and A Twelfth Night. â€Å"To talk of an Individual in this period as being or not being a ‘homosexual’ is an anachronism and ruinously misleading† (Bray, 1982, pg. 16) Before a solid argument can commence the reader has to first distinguish a number of key points of view, and more over understand them. The problem with such arguments is of course the hurdle between contemporary opinions and renaissance beliefs. The majority of modern reader/audiences have an understanding of homosexuality, or it in some way has been visible to them.This leads to the problem of a modern audience assuming a character is a homosexual based on modern presumptions. However what would be regarded as gay in today’s society may not have during the renaissance. Another issue that must be raised when considering this essay is the difference between ‘homosocialâ₠¬â„¢ and ‘homoerotic’. Homosocial is defined by a relationship of a non-sexual or romantic nature between two or more members of the same sex. Homoerotic is defined as sexual attraction between members of the same-sex.There for it is imperative the reader stay objective when considering the notions of homosocial and homoerotic behaviour. The reader must also try to remember the contextual factors in which it was written and the audience/readers estimations. The first relationship this essay will focus on is the one between Antonio and Bassanio from William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. These two share a very strong friendship, so much so that Antonio offers to lend Bassanio a very large sum of money. Antonio being a wealthy merchant however does not have the cash upfront as it is tied up in his merchandise off shore.He thus decides to go to a Jewish money lender called Shylock and offers his property as guarantee for the loan. Shylock has been spurned by the Venetian citizens on numerous occasions and quite frequently retells these cruelties. As a result instead of the property he decides he would rather have a pound of flesh from Antonio. Shylock -â€Å"In such a place, such sum or sums as are/Express'd in the condition, let the forfeit/Be nominated for an equal pound/Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken/In what part of your body pleaseth me. (Act 1, scene 3) Antonio – â€Å"Content, i' faith: I'll seal to such a bond/And say there is much kindness in the Jew† (Act 1, scene 3) In this exchange between Antonio and Shylock, we are exposed to the great lengths in which Antonio will go to make his friend and confidant Bassanio happy. He is willing to offer his life as insurance. This speaks magnitudes for the â€Å"love† these two share, and if you take the image of the flesh it could be said that the friends’ fates are now tied to one flesh. Then the man (Adam) said, â€Å"This at last is bone of m y bones and flesh of my flesh†¦ † Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh. † (Genesis 2:23-25) To consider this image as a representation of marriage, this steers the reader/audience to believe that Antonio possibly loves Bassanio more than a friend. It could be implied that there is a romantic connection between the pair and thus that their relationship is homoerotic rather than homosocial.This is especially reinforced by the earlier scenes of the play where Antonio is displayed as a largely melancholic character. Antonio knows bassanio is in want of a wife; his depression could perhaps be originated from jealousy. On the other hand it could be argued that Antonio is just upset, because he is now going to be spending less time with Bassanio. One of the main problems with trying to define the relationship between Antonio and Bassanio, is how often their relationship has switches between homoerotic and homos ocial undertones.Generally it depends on how the reader takes their exchanges, for example Antonio’s melancholy at the beginning of the play could be attributed to his jealousy of Bassanio’s want for a wife, or it could be his worry about the friendship in which the two share. Antonio – â€Å"And such want-wit sadness makes of me, / that I have much ado to know myself. † The problem would appear judging by Antonio’s description of his sadness that, he is worried about himself. Both Antonio and Bassanio share very close relationships in which both men have grown together their characters are defined by each other.Bassanio seems to have matured to a point where his life needs more than companionship and wishes to get married; Antonio on the other hand is not ready for this change and as result has to do some soul searching. It is Antonio’s dismay at this rather than a romantic connection which causes the assumption that their relationship is h omosocial rather than homoerotic. When Antonio offers to give shylock a pound of flesh if he defaults on his loan Antonio expects to have the money rather easily so it’s a rather empty gesture suggesting a homosocial relationship.However when he does default on the loan Antonio professes to Bassanio. Antonio – â€Å"Say how I loved you, speak me fair in death / And when the tale is told, bid her be judge /Whether Bassanio had not once a love† Antonio is still willing to sacrifice his life for Bassanio and once again professes his love for his friend again suggesting a romantic relationship. The language which Antonio and Bassanio use when talking to or describing each other for a modern audience coxes them to believe them as being homosexual.However the cultural differences between contemporary audience’s and renaissance audiences allow for a different interpretation. Bassanio – â€Å"To you, Antonio, /I owe the most, in money and in love, / And f rom your love I have a warranty/To unburden all my plots and purposes† (Act1, scene1) For a modern audience if a man says to another man he loves him or talks of the love they share, it would be a safe assumption to label them homosexual or at least expect some type of romantic connection. However if you substitute â€Å"love† from this extract for friendship it reads more or less the same and makes perfect sense.This is a difference in language, in Shakespeare’s time â€Å"love† would be used to describe friendship on a regular basis. The relations between men during the 16th century were very different from they are today, for example it would not thought suspicious if two men were to spend large amounts of time together or even share the same bed. In general terms it would be very difficult to discern a homosexual relationship from companionship during Shakespeare’s time. The reintroduction of the sodomy act in 1565 meant sodomy was now a capital crime and anyone caught being homosexual was punishable by death.Homosexuality its self was not even invented or at least the term was not so sodomy was used to describe this act. Interestingly enough there are no occasions where a person has been arrested or hung for sodomy alone. It would seem that same sex relations were generally frowned upon but normally ignored. It seems it only became an issue when it threatened social order, the passive male would also be prosecuted more harshly than aggressive male which was perceived by the authorities as a surrendering of his â€Å"natural† masculine role in favour of a subordinate feminine one.As mentioned above during the renaissance period there was a large emphasis on the relationships between men. The thought that a man could find an equal, not in his wife but in a male friend and that bond be stronger than the one capable between men and women. This is true of Shakespeare’s plays also he uses sexuality to define his c haracters. The platter of sexual ambiguity in â€Å"Twelfth night† we are introduced to homosocial relationships as well as homoerotic and bisexual tangents.The relationship between Antonio and Sebastian is very suspect. The first we see of Antonio and Sebastian is in Act 2 scene 1 where Sebastian is wanting to leave for Count Orsino’s court in Illyria but Antonio has enemies there. Despite the dangers to Antonio he seems adamant to accompany Sebastian, however Sebastian states on more than one occasion he wishes for Antonio to stay. Antonio – â€Å"Will you stay no longer? nor will you not that I go with you? † Sebastian – â€Å"By your patience, no.My stars shine darkly over/me: the malignancy of my fate might perhaps /distemper yours; therefore I shall crave of you your /leave that I may bear my evils alone: it were a bad /recompense for your love, to lay any of them on you. † Antonio – â€Å"Let me yet know of you whither you are bound. † (Act 2, Scene 1) As mentioned before â€Å"love† is often used within Shakespeare’s language as a substitute for friendship. However the exchanges between Sebastian and Antonio clearly signify something different, Antonio’s desperation to accompany his â€Å"friend† leads the reader and audience to assume there is a romantic connection.The fear of danger is outweighed by Antonio’s love for Sebastian and thus he decides to travel to Illyria. The homoeroticism between the two men is clearly evident and is spelt out in laymen’s terms when later in the same scene Antonio says: Antonio – â€Å"If you will not murder me for my love, let me be your servant† â€Å"But come what may, I do adore thee so/That danger shall seem sport, and I will go† (Act 2, Scene1) Antonio here also admits his love, sexual desire and submissiveness to Sebastian.Joseph Pequigney describes Antonio’s sexuality in his book such is My Love: A Study of Shakespeare sonnets as: â€Å"The reason for Antonio’s portrayal as homosexual is that a liaison with him opens space for Sebastian in the diverse bisexual fictions that make up the Twelfth Night† (Pequigney, 1985, pg 203) Antonio has clear homoerotic feelings for Sebastian and paints a very clear image of his sexual urges. Compared to Antonio from The Merchant of Venice, whose desire was born from friendship and homosocial. Shakespeare seems to have stepped up on the sexual commentary and made it far more obvious.The progression of Sebastian and Antonio’s â€Å"love† is finalised in act 3 scene 3, the audience sees Antonio make several comments regarding his desire for his lover. His love is best displayed by his speech to Sebastian: Antonio –â€Å"My desire, / More sharp than filed steel, did spur me forth, / And not all love to see you / But jealousy what might befall your travel† (Act 3, scene3) His passion, desire a nd lust for Sebastian again clearly visible, later in the scene a discussion of sleeping arrangements leads to a very brave piece of stage writing where Shakespeare clearly refers to the Antonio and Sebastian having sex.Antonio – â€Å"There shall you have me,† (Act 3, scene3) Very plain and provocative and suggestive writing by Shakespeare, Pequigney as mentioned above declares that Antonio is depicted as quite openly flamboyant homosexual is so Sebastian can part take in the bisexual theme of the play: â€Å"While he remains heterosexually virginal, he is unlike the virgins Viola and Olivia or Orsino in that he entertains homosexual impulses that are fully conscious and indulged.Antonio awakens those impulses, initiates him into interpersonal sexuality, and perhaps thereby prepares him to receive the sudden, surprising advances of the Illyrian lady† (Pequigney, 209-10). Pequigney’s opinions identify the relationship between Antonio and Sebastian as clea rly homoerotic and indeed homosexual/bisexual. Shakespeare leaves little room for speculation regarding this pair of lovers/friends the nature of their relationship would be clear to an audience of the renaissance and to a contemporary audience. The bisexual subplot in A twelfth Night is continued by the relationship between Orsino and Cesario (Viola).Orsino and Cesario share a similar relationship to Antonio and Sebastian however there are a number of major differences. Cesario is of course a woman disguised as a man. During the exchanges between them we see Orsino refer to Cesario as a man but then juxtapose these with images of a pretrachal sonnet referring to Viola/Cesarios beauty, soft voice and femininity. So essentially the relationship between them both is homoerotic. As there is a clear sexual attraction to each other. To a modern audience who has knowledge of psychology and a broader understanding f gay society will understand Sigmund Freud’s opinion on sexuality wh ich I feel helps explain the attraction between Orsino and Cesario. â€Å"A large proportion of homosexuals retain the mental quality of masculinity†¦and that what they look for in their real sexual object are in fact feminine mental traits. † (Freud, 1905) While Freud’s view helps us understand Orsino’s attraction to Cesario it is still difficult for an audience/reader to catalogue which sexuality Orsino belongs. Essentially the text suggests he is bi curious, Orsino in love with Cesario suggests a homosocial relationship perhaps with erotic undertones.However his love remains unconsummated until viola revels herself as a woman and thus their marriage is possible. However Penquigney states: â€Å"The love for Cesario could not have changed instantaneously with the revelation of his femaleness; if it is erotic then it would have been erotic before; what does change is that marriage suddenly becomes possible, and hence the immediate proposal† (Pequign ey, 207). If in agreement with Pequigney it would suggest that the relationship between Cesario/Viola and Orsino has always been homoerotic it was only the constraints of society that prohibited Orsino from the actual act of love.For a Shakespearian audience this must have been a difficult sub-plot to follow as of course women were not permitted to act. There for those audiences would be watching a small boy/young man, play a woman, which was disguised as a man. So their reactions to the performances of A Twelfth Night would be different for modern audiences. In conclusion Shakespeare manages to create a multitude of relationships within the plays The Merchant of Venice and A Twelfth Night. He crosses the lines between homosocial and homoerotic on a number of occasions.The juxtaposition of quite blatant homoerotic with seemingly homosocial relations keep the audience in a state of uncertainty where by sexuality, love and friendship are clouded. The differences that arise between a m odern or renaissance audiences/ readers result in a modern audience being quicker to judge the relationships as homoerotic. By keeping your mind free of modern social conventions we can gain a better understanding of the world of sexuality that Shakespeare was trying to convey.Bibliography The Merchant of Venice –William Shakespeare the Cambridge university printing press published 1953 The Shakespearian Stage 1574-1642 3rd edition Andrew Gurr Twelfth Night the Macmillan Shakespeare 1972 Such Is My Love: A Study of Shakespeare*s Sonnets. By Joseph. Pequigney. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1985 The sexual aberrations S Freud – The Material Queer: A Lesbigay Cultural Studies †¦, 1996 – West view Press The New International Version The Holy Bible Homoerotic space: the poetics of loss in Renaissance literature By Stephen Guy-Bray 1982 University of Toronto press http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Sodomy http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Timeline_of_LGBT_histor y

Free Essays on Crucible

John Proctor And Willy Loman: The Tragedies Of Two Common Men Are John Proctor and Willy Loman common men? Are they tragic heroes? Using information from Arthur Miller’s essay, â€Å"Tragedy and the Common Man†, both men can be defined as common, and both men can be defined as tragic heroes. Miller’s essay also characterizes the plays â€Å"The Crucible† and â€Å"Death of a Salesman† as tragedies in modern literature. According to Miller, the quality that shapes the image of the common man is one that â€Å"derives from the underlying fear of being displaced, the disaster inherent in being torn away from our chosen image of what and who we are in this world† (Miller, Tragedy of the Common Man). Both John Proctor and Willy Loman share this fear, and both regard their reputations in society very highly. Proctor’s fear of being displaced is evident in the last act when he refuses to sign the confession stating that he practiced witchcraft. Procter declares, â€Å"I have given you my soul; leave me my name!†(Miller, The Crucible, Act IV). This quote implies that Procter values maintaining his chosen image as a good and holy man over his soul, which in his religious society is also regarded very highly. Willy Loman lives in a fantasy world where he believes that he is extremely successful and loved by all. At one point Willy states â€Å"I’m the New England man. I am vital in New England.†(Miller, Death of a Salesman, Act 1). Later in the play Willy refuses a job offered to him by Charley, because he fears that accepting the job will tear him away from his chosen image if being the best, thus categorizing him as a common man by Millers standards. Because John Proctor and Willy Loman regard their reputations and dignity so highly and fear the possibility of these qualities being degraded, they are considered common men. Miller describes that the tragic element in a tragic hero is â€Å"evoked... Free Essays on Crucible Free Essays on Crucible A Major Theme of The Crucible According to the Webster’s Dictionary, a crucible is â€Å"a vessel in which metal is heated to a high temperature and melted for the purposes of casting†. It can also be referred to a situation in which a person has to make a decision that can be critical to his morals and principles. There are many interpretations of the word crucible as there is for the theme of Arthur Miller’s, The Crucible. Closely related to the word â€Å"crucifixion†, The Crucible is about a man put in a crucible situation, who is forced to choose between life and morality, just as Jesus Christ did. Miller interweaved these scenarios to form the main themes of the play – the problem of making the right moral choice and the necessity of sacrifice as a means of redemption. Both of these themes can be abridged to form one main theme, good versus evil. Based on the Salem witch trials of the late 17th century, The Crucible explores the vulnerability of a society and the difficulty of doing ‘good’ in the face of evil and tremendous social pressures. The play is about a town, Salem, Massachusetts, and the hysteria its residents go through because of the witchcraft accusations made by the young girls and countless other people of the region. These accusations, we learn in the novel, are not true and are merely stories to put the blame of someone’s mistakes or wrongdoings to someone else. The accusers are just trying to find scapegoats for their shortcomings. This is where good versus evil takes place. There are numerous â€Å"good† characters in the novel that try to prove that there are no such things as witches, as well as â€Å"bad† who use the trials for their own gain, and the plot revolves around their struggle against each other. One of the many cases where good versus evil is portrayed is through the situation between Elizabeth Proctor and Abigail Williams. Abigail Williams is the niece of Reverend Parris, a renowned preache... Free Essays on Crucible John Proctor And Willy Loman: The Tragedies Of Two Common Men Are John Proctor and Willy Loman common men? Are they tragic heroes? Using information from Arthur Miller’s essay, â€Å"Tragedy and the Common Man†, both men can be defined as common, and both men can be defined as tragic heroes. Miller’s essay also characterizes the plays â€Å"The Crucible† and â€Å"Death of a Salesman† as tragedies in modern literature. According to Miller, the quality that shapes the image of the common man is one that â€Å"derives from the underlying fear of being displaced, the disaster inherent in being torn away from our chosen image of what and who we are in this world† (Miller, Tragedy of the Common Man). Both John Proctor and Willy Loman share this fear, and both regard their reputations in society very highly. Proctor’s fear of being displaced is evident in the last act when he refuses to sign the confession stating that he practiced witchcraft. Procter declares, â€Å"I have given you my soul; leave me my name!†(Miller, The Crucible, Act IV). This quote implies that Procter values maintaining his chosen image as a good and holy man over his soul, which in his religious society is also regarded very highly. Willy Loman lives in a fantasy world where he believes that he is extremely successful and loved by all. At one point Willy states â€Å"I’m the New England man. I am vital in New England.†(Miller, Death of a Salesman, Act 1). Later in the play Willy refuses a job offered to him by Charley, because he fears that accepting the job will tear him away from his chosen image if being the best, thus categorizing him as a common man by Millers standards. Because John Proctor and Willy Loman regard their reputations and dignity so highly and fear the possibility of these qualities being degraded, they are considered common men. Miller describes that the tragic element in a tragic hero is â€Å"evoked... Free Essays on Crucible The madness of the Salem with trials is explored I great detail. There are many theories as to why the with trials come about, the most popular of which is the girls’ suppressed childhoods. However, there were other factors as well, such as Abigail Williams’ affair with John Proctor, the secret grudges that neighbors held against each other, and the physical and economic differences between the citizens of Salem Village. From a historical viewpooint, it is known that young girls in colonial Massachusetts were given little or no freedom to act like children. They were expected to walk straight, arms by their sides, eyes slightly downcast, and their mouths were to be shut unless otherwise asked to speak. It is not surprising that the girls would find this type of lifestyle very constricting. To rebel against it, they played pranks, such as dancing in the woods, listening to slaves’ magic stories and pretending that other villagers were bewitching them. The crucible starts after the girls in the village have been caught dancing in the woods. As one of them falls sick, rumors start to flu that there is witchcraft gong on in the woods, and that the sick girls is bewitched. Once the girls talk to each other, they become more and more frightened of being accused by saying, ‘I go back to Jesus; I kiss his hand. I saw Sarah Good with the Devil! I saw Goody Osburn with the Devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil!† Another girl, Betty, continues the cry with, ‘I saw George Jacobs with the Devil! I saw Goody Howe with the Devil!† From here on, the accusations grow and grow until the jails overflow with accused witches. It must have given them and incredible sense of power when the whole town of Salem listened to their words and believed each and every accusation. After all, children were to be seen and not heard in Puritan society, and the new found attention was probably overwhelming. The girls were called before the judges...

Strategies for Hiring a Teacher

Strategies for Hiring a Teacher Because teachers can make or break a school, the process used to hire them is critical to a schools overall success. A building principal typically plays some sort of role in the hiring of a new teacher. Some principals are a part of a committee that interviews and decides who to hire, while others interview potential candidates individually. In either case, its important that the necessary steps are taken to hire the right person for the job. Hiring a new teacher is a process and should not be rushed. There are important steps that should be taken when looking for a new teacher. Here are a few of them.   Understand Your Needs Every school has their own needs when it comes to hiring a new teacher and its important that the person or people in charge of hiring understand exactly what those are. Examples of specific needs might include certification, flexibility, personality, experience, curriculum, and, most importantly, the individual philosophy of the school or district. Understanding these needs before you begin the interview process allows those in charge to have a better idea of what you are looking for. This can help create a list of interview questions catered to these needs.   Post an Ad It is important that you get as many candidates as possible. The larger the pool, the more likely it will be that you will have at least one candidate that meets all of your needs. Post ads on your school website, in each of the local newspapers, and in any educational publications in your state. Be as detailed as possible in your advertisements. Be sure to give a contact, a deadline for submission, and a list of qualifications.   Sort Through Resumes Once your deadline has passed, quickly scan each resume for key words, skills, and types of experiences that fit your needs. Try to get as much information about each individual candidate from their resume before you begin the interview process. If you are comfortable with doing so, pre-rank each candidate based on the information in their resume before interviewing. Interview Qualified Candidates Invite your top candidates to come in for interviews. How you conduct these is up to you; some people are comfortable doing a non-scripted interview, while others prefer a specific script to guide the interview process. Try to get a feel for your candidates personality, experience, and what sort of teacher they will be. Do not rush through your interviews. Start with small talk. Take the time to get to know them. Encourage them to ask questions. Be open and honest with each candidate. Ask tough questions if necessary. Take Comprehensive Notes Start taking notes on each candidate as you go through resumes. Add to those notes during the interview itself. Jot down anything that is relevant to the list of needs that you created before beginning the process. Later on, you will add to your notes when you check each candidate’s references. Taking great notes on each candidate is essential for  hiring the right person and its especially important if you have a long list of candidates to interview over the course of several days and even weeks. It may be hard to remember everything about the first few candidates if you do not take comprehensive notes. Narrow the Field After you have completed all the initial interviews, you will need to review all notes and narrow down the list of candidates to your top 3-4. You will want to invite these top candidates back for a second interview. Re-Interview With Assistance In the second interview, consider bringing in another employee such as the  district’s superintendent or even a committee made up of several stakeholders. Instead of giving your co-workers too much background before the interview, its best to allow them to formulate their own opinions about each candidate. This will ensure that each candidate will be evaluated without your personal bias influencing the other interviewers decision. After all the top candidates have been interviewed, you can discuss each candidate with the other persons who interviewed, seeking their input and perspective. Put Them on the Spot If possible, ask the candidates to prepare a short, ten-minute lesson to teach to a group of students. If it is during the summer and students are not available, you can have them give their lesson the group of stakeholders in the second interview round. This will allow you to see a brief snapshot of how they handle themselves in the classroom and perhaps provide you with a better feel for what kind of teacher they are. Call All References Checking references can be another valuable tool in evaluating a candidate. This is especially effective for teachers with experience. Contacting their former principal(s) can provide you with important information that you may not be able to get from an interview.   Rank the Candidates and Make an Offer You should have plenty of information after following all the previous steps to make someone a job offer. Rank each candidate according to which one you believe best fits your school’s needs. Review each resume and all of your notes, taking the other interviewee’s thoughts into consideration as well. Call your first choice and offer them a job. Do not call any other candidates until they accept the job and sign a contract. This way, if your first choice does not accept the offer, you will be able to move to the next candidate on the list. After you have hired a new teacher, be professional and call each candidate, letting them know that the position has been filled.