Strategy management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Strategy management - Essay Example These strategies are usually based on theoretical frameworks that guide a firm towards success or growth. There would be three different strategic frameworks utilized in this study for critical analysis such as Porter’s diamond model, Porter’s generic strategies and Yip’s drivers of internationalization. Michael Porter has been able to elaborate on three types of general strategies that are basically used by every other organization. There are two dimensions that define these three generic strategies like strategic strength and strategic scope. Porter developed the diamond model in order to analyze reasons behind some firms becoming competitive in specific locations. On the other hand, Yip’s drivers of internationalization states that there are drivers such as cost drivers, market drivers, competitive drivers and government drivers which drives overall international strategy. In this study all the three strategic models will be applied on Samsung and Micro soft Nokia. Samsung is a South Korean company and it consists of affiliated subsidiaries and business. The company had entered into electronics industry in 1960s. Nokia is an information technology and multinational communications firm of Finland. This firm is regarded as the biggest vendor in mobile phone market and has recently entered into strategic alliance with Microsoft so as to use for its smartphones an exclusive Windows platform. As per figure1, market drivers basically mean market forces. This driver encompasses similar needs of customers, transferable marketing strategy and global customers. Customers possessing same needs or wants are usually offered same product. On the other hand, global customers shall differ in their demands which have to be addressed properly. Cost drivers consist of economies of scale, country specific differences and favorable logistic conditions. Economies of scale can be well justifiable in terms of research and

The Role of a Modern Industrial Manager Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Role of a Modern Industrial Manager - Essay Example Therefore, understanding the role of industrial manager would be highly beneficial and could dictate the success of an organisation. To have a clear understanding of management and the role of an effective manager, one must first take a look at history. As early as 3000 BC, there has been evidence of formal management where business transactions were recorded through written documents (Pindur, Rogers and Kim 1995). As the years went on, people realised the importance of management and started laying down theories and principles reflecting it. The years progressed and different concepts and techniques were born. Leaders learned the value of delegation of authority (Smith 1776). Specialization in tasks was learned to be effective in the work force. These, along with many others, became managerial techniques. The 19th century gave birth to what is known as classical management (Pindur, Rogers and Kim 1995). Aiming to provide a scientific foundation for the management of organisations, this school of thought soon became the most popular among those who study management. The Industrial Revolution had a hand in its development. When workers were transferred o factories, replacing small home-based shops, a need to efficiently manage the work force arose (Pindur et al 1995). Classical management was both scientific and administrative. It believes that through scientific management, productivity may be improved (Taylor 1911). It was said that successful industrial managers are born and not made. Nevertheless, systematic or scientific management when executed properly will show us that, the foundation of good management rests upon theory and principles and not merely genetic inheritance or nature (Taylor 1911). Another point of classical management is to discredit the old notion that the interests of employers and of employees are conflicting. Scientific management reiterates that these two are actually the same (Taylor 1911).

Barriers to ICT in Nigeria School Research

Barriers to ICT in Nigeria School Research Information communication technologies (ICTs) are information usage tools that are used for the production, storage, processing, and distribution and exchanging of information. The many different information tools work together, and merge to make a networked world- which gets into every part of the world (UNDP Evaluation Office, 2001). It is a progressively more powerful tool for getting involved in global markets, enhancing political accountability; recovering and making better the delivery of basic services; and enhancing many development opportunities (UNDP, 2006). Ogunsola (2005) says Information Communication and Technology is a based electronic system use for transmission of information, to respond, process and retrieve, which has influenced the way we generally live our lives. Access to global knowledge and communication can be gained (Ogunsola, 2005). The use of ICTs by student make them get more knowledge and understanding to complicated subject topics and concepts and are m ore likely to remember information gained and apply it outside the walls of the classroom. (Apple Computer, 2002). In addition, students deepen their understanding and knowledge through ICT because there is access to information at different levels. (CEO Forum on Education and Technology, 2001). Nigeria is a developing country populated with over 124,009,000 people.60% of the population in Nigeria lives in the rural area which do not even have access to social amenities like computers or IT amenities for distribution of information. Most schools in Nigeria do not have computer systems in their schools and even those that have do not make use of it or get the full utilization of the effectiveness and efficiency of information technology. The development of information technology in Nigeria has not attained the required heights which is affecting the use information and communication technology in the education system of the country. (Oyebisi, 2003) Education System in Nigeria is structured into four different levels; we have the primary education, secondary education which is divided into two different cycles-junior secondary school and senior secondary school, and we have also got the Tertiary and higher education level. The primary education is run for six years for ages from 5 to 11yrs after an examination called common entrance is written to secure admission into the junior secondary school education, the junior secondary school cycle is run for 3 years and from age 11 to 13 years and also the senior secondary school cycle also run for 3years from age 13 to 16 years after which a senior secondary school certificate (SSCE) is taken which stands as a requirement for entrance into the tertiary and higher education level. The tertiary and higher education level comprises of universities, polytechnics and college of education. (International organization for Migration). This dissertation will be a study on the secondary educatio n level in Nigeria focusing on the senior secondary school cycle. In Nigeria, the ability and effect of information technology has been known in the school system. (Yusuf, 2005).The evidence of this is shown in different reform policies laid down by the country to integrate ICT especially computer in the Nigeria school system. The federal government 1988 document policy implements the introduction of computer studies, both software and hardware, to the various levels of education in the country. The document also stated that secondary school teachers should be trained which was facilitated by introducing computer systems some of the secondary schools. In 2004, the revised National Policy on Education (FRN, 2004) focuses more on the need of ICT at all Nigeria education levels. For example, in the section 11 sub-section 102 (a) states that All states, Teachers Resource Centres, University Institutes of Education and other professional bodies shall belong to the network of information and communication technology (ICT) (p.53) and also further stated in the section 11 sub-section 102(d) states Government shall provide facilities and necessary infrastructure for the promotion of information and communication Technology at all levels of education (p.53). However, despite the written documents were accepted, they were not implemented which has left Nigeria to still be lacking in the usage of Information technology in the Nigeria education institutions. 1.1 RATIONALE FOR THE RESEARCH Information and Communication technology has made impact in all aspects of life (Oliver, 2002). Information and communication Technology has proved and provided so many positive effects in every aspects of any country, organization. Many countries have experienced drastically change in their environment especially their education factor through the use of information technology. In spite of such positive impact most developing countries like Nigeria are still yet to efficiently and effectively incorporate the use of information and communication technology into their educational system. This study will be researching the barriers and also factors that preventing the effective and efficient use of ICT in Nigeria and the steps to be taken to improve the usage of ICT. 1.2 RESEARCH QUESTION The research question developed to guide the study is What are the factors preventing the usage of Information and communication Technology (ICT) in the senior secondary school educational system of Nigeria? And what steps that could be taken to promote ICT usage in this sector? The following research sub questions were developed to guide the study: What is the current secondary school education system in Nigeria? What is the current level of usage of ICT in senior secondary school education system in Nigeria? What are the factors influencing usage of ICT in Nigeria senior secondary school education system? What are the barriers affecting the usage of ICT in Nigeria senior secondary school education system? What can be done to improve the current situation of ICT usage in Nigeria senior secondary school education? 1.3 AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this research is to be able to identify and analyze the different barriers preventing the usage of ICT in the Nigeria senior secondary school education system and make suitable recommendations to improve the current usage. 1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY The objectives of this study: To understand Nigeria current senior secondary school education system. To understand the current usage level of ICT in senior secondary school education in Nigeria. To identify the factors influencing the usage of ICT in senior secondary school education in Nigeria. To identify the barriers affecting the usage of ICT in senior secondary school education in Nigeria. To establish the suitable ways by which the usage of ICT in senior secondary education in Nigeria can be effective 1.5 GANTT CHART The Gantt chart shows the framework for the research in terms of time scale apportioned to the different aspect of the research. Its a representation of the different tasks and activities that will be done in the research project. (See Appendix 1) CHAPTER TWO 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW Africa has experienced the growth of ICTs in different areas over the past decades and it includes education. The metamorphosis from teacher-centred educational method to learner -centred education the all over the world in the previous years, adds to the use of ICTs in education. Lending from the phrase Knowledge -Driven world as envisioned by (Hawkins, 2004;Inwent, 2004), it connotes that education developmental practices must centre on the same access (i.e. equal) and value of education which should emphasize the significance of change in the educational sector via use of ICTs and providing new generations with improved expertise to operate in the 21st century. The use of ICTs in African countries and Nigeria in general is rising and considerably increasing. Conversely, while there is a vast knowledge on how ICTs are being implemented in advanced countries, there is less information on the method in which ICTs are being brought in into schools in less advanced countries (Beukes-Amiss and Chiware, 2006). Observing the less-developed countries in accordance to these authors, there is usually a short access time for each month using ICTs via both the students and teachers and even a lesser time taken with good Internet access. It ought to be observed that accessibility of ICTs with reference to access in terms of proportion of teachers to students varies considerably. In spite of this, the recent and rising technologies challenges the conventional process of Learning and teaching, and the manner in which education is controlled or managed. Despite the fact that ICT is a vital area of research in its own right, it is getting a key impact throug h all prospectus areas. Simple global communication gives immediate access to a wide array of data, challenging assessment and assimilation skills (Fowowe, 2006). Rapid communication and better access to ICTs in homes, educational establishment, and at work may possibly mean that acquisition of knowledge or learning turn out to be a truly lifelong activity-activities via which the rate of hi-tech change, forces continuous assessment of the teaching progression or process itself. Besides the importance of the research, laying emphasis on the part of the Internet and students mind-set or attitudes towards it has been well thought-out. Nowadays, Internet has become our part of communal order via the provision of a variety of functions. On the other hand however, it has immense function by implementation of method of education and system at all the society. Moreover; having awareness of the educational technologies and its major parts as Internet needs being more creative i.e. readiness, to put in new growth, creativeness or originality for learning, allowing individuals have their own learning with supportive and collective intelligence, making significant learning based on the constructivist approach (Maddux, et al., 1997). 2.1 FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO USING ICT IN THE CLASSROOM In Accordance to Cox and Preston (1999), there are quite a few factors that have been recognized which could support and influence teachers in the usage of ICT in classrooms. In order to examine these factors furthermore with reference to teachers ICT use, the research makes use of the TAM (Technology Acceptance Model) done by Bagozzi, Davis and Warshaw (1989) which was an edition of hypothesis of reason action by Fisbein and Ajzen (1980) to examine the basis for the usage of ICTs by teachers. 107 adult users who had been using a managerial system for 14 weeks were tested with this model, and it was observed that peoples usage of computer was guided by the intents of their minds to use it and that knowledge effectiveness was also strongly related to these aims. 2.2 TEACHERS AND INSTRUCTIONAL APPLICATIONS OF ICTS Several different types of technology could be used to maintain and improve learning. All from digital moviemaking, video content, to handheld technologies and laptop computing has been used in classrooms. Likewise, new usage of technology such as pod casting are constantly emerging (Marshall, 2002). From Marshals view point, a variety of technologies brings different types of package and provides different purposes in the classroom. E-mail and Word processing promotes communicational skills; spreadsheet and database programmes promote organizational skills; and software for modelling promotes the basic understanding of Mathematics and Science concepts. It is imperative to look at how these electronic technologies vary and what type makes them essential as a van for education (Berker, 1994). Available technologies in classrooms nowadays vary from simple tool-based functions for example word processors, to scientific repositories of online data. Others are handheld computers, primary historical documents, two-way distance learning classrooms and closed-circuit television channels. Prensky (2005) emphasized that even the mobile phones that a lot of people now take with them can be used to gain knowledge. In accordance with Zhao and Lei (2006) all technology is possible to play diverse roles in the learning of students. Instead of trying to illustrate the effect of all technologies by putting them as the same, researchers ought to consider the various types of technologies that are being used in class-rooms and for what intentions. Two universal differences can then be looked at from the literature. Learners can study from computers where technologies are used basically as teachers and tend to enhance students essential knowledge and skills. Furthermore, it is feasible for them to be taught with computers where technologies are used as tools that can be used in varieties of goals in the knowledge acquisition process and can be as resources to help in the development of advanced order thinking, research skills and creativity (Ring staff and Kelley, 2002; Reeves, 1998). Murphy, et al., (2001), said that the primary structure of student studying from computers is explained as DES (Discrete Educational Software), CAI (Computer-assisted Instruction), ILS (Integrated Learning System), and CBI (Computer-based instruction). Applications of this software are also the most broadly accessible applications of learning machinery in schools nowadays, alongside the word-processing software, and have immensely helped in classroom for over 20 years (Wong, Ravity, Becker, 1999). Murphy et al., (2001) elucidates that teachers employ the use of (Discrete Educational Software) DES not only to enhance teaching, as in the previous years, but to provide means for self study, bring in topics, and give chances to learn ideas otherwise difficult to get to students. The software also performs two key hypotheses about how computers can aid learning. Primarily, the users capability to relate with the software is barely described in methods intended particularly to encourage studying with the tools. Secondly, computers are seen as a medium for acquiring knowledge, to a certain extent than as tools which may perhaps support more learning. As Discrete Educational Software (DES) is known as the universal method or approach to computer use in students acquisition of knowledge. Of late, the usage of computers in schools has developed more varieties as educators identify the potency of studying with technology as a way of enhancing or improving students problem solving abiliti es and reasoning. Zhang (2005) remarks that this move that has been motivated by the superfluity of communication devices and new information now more available to students at home and in school , each of which gives new enablement to students and teachers alike for enhancing and improving student success and to meet demands the 21st century skills. 2.3 BARRIERS TO ICT USAGE IN EDUCATION The observation that teachers proficiency and lack of understanding to weigh up the use, tasks and roles of ICT in education as the two major factors obstructing teachers willingness and self-confidence in using ICT support. Likewise, (JISC, 2004) in their observation on rising development in learning technology showed that the most noteworthy obstacles seen are linked to the training of staff in the use of ICT, staff attitude, access and ICT expertise in general. Furthermore (Elgort, Marshall Mitchell, 2003) similarly reported that staffs keep on identifying a lack of time as an obstacle to the use of technology. At the same time this has been interpreted to mean that staffs have not had the moment in time to attain the essential or Basic skills needed, which now appears more probable that it reveals a sense of main concern communicated by the institution and a need by academics to see a revisit on the investment or outlay of their time in accelerating their teaching and educationa l delivery with latest technology. Earlier study of academic staff attitude and manner of approach to the use of technology has also repetitively discovered time and a lack of such examples (e.g. knowledge and skills) as major obstacles to technology implementation (Marshall, 2000). The observation of ICT, has been user-friendly by teachers in this research is significantly relevant what Cox et al. (1999) observed. This is owing to the fact that most factors that teachers regard as making it easier to use ICTs was seen by Cox et al. as adding to the constant use of ICT by teachers in their learning, and which were also seen to be of main importance to these teachers in their teaching. The issues are: making the courses easier, interesting, and more diverse, more fun for them and their pupils, more enjoyable and more motivating for the pupils among others. In addition, it should be of a worthy note that in TAM (Technology Acceptance Model) by (Davis et al., 1989), one of the fundamental themes studied was apparently ease of use. This, in accordance to Davis generally influences peoples acceptance or approval to use a particular technology. CHAPTER THREE 3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research is a cautious enquiry or search into a research question, or venture to ascertain new, or gather old facts etc., by methodical study of a subject. A good research is organized, truthful, and regularly assisted by knowledge of experts. It is governed by an in-depth understanding of what it means to be acquainted with something, by principles for performing things observed, for putting together and evaluating evidence to enable choices to be made between competing accounts of an observable fact, for testing the reliability of conclusions (Sharp et al, 2006) The research methodology is divided into parts: The research design and the data collection. 3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN 3.1.1 Research Approach There are two types of approaches to a research, inductive approach and deductive approach. These two approaches are use to assess information. 3.1.1.1 Inductive Approach Inductive approach is a research approach that has to do with collection of data and then analyse the data, from which a theory is developed. It emphasize on having understanding on the human factor reasoning. It uses quantitative method in collection of data. The researcher is part of the process of the research. (Saunders, et al, 2009). 3.1.1.2 Deductive Approach For the purpose of this study, deductive approach will be used. Deductive approach is an approach that has to do with shifting from theory to data; there is development of theory or hypotheses, in which a research strategy is designed to test it. It emphasizes more on scientific principles. It is a highly structured approach. It uses collection of qualitative method (Saunders, et al, 2009). Deductive approach analyse the relationship between research and theory. Theories that have been developed are then tested. Theories gathered are quite illuminating until they are tested. A researchers analysis of any theory may change after data has been collected, tested and analyse. These may be because ,new theories might have been developed before the researchers finishes his or her analysis and also the data collected by the researcher may not fit into the real or initial theory. (Alan, et al, 2007) The process of deductive approach is-Theory, Hypothesis, Data collection, Findings, Hypothesis confirmed or rejected and Revision of theory. (Alan, et al, 2007) 3.1.1.3 WHY DEDUCTIVE APPROACH? The approach that will be used for this study is deductive approach because it is already established that Information and Communication Technology has made a very great impact in education but despite this Nigeria is still lacking in the use of ICT in education. Most of the secondary school students are yet to use a computer in their studies and teachers are finding it very difficult to change their system of teaching by using ICT in their system f teaching. Therefore here will now be collection of data through questionnaires to test this theory. 3.2 DATA ANALYSIS There are two types of methods used in data analysis, they are: Quantitative analysis Qualitative analysis 3.2.1 Quantitative analysis Quantitative analysis is a type of analysis that uses numerical data for its data analysis process like graphs collecting data through data collection technique such as questionnaire. (Saunders, et al, 2009). 3.2.2 Qualitative analysis Qualitative analysis is a type of analysis that uses non-numerical data for its data analysis process such as categorising data through data collection technique such as Interview. (Saunders, et al, 2009). Researchers that make use of qualitative analysis gets close to the targeted population which are being researched so as he or she can have a better understanding of them in terms of behaviour, beliefs and values. In qualitative analysis, new research concepts and theories emerges out of the collected data .Due to the relationship that tend to exist between the researcher and the people he or she is investigating, qualitative researchers play an active role in the research design and gets more involved in whole process. 3.3 PROPOSED RESEARCH STRATEGY FOR THE CURRENT STUDY The research strategy chosen must be able to answer the research question and sub-questions appropriately and also meet up the objectives set.(Saunders,et al,2009).There are many types of research strategies which include, experiment, survey, case study, action research, grounded theory, ethnography and archival research. . (Saunders, et al, 2009).For the purpose of this study, the research strategy to be used is survey. Survey strategy enables one to sampling, whereby data can be collected from a small population representing a large size population. 3.4 DATA COLLECTION METHOD The data collection method that will be used is questionnaire and which will be administered by using postal and also telephone interview. The postal or mail questionnaire will be administered to respondents which are principals, teachers and students, which will be sampled randomly, while the respondent for telephone interview will be Government official. 3.5 POPULATION TO BE SAMPLED The participant s will involve 25 principals, 250 teachers and also 250 students will be selected randomly from different senior secondary schools.10 Government officials will be used for the telephone interview. The questionnaire given will be filled by the respondents, which will be collected back. 3.6 TYPE OF DATA The kind of data to be collected include: Gender; Age; Qualification; Experience; school location, Education Level, ETC and also further questions to be asked are What is your level of computer literacy? Which kind of ICT do you have access to in your school? How frequent do you have access to the ICT items per week? What is the adequate level of the availability of ICT and access to them? What are the activities done with ICT items? What are the factors hindering the usage of ICT in the school? These are just few out of the questions to be set in the questionnaire; more questions will be added as i further into the study. 3.7 PROPOSED RESEARCH ANALYSIS FOR THE CURRENT STUDY The combination of both Qualitative and Quantitative analysis would be use for the purpose of this research for the data collected; because numerical data will be used for it data analysis and questionnaire will be used as the data collection technique and also the interview that will be conducted with the government officials will be analysed with quantitative. They will be given their opinions in the answering of the questions. REFERENCES Apple Computer, (2002).The impact of technology on students achievement. Available at:http://www.aple.com/education/research/index2.html {Accessed on{12/05/2010} Ajzen, I., Fishbein, M. (1980). Understanding attitudes and predicting social behaviour. Englewood Cliffs,NJ: Prentice-Hall. 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Available at: http://www.ceoforum.org/downloads/report4.pdf Cox, M.J., Preston, C., Cox, K. (1999) What Motivates Teachers to use ICT? Paper presented at the British Davis, F.D, Bagozzi, R.P Warshaw, P.R. (1989) User acceptance of computer technology: a comparison of two theoretical models. Management Science. 35(8). 982-1003 Educational Research Association Conference. Brighton. September. Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) (2004).National policy on education (4th edition.)Lagos: NERDC Press Fowowe, S.S. (2006).Information technology: A veritable tools for sustaining the Universal Basic Education Programme in Africa. Paper presented at the African conference on Achieving Universal Basic/Primary Education in Africa in 2015. University of Botswana. 16- 19 October Gray, D.S. . Souter, N. (2003).Secondary science teachers use of, and attitude towards ICT in Scotland. A Report, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. Hawkins, R.J. (2004). Ten lessons for ICT and Education in the Developing World. World. Inwent. (2004) eLearning development and implementation: course information and documentation. Bonn: Inwent International organization for Migration, Ireland.()Available at:http://www.iomdublin.org/DORAS%20Nigeria%20Education.html#Secondaryeducation{Accessed 12 May 2010} JISC. (2004).Developing maturity in e-learning. Available at: http://www.aclearn.net [Accessed 21 May 2010] Kelly, K. (2002). Lesson study: Can Japanese methods translate to U.S. schools? Harvard Education Letter,18(3), 4-7. Lei, J. Zhao. (2006). Technology uses and student achievement: A longitudinal study. Computers and Education. Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com {Accessed on 02 June 2010}. MADDUX, C., et al. (1997). Educational Computing. A Viacom Company in United States of America. Marshall, J.M. (2002).Learning with technology: Evidence that technology can, and does support learning .San Diego: State University Marshall, S., Elgort, I., Mitchell, G. (2003).Raising the Valleys: An Approach to Developing Staff Capability in e-Learning. Available at: http://surveys.canterbury.ac.nz/herdsa03/pdfsnon/N1123.pdf [Accessed 21 May 2010] Marshall, S. (2000). Report on the 2000 UTDC Survey of Academic Staff Needs for Teaching Technology Support. Wellington NZ, Victoria University of Wellington. Murphy, R., Penuel, W., Means, B., Korbak, C., Whaley, A. (2001). E-DESK: A review of recent evidence on the effectiveness of discrete Educational Software. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International. Ogunsola, L.A. (2005). Information communication technologies and the effects of globalization: Twenty-first century digital slavery for developing countries- Myth or Reality? Electronic Journal of Academic and Special Librarianship 6 (1- 2) 1-10. Oliver,R.(2002).The role of ICT in higher education for the 21st century: ICT as a change agent for education.Available at http: {Accessed 10 May 2010} Oyebisi, T.O (2003).The impact of the environment on the growth of the Nigerian IT industry. International journal of Information management. Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com{Accessed 03 May 2010}. Pensky, M. (2005). What can you learn a cell phone? Almost anything! Innovative: Journal of Online Education,1 (5). Reeves, T.C. (1998). The impact of media and technology in schools: A research report Prepared for The Bertelsmann Foundation Sharp J.A., Peters J. and Howard, K (2006) The Management of a Student Research Project (3rd edn), Aldershot, Gower/Milton Keynes, The Open University. (Set book for M801). Saunders M.,Lewis P. And Thornhill A. (2009) Research methods for business students(5th edition) U.N.D.P. Evaluation Office. (2001).Information communication technology for development, No 5, pp 1- 31 UNDP. (2006). Information communication technologies and development. Available at:http://usdnhq.undp.prg/it4dev/ {Accessed 01 June 2010}. UNESCO, (2004). ICT pedagogy. UNESCO office. Yusuf M.O(2005) Information and communication Technology(ICT) and Education.Analysing the Nigerian national policy for information technology.Int.Educ.Joornal.Available at:http://ehlt.flinders.edu.au/education/iej/articles/v6n3/v6n3.pdf{Accessed 02 June 2010} Zhang, Y. (2005).Development and validation of an Internet use attitude scale. Computers and Education.Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science {Accessed 15 May 2010}

Homesick :: essays research papers

Sela Ward, the author of Homesick believes her family shows her everyday what a home truly is. Keeping in touch with her Southern roots is a chronic part of her life. This paper will share with you ideas about the book Homesick in addition to how it relates to my life and English 121.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The book Homesick relates to my life in many ways. Like the author I feel the best gift my parents give me is spending family time together. Another way I can relate is that I get rapture from spending time with my friends. My family is also very close-knit like Ward describes hers in the book. Manners being a critical element to success are also an element that relates to my life. My life and the book Homesick have many ways they relate.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I thought the book Homesick was phenomenal. Ward used excellent writing techniques to make you feel as if you were living her life. The deep romance she feels for the South is fascinating. I enjoyed discovering about the charitable ways a successful actress has helped others. The story opens your eyes to lessons we carry with us from childhood. I didn’t want to put down this excellent book until I had read it all.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many concepts in Homesick that relate to English 121. An acquisition in English 121 is to write for a universal audience; the book Homesick can be understood by a universal audience. English 121 and the book demonstrate how crucial it is to write descriptively. The book used good â€Å"hookers† to get the readers attention like we do in English 121. English 121 and the book closely relate in ideas.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The book Homesick relates to the reading Coming to an Awareness of Language by Malcolm X. The book and the reading are both expressive autobiographies. Both also reflect back to a previous time in the author’s lives. Homesick and Coming to an Awareness of Language both demonstrate lessons learned by the authors. Both authors tried to emulate people they respected. There are many similarities between the book and the reading.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Homesick demonstrates many examples of definition, narration and description.

Inventory Proposal Wal-Mart

Every company, no matter the size deals with inventory issues. How these issues are dealt with can determine the outcome of the company. If not done in a rectifiable fashion, the company could face serious threats up to and including closure. We chose Wal-Mart as our company from our last paper, as it proposes an interesting dilemma in that despite the continued growth, all is not well with Sam Walton’s creation. This paper will discuss the inventory problems, the expected benefits that may or may not motivate the organization for change and our assessment for an alternative solution. Wal-Mart is growing at a blistering pace adding nearly 500 stores in the past five years a 13% increase, but during this time period Wal-Mart has reduced its employee count by roughly 20,000. This has had a serious impact on the inventory. Bloomberg published an article that states that although Wal-Mart has one of the best supply chains in the world, without staffing that chain breaks down. The company does not have enough workers to help stock inventory on shelves, or distribute the inventory to stores. Customers either find stores looking disorganized and unkept, or simply find an empty shelf with no product (Flannelly, 2013). A leak reported to Bloomberg said Bill Simon, the executive vice president and chief executive officer for Wal-Mart’s United States operation stated during an executive officers meeting that the company has inventory problems. â€Å"We run out quickly and the new stuff doesn’t come in, â€Å"he stated, noting that these â€Å"self-inflicted wounds† were Wal-Mart’s â€Å"biggest risk. † (Foley, 2013) The issue is the amount of inventory that the current employees can stock is far less than is required to maintain adequate merchandise levels. A store may have inventory in the back, but if it is not seen by the customer, the store is considered to be out of stock. This poses two major problems for Wal-Mart. The main problem is that this lack of stock is costing Wal-Mart billions in sales and is essentially leading customers to competitors. More competitors, like Target and Costco, have gained some of the market share away from Wal-Mart; it seems as though maintaining good, well-stocked, exceptionally operated stores needs to become a priority for the company (Flannelly, 2013). Another major issue with this problem is that inventory sitting in the back depreciates and every hour it sits is like a leaking faucet. Not only is the product sitting and depreciating, there are higher possibilities that the product might be damaged, expire, or simply lose its market value. Adding insult to injury, customer satisfaction continues to decrease. Due to the lack of workforce Wal-Mart has remained in last place on the American Customer Satisfaction Index for the past six years. Those are staggering numbers considering that Wal-Mart is the number one retailer in the world. If this problem is not rectified, Wal-Mart and its world renowned inventory system will be six feet under. Shows a steady increase in inventory, due either to the increase in locations or The lack of adequate employees to stock merchandise. The graph above indicates that Wal-Mart has the most inventory during the months of October, November, and December. This is probably due to the increase in sales during black Friday and Christmas. This also indicates that the amount of inventory during the third quarter is significantly lower than the rest of the year. Gives a more definitive look at the highs and lows in regards to inventory by quarter. Utilizes linear regression to forecast future inventory during any given quarter. The above graphs show inventory to sales over the last three years. We found that although Wal-Mart continues to grow, their sales could be higher. Each year there is a decrease when comparing it directly to inventory. Between 2011 and 2012 the Sales difference was 6% and only 5% between 2012 and 2013. Inventory also has a dip showing an 11% increase between 2011 and 2012 but drops down to 6% between 2012 and 2013. The reason is rather simple. If inventory does not make it to the floor, sales will decrease. As inventory continues to sit, Wal-Mart is essentially bleeding out. Obviously the correct action would be to hire the needed employees to correct this problem, but the costs may be too high to do all at once, not to mention, Wal-Mart feels no need to do such. Our alternative solution would be to hire in increments and implement specialized training that specifically focuses on turning the inventory. All new employees should become subject matter specialist and the training must be repeated throughout the nation (White C. , 2013). While inventory is not the issue, it has become the equation of cause and effect. This must be a priority as the inventory is the life blood of the company. No blood, No business.

With Reference to Acid-Base Balance Explore the Role of the Respiratory System in Maintaining Blood Ph?

School of Nursing, Midwifery and Interprofessional Studies. With reference to acid-base balance explore the role of the respiratory system in maintaining blood pH? ‘We live and die at the cellular level’ (Reid, 2011). Homeostasis is crucial for normal cellular function. Acid-base homeostasis is the part of human homeostasis and refers to the balance between the production and elimination of H+ hydrogen ions (pH) within the body fluids (William, Simpkins, 2001, p. 236). Metabolic reactions within the cells often produce a huge excess of H+.Lack of any mechanism for its excretion would lead H+ levels in body fluids rise quickly to the lethal levels (Tortora, Grabowski 2006, p. 1001); therefore the homeostasis of the right H+ levels is crucial for our survival. In a healthy person several systems work interdependently on maintaining blood’s pH (Sheldon, 2001, p. 23): buffer, renal and respiratory systems. In this essay I will concentrate on the pH of the blood in rel ation to the acid-base balance and the role that respiratory system has in maintaining it. Blood pH is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity. A pH of 7. is considered neutral in the systemic arterial blood within its narrow range of around 7. 35 and 7. 45. When the pH is greater than 7. 45 the blood is considered to be alkalotic and when the pH is lower than 7. 35 then the blood is considered acidotic (Sheldon, 2001, p. 23). Fig. 1: Diagram of blood pH scale: (JupiterIonizer, 2004) The acidity or alkalinity of blood is a result of H+ concentration within it, and this on the other hand results from the carbon dioxide concentration in the blood. Carbon dioxide is a toxic waste product generated in the oxidation of fats, carbohydrates and proteins within the cells.The gas itself is not an acid, but it reacts with water to form carbonic acid which then dissociates to form a hydrogen ion and a bicarbonate ion: CO2+H2O- H2CO3-H++ HCO3- The respiratory system helps to control the acidity of blood by regulating the elimination of CO2 and H2O through ventilation and on the other hand, blood pH (H+ concentration) plays a major role in respiratory control. Respiratory muscles belong to the voluntary breathing system and are controlled by the respiratory centre located in the medulla oblongata and the pons of the brain stem (Hinchliff, Montague, Watson, 2005, p. 605). Gregoire and Gallagher (2004, p. 24) suggest, that the breathing centre controls a number of inseparable parts, which work together to ensure that any inspiration is harmoniously followed by an appropriate expiration. Also, the frequency and the volume of air per inspiration are regulated. In order to regulate the breathing in an efficient manner, the respiratory centre must be informed of the need for the ventilation in the body mainly by chemoreceptors which are sensitive to the PCO2 (carbon dioxide pressure) or the pH of the blood. Those chemoreceptors can be found in the aortic arch and in the carotid a rtery (Thomson, Adams, Cowan, 1997, p. 1). According to Tortora and Derrickson (1006, p. 1002), the pH of bodily fluids and breathing rate react via the negative feedback loop. When the aforementioned chemoreceptors detect any changes in blood pH, they will stimulate the respiratory centre to alter the ventilation rate in order to bring the acid-base balance to its homeostatic level. When the blood acidity increases, the pH decreases and causes the chemoreceptors to stimulate the inspiratory area in the brain. This results in diaphragm and other respiratory muscles to contract more frequently and forcefully (resulting in increased CO2 excretion).This will cause less H2CO3 to form, therefore less H+ will be present in the blood, resulting in increase of blood’s pH. When this response will bring blood pH back to normal, its acid-base balance will be back to its homeostatic level (Tortora, Derrickson, 2006, p. 1002). The same negative feedback will respond, when the blood CO2 le vel will increase (increase in ventilation, therefore CO2 excretion from the blood, reducing its H+ concentration and finally increase in pH). Hypoventilation= CO2 = H+ =pH = Acidosis Hypoventilation= CO2 = H+ =pH = Acidosis CO2 CO2H+ H+ pH pH Normal blood pH (7. 35-7. 45) Normal blood pH (7. 35-7. 45) Chemoreceptors stimulate the respiratory centre Chemoreceptors stimulate the respiratory centre Breathing becomes slower and shallower Breathing becomes slower and shallower Chemoreceptors stimulate the respiratory centre Chemoreceptors stimulate the respiratory centre Breathing becomes deeper and faster Breathing becomes deeper and faster pH pH H+ H+ CO2 CO2 Hyperventilation=CO2 = H+ =pH = Alkalosis Hyperventilation=CO2 = H+ =pH = Alkalosis Fig. 2: Respiratory regulation of blood pH.Simple act of breathing also regulates blood’s pH.. When the ventilation rate increases, more CO2 will be excreted, leading to decreased H+ concentration and raise in pH. Contrarily, when the venti lation rate decreases, less carbon dioxide will get excreted, leading to its accumulation, therefore increase in H+ and decrease in blood’s pH (Tortora, Derrickson, 2009, p. 1002). As we can see, lungs and brain control blood’s pH minute by minute. When the respiratory system fails to control the pH of the blood through ventilation it can lead to respiratory acidosis or alkalosis.Respiratory acidosis is an excess of carbonic acid that is caused by conditions resulting in hypoventilation and CO2 retention. The major effect of acidosis is depression of the central nervous system (Disney, 2002, p. 281). When the pH of the blood falls below 7. 35, the central nervous system starts to malfunction, and the patient will become disoriented and possibly comatose as the condition worsens Respiratory alkalosis occurs in case of deficit of carbonic acid caused by conditions resulting in alveolar hyperventilation and CO2 deficit.First, the peripheral nerves will be affected leading to spontaneous nervous stimulation of muscles (spasms) and extreme nervousness. Severe alkalosis can lead to death as a result of contraction of respiratory muscles (Disney, 2002, p. 283). Although in this essay I am concentrating on the role of the respiratory system in regulating the pH of blood it is worth mentioning the role of buffer and renal systems in their connection to the role of the respiratory system. Renal system is the slowest mechanism in regulating of the blood pH, however the only way to eliminate acids other than carbonic acid responsible for raise in the blood pH.It helps to restore long term acid-base imbalance but is not quick enough to react in sudden changes (Powers, 2001, p. 312-313). The pH buffer systems are a combination of body’s own natural weak acids and bases. They exist in balance under normal pH, however when any changes in pH solution occur, they change their proportions to chemically restore the balance (Appel, Downs, 2008). The important buffer systems include proteins, carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffers and phosphates (Thomson, Adams and Crown, 1997, p. 53). Prolonged acid imbalances of any kind are not well tolerated by the body as they disturb its normal functions.A chronically over-acidic pH corrodes body tissue and if left unchecked, it will interrupt all cellular activities and functions. The blood pH has a serious effect on all of the body’s systems and that’s why it is important for the body to maintain its acid-base balance, as even minor deviations from the normal range can severely affect every cell in our body. Due to close connection between the respiratory system and blood’s acid-base balance any malfunctions of the respiratory system will lead to blood pH imbalances. Word Count: 1099 SCENARIO 2 (1000 words)With reference to negative feedback loops explore the role of the pancreas in glycaemic homeostasis. PLEASE TYPE YOUR ANSWER BELOW: Cells need a stable environment in order to su rvive. Negative feedback is the mechanism by which our body maintains its conditions at a homeostatic level (Guyton, Hall, 2006, p. 861). When the conditions exceed the above range of homeostasis, negative loop will release a hormone to bring those conditions back to normal. Contrarily, when the conditions exceed the lower range of homeostasis, the production of the second hormone will be triggered.Negative feedback loop requires a receptor, a control centre and an effector. Located in the body are eight major endocrine glands that secrete hormones. Blood glucose concentration regulation through the negative feedback shows, how the endocrine system maintains the homeostasis within our body using two antagonistic hormones: insulin and glucagon (CliffsNotes, no date), released in the pancreas. In this essay I will explore what is glycaemic homeostasis and why is it essential for the health of cells and therefore for the health of the entire body.I will find out how is it maintained wi thin our body by the negative feedback loops and what is the role of the pancreas in this process. Glucose is the main source of energy for majority of cells in the human body (Tortora, Grabowski, 2006, p. 614). Its molecules are broken down in the cells to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules, which provide energy for many cellular processes. Circulating blood delivers glucose molecules to cells and therefore the constant supply of glucose is reliable on the glucose levels being maintained at continuous and adequate level.However, it is equally important, that the concentration of glucose in the blood and tissues is not excessive (Paul, 1999). The homeostatic level of glucose is achieved through the negative feedback systems of endocrine system which ensure that the glucose concentration is maintained within the normal range of 70 to 110 milligrams of glucose per decilitre (Paul, 1999). In a healthy person the homeostatic glucose levels are restored by one of the organs o f the endocrine system- the pancreas. Fixed firmly in the pancreas is a large of endocrine tissue called the islets of Langerhans.Simpkins and Williams (2001, p316) suggest, that the islets contain two types of cells- ? – and ? – cells, are responsible for the production of glucagon and insulin. Tissues use glucose at different rates, depending on the metabolic activity (Simpkins, Williams, 2001, p. 317). More glucose would be used by our body during exercise than during the rest time. The concentration of glucose will also rise after a meal, when the nutrients are being absorbed. After the glucose enters the bloodstream (following food digestion), the ? ells detect that the blood glucose concentration has raised and release the enzyme- insulin (Tortora, Derrickson, 2009, p. 340-341). Insulin has several functions. One of them is accelerating the conversion of glycogen from glucose. Blood leaving the gut contains the absorbed products of digestion and then passes them to the liver. The liver cells contain enzymes controlled by insulin, which help to synthesize the glycogen, the polymer of glucose. Glucose absorbed from the gut is stored in a form of glycogen in the liver and some of the skeletal muscles (Simpkins, Williams, 2001, p. 316).Glucagon has the opposite role to the insulin. It stimulates the transformation of glycogen to glucose (Guyton, Hall, 2006, p. 861). The other functions of insulin include speeding up the entry of glucose from the blood into the respiring cells, increasing the cellular rate of glucose utilization as an energy source and stimulating of the fat synthesis from glucose in the liver cells (Paul, 1999). All these effects would together cause the decrease in the blood glucose concentration and the insulin secretion discontinuation (from negative feedback from declining levels of glucose).Contrarily, when the blood glucose concentration decreases (for example during starvation), the pancreas will respond by stopping the insulin secretion and stimulating the alpha cells to secrete glucagon. Apart from accelerating the breakdown of glycogen to glucose, it increases the breakdown of fats to fatty acids and glycerol in adipose tissue as well as it stimulates liver cells to increase the synthesis of glucose from glycerol absorbed from the blood (Paul, 1999).These effects will cause an increase in blood glucose level and the secretion will discontinue when reaching the homeostatic level (negative feedback). Blood glucose concentration declines Blood glucose concentration declines Blood glucose concentration rises Blood glucose concentration rises Pancreas stimulates alpha cells to release glucagon Pancreas stimulates alpha cells to release glucagon Pancreas stimulates beta cells to release insulin. Pancreas stimulates beta cells to release insulin. Increased breakdown of glycogen to glucoseIncreased breakdown of glycogen to glucose Homeostasis- normal blood glucose level Homeostasis- normal blood glucose level Increased rate of glucose transport to the cells Increased rate of glucose transport to the cells Increased breakdown of fats to fatty acids Increased breakdown of fats to fatty acids Increased rate of glucose utilization Increased rate of glucose utilization Increased breakdown of protein to amino acids Increased breakdown of protein to amino acids Increased conversion of glucose to glycogen Increased conversion of glucose to glycogenIncreased protein synthesis Increased protein synthesis Increased synthesis and release of glucose Increased synthesis and release of glucose Increased fat synthesis Increased fat synthesis Blood glucose concentration rises Blood glucose concentration rises Blood glucose concentration decline Blood glucose concentration decline Fig. 1: The homeostatic regulation of blood glucose concentration via the negative feedback loop. In relation to negative loop system, the glucose transporters that bind glucose are the receptors. The ? – and ? cel ls act as the control centres, as by processing the information from the receptors they act by releasing effectors- insulin and glucagon- in order to restore the internal conditions back to their normal level (Haaland, 2001). Maintenance of glycaemic homeostasis is crucial, as glucose is the only nutrient that can be used by brain to supply it with energy required for its functioning (Guyton, Hall, 2006). Contrarily, raised glucose concentration can produce a large amount of osmotic pressure in the extracellular fluid and lead to cellular dehydration.High glucose concentration will also cause loss of glucose in the urine, which can deprive body of its fluids and electrolytes. Long-term increases in blood glucose may cause damage to many tissues, especially blood vessels and can lead to heart attack, stroke, blindness and renal diseases. Any disturbances in the glucose levels will be an indication of disease. For example, raised glucose levels would be present in diabetes mellitus, C ushing’s syndrome, liver disease and hyperthyroidism. Contrarily, decreased glucose levels are present in Addison’s disease, hypoinsulinism and hypothyroidism (Paul, 1999).The most common of all aforementioned diseases is diabetes mellitus. In type 1 diabetes body’s immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas. This means that pancreas is unable to secrete insulin (Tortora, Derrickson, 2001, p. 341). People affected by the disease will need external source of insulin in order to survive Type II is the most common type of diabetes. In this disease insulin secretion is not reduced, however the tissues in the body become resistant to insulin over time. Person affected by type II diabetes can control their glucose levels with the medication and the right diet.Glucose is needed for the cells to function. Pancreas has a major role in maintaining right glucose levels as it is responsible for secretion of two antagonistic hormones responsible for th e glucose regulation. Negative feedback loop stimulates the pancreas to release the right hormone at the time to bring the blood glucose to its homeostatic level. Any disturbances in the secretion of aforementioned hormones can lead to many diseases and body dysfunctions. Any pancreas malfunction will automatically lead to blood glucose level disturbances. Word count: 1098PLEASE TYPE YOUR REFERENCE LIST BELOW: Appel, S. , Downs, Ch. , (2008) ‘Understanding acid-base balance’. Nursing. 38 (9), pp9-11. CliffsNotes Antagonistic Hormones. [online] Available at: http://www. cliffsnotes. com/study_guide/topicArticleId-277792,articleId-277669. html (no date) (Accessed 11 Jan 2013). Disney, J. (2002) Acid-base disorders. In: Marx, J. et al. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts of Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Oxford: Elsevier. Esmond, G. , (2001) Respiratory Nursing. London: Bailiere Tindall. Gregorie, L. , Gallagher, P. 2004) Life Sciences: Anatomy and Physiology for Healt h Care Professionals. Edinburgh: Nelson Thornes Limited. Guyton, A. C. , Hall, J. E. (2006) Textbook of medical physiology. 11th ed. London: Elsevier. Haaland, W. (2001) Homeostasis. [online] Available at: http://www. bioedonline. org/slides/slide01. cfm? tk=25 (Accessed 16 January 2013). Hinchliff, S. M. , Montague, S. M. , Watson, R. (2005) Physiology for Nursing Practice. 3rd ed. London: Elsevier. | | | | Jupiterionozer, 2004. Are you overly Acidic? [online] Available at: http://www. jupiterionizer. om/are_you_overly_acidic. htm (Accessed 02 January 2013). Marino, P. , Sutkin, K. , (2006) Acid-base interpretations. 3rd ed. [e-book] Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Available at: Scribd. >http://www. scribd. com/doc/35400593/The-ICU-BOOK-Paul-Marino-Complete< (Accessed 3 January 2013). Paul, I. (1999) Blood sugar regulation. [online] Available at: http://www. biologyreference. com/Bl-Ce/Blood-Sugar-Regulation. html (Accessed 09 January 2013). Powers, A. (2001). Acid-Base Balance. In: Curley, M. , (2001). Critical care nursing of infants and children. nd ed. Michigan: Elsevier. pp. 309-321. Reid, J,. (2011) Undersatnding acid/alkaline balance. [pdf] Manchester: Integrative Complementary Wellness Centre. Available at: http://www. byregion. net/images/pdfs/1019_9. pdfn (Accesses: 06 January 2013). Simpkins, J, Williams, J. I. (2001) Advanced Human Biology. London: Collins Educational. Sheldon, L. (2001) Oxygenation. Thorofare: Slack. Tortora, G. , Derrickson, B. (2009) Principles of Anatomy and Physiology: Maintainance and Continuity of the Human Body. 12th ed. Volume 2. Hoboken: Wiley. Tortora, G. , Grabowski, S. 2006) Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 10th ed. Hoboken: Wiley. Thomson, W. , Adams, J. , Cowan, R. , (1997) Clinical Acid-Base balance. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Triplitt, C. L. (2012) ‘Understanding the mechanisms to maintain glucose homeostasis: A review for managed care’. The American Journal of Managed Care, 18(1), pp. 4-27. [Online] Available at: https://secure. pharmacytimes. com/lessons/pdf/201201-02. pdf (Accessed 09 January 2013). Waugh, A. , Grant, A. , (2010) Ross and Willson: Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness. 11th ed. London: Elsevier.

Why is there a need for reconciliation projects within austr essays

Why is there a need for reconciliation projects within austr essays Why is there a need for reconciliation projects within Australia? When Europeans discovered Australia in the year 1770, they declared the land terra nullius- uninhabited. However, this was not true. This erroneous statement was what led to years of violence, discrimination, massacre and racial discord which continues to have devastating effects on our society, more than 20 decades later. As a nation, we still bear the scars from this period, and it is now, more than ever, that we need to focus on reconciliation. The term reconciliation means to bring into agreement or harmony, to render no longer opposed. The current Australian project of reconciliation refers to efforts to resolve past issues and differences between Australias indigenous population and the wider community. It was established in 1991, when the commonwealth parliament voted to found the council for Aboriginal reconciliation, aswell as to begin a formal reconciliation process. This came as the result of continuingly obvious inequalities and hostility between both groups. The 26th of January is a day on which many Australians celebrate the founding of modern- day Australia. However, for many indigenous Australians, this day is not one of celebration but one of mourning and protest. It signifies the loss of their traditional culture, death, disownment, and disease. When Europeans first colonized Australia they spread sickness and conflict throughout the Aboriginal settlements- they took the lives of many indigenous peoples, and stole their children to bring up as their own. For years after, Aboriginal people were despised and discriminated against, robbed of their land and their rights. Indigenous people were not allowed to vote until 1962, and could not even be counted as an Australian citizen until 1967. Although today Australias Aboriginals are recognised as the equals of white Australians, and racist attitudes are part of a small mino ...

How to Create Your Own Homeschool Curriculum

How to Create Your Own Homeschool Curriculum Many homeschooling parents- even those who start out using a pre-packaged curriculum- decide somewhere along the way to take advantage of the freedom homeschooling allows by creating their own course of study. If youve never created your own teaching plan, it can sound daunting. But taking the time to put together a customized curriculum for your family can save you money and make your homeschooling experience much more meaningful. Here are some general steps to follow to help you design a curriculum for any subject. 1. Review Typical Courses of Study by Grade First, you may want to research what other children in public and private schools are studying in each grade in order to make sure your children are covering approximately the same material as other students their age. The detailed guidelines linked below can help you set standards and goals for  your own curriculum. Typical Course of Study for Elementary SchoolTypical Course of Study for Sixth GradeTypical Course of Study for Seventh GradeTypical Course of Study for Eighth GradeTypical Course of Study for Ninth GradeTypical Course of Study for Tenth GradeTypical Course of Study for Eleventh GradeTypical Course of Study for Twelfth Grade 2. Do Your Research. Once you have determined what subjects you will cover, you may need to do some research to make sure you are up-to-date on the particular topic, particularly if its one you are not already familiar with.   One solid way to get a quick overview of a new subject? Read a well-written book on the topic aimed at middle schoolers! Books for that level will tell you everything you need to know to cover the topic for younger students, but still be comprehensive enough to get you started on a high school level. Other resources you can use include: Popular nonfiction young adult books;Websites about a subject for students;Review books written for high school students;Self-help books for adults (such as the For Dummies series);Textbooks, particularly ones that are recommended by other homeschoolers. As you read, make notes on key concepts and topics you may want to cover. 3. Identify Topics to Cover. Once youve gotten a broad view of the subject, start thinking about what concepts you want your children to learn. Dont feel you have to cover everything- many educators today feel that digging deep into a few core areas is more useful than skimming over many topics briefly. It helps if you organize related topics into units. That gives you more flexibility and cuts down on work. (See below for more work-saving tips.) 4. Ask Your Students. Ask your children what they would like to study. We all retain facts more readily when were studying a topic that captivates us. Your children may be interested in topics that fall right in line with what youd want to cover anyway, such as the American Revolution or insects. However, even topics that may not seem educational on the surface can provide valuable learning opportunities. You can study them as-is, weave in related concepts, or use them as a springboard for more in-depth topics. 5. Create a Timetable. Figure out how long you would like to spend on the subject. You can take a year, a semester, or a few weeks. Then decide how much time you want to devote to each topic you want to cover. I recommend creating a schedule around units instead of individual topics. Within that time period, you can list all the topics you think your family would like to learn about. But dont worry about individual topics until you get there. That way, if you decide to drop a topic, youll avoid doing extra work. For instance, you may want to devote three months to the Civil War. But you dont need to plan out how to cover each battle until you dive in and see how it goes. 6. Select High-quality Resources. One big plus of homeschooling is that it lets you use choose the very best resources available, whether they are textbooks or alternatives to textbooks. That includes picture books and comics, movies, videos, and toys and games, as well as online resources and apps. Fiction and narrative nonfiction (true stories about inventions and discoveries, biographies, and so on) can also be useful learning tools. 7. Schedule Related Activities. Theres more to learning a topic than accumulating facts. Help your kids put the topics you cover into context by scheduling in field trips, classes, and community events that relate to the subject you are studying. Search out museum exhibits or programs in your region. Find experts (college professors, craftspeople, hobbyists) who might be willing to talk to your family or homeschool group. And be sure to include lots of hands-on projects. You dont have to put them together from scratch there are lots of well-made science kits and arts and crafts kits, as well as activity books that give you step-by-step directions. Dont forget activities like  cooking, making costumes, creating ABC books, or building models. 8. Find Ways to Demonstrate What Your Kids Have Learned. Written tests are just one way to see how much your students  have learned about a subject. You can have them put together a research project that includes an essay, charts, timelines, and written or visual presentations. Kids can also reinforce what theyve learned by making artwork, writing stories or plays, or creating music inspired by the subject. Bonus Tips: How to make writing your own curriculum quicker and easier: Start small. When youre writing your own curriculum for the first time, it helps to start with one unit study or one subject.Keep it flexible. The more detailed your teaching plan, the less likely you are to stick to it. Within your subject, pick a few general topics you want to touch on. Dont worry if you come up with more topics than you can possibly cover in one year. If one topic doesnt work for your family, youll have options to move on to. And nothing says you cant continue on with a subject for more than a year.Choose topics that interest you and/or your kids. Enthusiasm is contagious. If you child is fascinated with a subject, chances are you will pick up some factoids about it as well. The same goes for you: Teachers who love their topic can make anything sound interesting. Writing your own curriculum doesnt have to be a daunting task. You might be surprised to discover how much you enjoy personalizing your familys curriculum- and how much you learn along the way. Updated by Kris Bales

Belonging

These essential components of belonging are portrayed through the poems of Peter Skrzynecki and another additional text the film Invictus directed by Clint Eastwood about the uniting of South Africa through the efforts of Nelson Mandella. Feeling a sense of connectedness Wether this be on a physical,social,spiritual or emotional level to something or someone allows for an individual to feel a sense of gratitude and self belief. To a certain extent the groups we belong to define who we are, and an individuals perceptions are the resulting outcome of belonging. The acceptance and kinship being in association with groups may bring one would say belonging would impact ones life positively. Although he opposing side of belonging is not belonging and is as a problem many people in the world face today. This alienation may leave individuals feeling detached and isolated from all things surrounding them. There are many reasons why one may not belong these may include race,religion,culture,attitudes and beliefs as well as many others. This separation felt may severely impact an individuals life in a negative direction. The poems by Australian poet Peter Skrzynecki illustrate many examples of kinship and detachment. Many of the poems in the book Immigrant Chronicle by Skrzyecki explain his problems with feeling like an outsider stuck in limbo between his Polish culture passed down by his parents and his new Australian culture that he was exposed to everyday. In the poem â€Å"Felix Skrzynecki† Skrzynecki states â€Å"I forgot my first Polish word† this line illustrates Skrzyneckis lack of interest in his Polish Culture as he feels he doesnt belong. In the poem â€Å"Felix Skrzynecki† Skrzynecki uses alliteration in the second stanza to suggest peace and tranquillity, as his father holds his garden in high regard and Skrzynecki feels this is the only place where is father truly belongs. This allows for responders to learn that one may feel attached to something other than other people or groups. In this poem Skrzynecki also illustrates his fathers exclusion from the rest of Australia by the line â€Å"did your father ever attempt to learn English† this line shows Felix isolation as he cannot speak the language of the country he lives in. Although in stanza one the lines â€Å"Kept pace only with the Joneses Of his own minds making† suggest that Felix was not bothered by values or lifestyle choices that he did not believe in. This poem and other Skrzynecki poems further knowledge involving belonging and not belonging as they provide primary sources that identify multiple examples of the issue. Destruction,analyses and in depth essays of the poems allowed for a deeper understanding of belonging to be gained. The Film Invictus by Clint Eastwood. The story is based on the novel Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandella and the game that Made a Nation. The film tells the story of Nelson Mandella in his first term as South African President, and the initiation of the venture to abolish the apartheid and unite the nation through the 1995 Rugby World Cup. The film illustrates many examples of not belonging due racism and prejudice behaviours shown by white south Africa. The film allows for racism to be viewed as one of the demanding reasons for isolation. Although later in the film an attitude shift is imminent and relationships are bridged between â€Å"black and white South Africans due to the efforts of Mandella. The film illustrates how film techniques such as camera shots,angles and music are used to create a sense of detachment at the start of the film but also show the uniting of South Africa in the end of the film. Invictus enhances knowledge of the issue belonging as it shows many examples not belonging at the start of the film, but with a shift in attitudes reveals many signs of belonging shown towards the end of the film. Due to the complex and abstract nature of the concept of belonging, a true sense of belonging can be found in different circumstances for different people. A sense of belonging or not belonging is thought about by every person in the world today, its what many people strive for everyday although some may never find it,whilst others have always had it. Analysis of a range of texts including the Peter Skrzynecki poems and the film Invictus delve deeply into the many different circumstances that individuals may wish to belong in. Ultimately to belong will always be something people feel they need to fulfil their needs,although a sense of belonging will vary to different people. | |

How to encourage spaces into social spaces- cases study on OMA's works Essay

How to encourage spaces into social spaces- cases study on OMA's works - Essay Example These seemingly simple definitions are ample enough for us to immediately see the complexity that the issue of ‘spaces’ bring to us in cities. If someone does not have a separate cubicle, does his/desk in the office become a private space? How is this space accessible to others? How much accessibility should be provided to this space? Who should be allowed access? How does the utilization of this space mark it as public or private? Does the arrangement of spaces in the manner in which cities are planned reflect and enable the spatial and technological revolutions that are transforming us every moment Are our cities and the structures that it house, capable of meeting the increasing requirements of mobility, accessibility and communication that globalization necessitates? These are some of the most important questions that may be asked in relation to the configuration and distribution of spaces today; this paper will specifically look into the area of social spaces in cit ies to day. I will attempt to engage with ‘social spaces’ by describing and evaluating present architectural trends through the example of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture and some of their important projects. Swyngedouw and Kaika, in ‘Making of Urban ‘Glocal’ Communities, mention some of the concerns associated with urban planning such as emancipation and disengagement, global and local as well as social justice versus neo-liberalism. While one may assume the forces of modernity as co-terminus with the spaces of the city itself, this article makes a distinction between the two. They argue that cultures of everyday life are undermined by the creation of a city of the spectacular commodity, making it a staged archaeological theme park (Swyngedouw and Kaika 2003 p.11) On the contrary, current trends in modern architecture claim to be facilitating convergence of multi-purpose spaces, a mission that is tailored to cater to the specific utilitarian purposes that are

Telephone interview for the London Borough of Newtown2 Essay

Telephone interview for the London Borough of Newtown2 - Essay Example Both qualitative and quantitative data are summarized in this report, to give a clear understanding of people’s responses obtained. 1. Confirming Caretaking Services The first question in the interview was the base to rest of the questions as it caters people’s direct responses about caretaking services being offered. The interview was not carried out further if the respondent answered No to the question to confirm that their estate provides caretaking services. On this question to confirm estate services of caretaking, a greater number of people responded positively, saying that their estate local authority does offer caretaking services to its residents. From the 400 interviews being taken, 266 responded in positive while the rest 134 said that the local authority does not provide such services. This data leads to the finding that there are around 33% of people who carry the impression of the local authority, being non- active in their estate cleaning and caretaking s ervices (Venter & Waldt, 2007). 2. Responses in Cleaning services For residents who responded ‘Yes’ to the first question, the interview was proceed further to ask them about their opinion on the quality of services being offered. This question addresses the cleaning services in the estate and which are the areas in which needs to be worked on by the local authority. ... i. Removal of Litter Waste of litter and junk stuff in passageways and roads is one core problem for many people as it creates hindrances in traffic flow in lanes and walkways (United Nations Environment Programme, 2013). So this question was catered right after the respondent affirmed about the services of the estate. Out of the 400 respondents, 165 were satisfied with the litter removing services of the estate. On the contrary, 101 residents were dissatisfied from this service and suggested that there is a big room for improvement in this area of cleaning. The rest 134 residents being interviewed gave the response of no opinion. Two findings that can be made from this data are that, the people responding no opinion to this question are not fully dissatisfied as then they would have a stand in against of the removal of litter service. Hence, it can be said that a bigger majority of people are content with this service being offered. Second majority are the people who are neither com pletely satisfied nor dissatisfied, but can be considered to be inclined towards satisfaction. Then a minority of people, making around 25% of the total interviewees, falls in the category of dissatisfied residents in cleaning and removal of litter (Guillain, 2008). ii. Cleaning of Bin Areas The next part of the question was related to the cleaning of bin areas of the locality. These are the areas where trash bins are located, and people trash their junk and rubbish into theses bins. When these bins are not emptied on regular intervals, then people drop their trash beside the bins or in the passageway, which creates health and environment problems due to exposure of

Country Report- Comparative Politics (Tunisia) Essay

Country Report- Comparative Politics (Tunisia) - Essay Example In the modern history, Tunisia has changed into a sovereign republic, named the al-Jumhuriyyah at-Tunisiyyah. Tunisia has over five million people, almost all Arab-Berber descent. The Mediterranean is on the north as well as east of the country, Libya is in the southeast, and Algeria is on the west. Tunis is the capital and the largest metropolis. It is found near the ancient site of the city connected with Carthage. During this time, two presidents, who had a tremendous impact in Tunisian society, have led it. Its first modern leader, President Habib Bourguiba delivered to the place of work hard-won political experience, after several decades connected with service on the list of leadership on the independence mobility. As the actual major figure on the Neo-Destour Celebration, he seemed to be instrumental in obtaining entire independence pertaining to Tunisia in 1956. He dominated government entities until their removal in 1987. Through his decades in place of work, his feats inclu ded the law change, economic procedures which detoured briefly in a socialist way, a mild but steady improvement in lifestyle, and the foreign insurance policy, which retained a private approach even though maintaining buy and sell and financial connections to the west. Benjamin Ali was the President of the Republic throughout 1987, in addition to kept electrical power until this individual was forced to leave in 2011. His economic policies possess emphasized a place orientation. His test at re-approachment using Islamist groups would not meet anticipations. The lording it over party ended up being reorganized. Within his authority, Tunisias economy continued to accomplish at a new pace, which in turn yielded a new moderate although overall regular rate associated with growth. A great independence, mobility lasting many decades gradually prevailed, bringing about the end of the French protectorate. In 1954, the Tunisian wrestled and major civil

Network and protocol processes that occur in the network when you Essay

Network and protocol processes that occur in the network when you access X-Stream - Essay Example tors and students to collaborate and exchange information, we will discuss the insights of this portal by demonstrating the necessary methods, protocol techniques and processes. However, in order to give a better idea, we have to take TCP/IP protocol suite in to account. Moreover, the foundation for this technological layer that enables a communication channel for internet applications is the IP addresses itself. The priority of the IP is vital because the rest of the TCP/IP protocol suite is fabricated on the IP. However, a recently introduced modification for improving the efficiency of IPv4 32 bit addressing is the CIDS (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) (Linton 2011). Likewise, IP address is assigned a job for developing and constructing the data packets in the same standardized method along with packet management associated with data transmission between interlinked devices in an efficient way. The primary objective is to establish a path for data packets to travel and serve as a basis for delivering network based online applications and services via a TCP/IP suit. The purpose is to expand accessibility of these web-based applications globally and provide services to users such as sharing and uploading documents, pictures, videos, electronic email, video conferencing, chatting, forums, social networks etc. in a broad spectrum, a common platform is now established that is empowered with the mentioned services to make communication valuable. Consequently, for educational communication, a student portal named as X stream has been established, that will serve as a common platform for all the students and tutors, professors and staff for the same university or college. However, apart from some common examples of web enabled services above, the X stream provides advanced services bundled with customization options for students to gain insights on their studies effectively. The report will follow a thorough discussion of the semantics behind these services ranging from

Anthropology of humor Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Anthropology of humor - Assignment Example Humor is a part of our day-to-day life and people use humor while conversing, imagining, and observing. Humor is also beneficial as it gives social, psychological, and material advantages to the persons who make humor. Humor is soothing for pain, grief, anxiety, and nervousness. Mcgraw and Warren are of the view that â€Å"humor is a positive and adaptive response to benign violations. Humor provides a healthy and socially beneficial way to react to hypothetical threats, remote concerns, minor setbacks, social faux pas, cultural misunderstandings, and other benign violations people encounter on a regular basis. Humor also serves a valuable communicative function† (1148). Humor whatever may it be is not innocent; it reveals as much as it hides. Also, humor does not actually produce aggression, it is not unrelated to aggression. Gruner, Humor and Aggression There have been so many attempts by philosophers, scientists, critical theorists, and comedians to theorize humor and delin eate its intricacies. There are several theories, which try to interpret humor. What is humor? What is its social function? What ought to be considered as humor? Humor theorists have tried to find answers to all the above questions and beyond. These theories try to understand all sorts of humor by assuming some antecedents, like incongruity, tension release (Freud) or superiority (Gruner). However, the problem with them is that they speculate humor as an outcome of some tragedies. According to Gruner, â€Å"[p]rostitution could serve as the subject matter in a joke in order to make fun of others besides the girl and her client† (122). Humor, even it is on some people only, is always related to the society as a whole. Therefore, humor could reveal the social unconscious and the traces of repressed aggression within it. Many times, apparently, â€Å"the subject matter is sex [of humor], but the object of ridicule the conceited nature of both a young man and a young womanâ€⠄¢ (italics original) (Gruner, 126). Certainly, humor is an attack, a rebellion against the conceited nature of transactions in a non-transparent society. Charles R Gruner has offered a deep-going superiority theory of humor. He has contributed a lot in conceptualizing the humor. The central theme of Gruner’s theoretical formulation regarding the complexities of humor is that ‘much sexual humor is can also profit in humorousness by its active ingredient of aggression. That is, if both aggression and sexual content each make for good jokes, a combination of the two adds up to double enjoyment.† (emphasis original) (127). He equates humor with a game and firmly believes that there are winners, losers, and spectators in humor. Gruner is of the view that ‘sexual humor is one of the most prevalent and best-enjoyed kinds of humor† (127). Gruner's Superiority Theory of Humor has three fundamental assumptions. First, in the entire humorous situation there will be a winner and a loser. This notion is compatible with the human nature. Gruner believes that human beings are always competitive in their mind. In addition, humor has substituted the actual fight. Through humor people are competing with each other for hundreds of years. The winner, in Gruner’s notion, always makes fun of the loser. If we go to any talk show there we find comedians, who winners, making fun of politicians and elites, who are considered as losers.

Islamic Teachings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Islamic Teachings - Essay Example Islam being a diverse religious, has crossed many cultural boundaries where people of various regions have been influenced by its doctrines and rituals and have adapted it to their specific contexts (Bassiri, 1997, p. 43). Islam, is a religion of peace that promotes equality and justice to humanity, and unlike what it is perceived in many cultures as 'a religion of spirituality', Islam has no room for the spiritual dimension. In fact, Islam teaches discipline and a balance in worldly affairs and believes in rationality. This has been the major distinction to what Islam is and what it is perceived in many countries, particularly Islam in South Asia. Similarly, the problem also arises with the discrimination factor of the religion. Koran says, to be one nation, believe in one God and do not discriminate. This notion is never followed, because there are two main sects in this religion, 'Sunnis' and 'Shiites'. Thus, the problem between Islamic teachings and practice is that it varies according to different cultural perceptions and practice. Such variation also occurs for the reason that since Koran is in Arabic, Muslims, who are unaware of Arabic language, often make a distinction between the Koran and a translation of the Koran. This variation has always been considered normal for the main teachings that Muslims are aware of, are commonly practiced in every region and culture. However, difference lies in their interpretation, due to distinct cultures and variations in practices. Translations into the local languages of the Islamic world, are not independent books, but rather interlinear commentaries on the meaning of the text and aids to make the teachings of Islam more simpler to understand. Islam - a monotheist religion recognizes the significance of correct practice, as this is what makes people Muslims and that, for most people, correct belief rests upon correct practice (Murata & Chittick, 1994, p. 9). This study centers around how Islam entered into cultural settings, and how it is perceived and to what extent the teachings are variated in countries like United States, Britain, Middle East, India and Pakistan, along with comparisons from Christianity and Judaism. To what degree Islamic teachings as perceived in various cultural settings contrast with other and what are the ways to assess the interaction between Muslims and non-Muslims communities Islam in the United States and Great Britain Islam in the U.S and UK reflects not only the values and particularities of indigenous cultures of the West, but also of almost all the Islamic communities of the world. By the turn of the fifteenth century, Muslims throughout the peninsula were forced to choose among the unfortunate alternatives of conversion to Christianity, emigration, or death. Many who chose the first, continued to practice their faith in secret, maintaining a hidden conclave of Islam for centuries. Others, when tried openly to rebel suffered through expulsion from the

Anthropology of humor Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Anthropology of humor - Assignment Example Humor is a part of our day-to-day life and people use humor while conversing, imagining, and observing. Humor is also beneficial as it gives social, psychological, and material advantages to the persons who make humor. Humor is soothing for pain, grief, anxiety, and nervousness. Mcgraw and Warren are of the view that â€Å"humor is a positive and adaptive response to benign violations. Humor provides a healthy and socially beneficial way to react to hypothetical threats, remote concerns, minor setbacks, social faux pas, cultural misunderstandings, and other benign violations people encounter on a regular basis. Humor also serves a valuable communicative function† (1148). Humor whatever may it be is not innocent; it reveals as much as it hides. Also, humor does not actually produce aggression, it is not unrelated to aggression. Gruner, Humor and Aggression There have been so many attempts by philosophers, scientists, critical theorists, and comedians to theorize humor and delin eate its intricacies. There are several theories, which try to interpret humor. What is humor? What is its social function? What ought to be considered as humor? Humor theorists have tried to find answers to all the above questions and beyond. These theories try to understand all sorts of humor by assuming some antecedents, like incongruity, tension release (Freud) or superiority (Gruner). However, the problem with them is that they speculate humor as an outcome of some tragedies. According to Gruner, â€Å"[p]rostitution could serve as the subject matter in a joke in order to make fun of others besides the girl and her client† (122). Humor, even it is on some people only, is always related to the society as a whole. Therefore, humor could reveal the social unconscious and the traces of repressed aggression within it. Many times, apparently, â€Å"the subject matter is sex [of humor], but the object of ridicule the conceited nature of both a young man and a young womanâ€⠄¢ (italics original) (Gruner, 126). Certainly, humor is an attack, a rebellion against the conceited nature of transactions in a non-transparent society. Charles R Gruner has offered a deep-going superiority theory of humor. He has contributed a lot in conceptualizing the humor. The central theme of Gruner’s theoretical formulation regarding the complexities of humor is that ‘much sexual humor is can also profit in humorousness by its active ingredient of aggression. That is, if both aggression and sexual content each make for good jokes, a combination of the two adds up to double enjoyment.† (emphasis original) (127). He equates humor with a game and firmly believes that there are winners, losers, and spectators in humor. Gruner is of the view that ‘sexual humor is one of the most prevalent and best-enjoyed kinds of humor† (127). Gruner's Superiority Theory of Humor has three fundamental assumptions. First, in the entire humorous situation there will be a winner and a loser. This notion is compatible with the human nature. Gruner believes that human beings are always competitive in their mind. In addition, humor has substituted the actual fight. Through humor people are competing with each other for hundreds of years. The winner, in Gruner’s notion, always makes fun of the loser. If we go to any talk show there we find comedians, who winners, making fun of politicians and elites, who are considered as losers.

The Life We’ve Always Wanted Essay Example for Free

The Life We’ve Always Wanted Essay John Ortberg’s (2002) book, The Life You’ve Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People, describes the methods by which all ordinary people may achieve their goals for the present life and beyond. The book is about spiritual transformation, or morphing, which is described by the author as â€Å"the inward and real formation of the essential nature of a person (p. 23). † Ortberg reminds the readers that they could be one with God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ. To do so, however, readers must be willing to understand their shortcomings on the path of spirituality. They must know whether they are disappointed with themselves and/or life in general. Ortberg describes his own disappointments, too, allowing the reader to relate to an ordinary person who has given serious thought to living a life he had always wanted. The life we have always wanted revolves around our personal relationships with God. The author reminds the reader that God is accessible, and when we pray we must bear in mind that Jesus Christ is right next to us. Moreover, ordinary persons must seek intimacy with God. According to Ortberg, â€Å"Practices such as reading Scripture and praying are important – not because they prove how spiritual we are – but because God can use them to lead us into life (p. 43). † These practices train people to listen to God. Ortberg insists that it is possible for all ordinary people to listen to God. However, the following conditions must be met: (1) Ordinary persons who are ready to successfully spend their lives with the guidance of God must believe in The Life We’ve Always Wanted 3 Him; and (2) They must actually begin following His guidance by loving people and loving Him, and by healing themselves of the sickness of hurry, as the author describes it. The author describes many ways in which ordinary people stop themselves from following the guidance of Jesus Christ. Ordinary people may be selfish or lazy when conditions require them to help their brothers and sisters. They may also stop believing that they are servants of God by being vane, prideful, and stubborn. Ortberg writes, â€Å"We have all, in our own way been trying to take God’s place ever since Eden (p. 99). † However, people who pretend to be their own gods cannot enjoy the guidance of God, who knows everything and is therefore able to guide them best. In order to live the lives they have always wanted, ordinary people are required to confess their sins to God. Being free of guilt and shame before God is necessary for the cultivation of a sound relationship with Him. The book drives home the fact that joyfulness, silence, meditation, and an unhurried way of life would help ordinary people to achieve the best in both worlds. Still, Ortberg concerns himself with the present life when he narrates the stories of ordinary people in relation to the subject of the book. Indeed, the book is mainly about achieving success in the present life by obeying God, e. g. by loving God and His people, and by listening to Him with earnestness and knowing that He would not disappoint us. Concrete Response During the last two years, I have actually tried my best to be Christ like. Jesus Christ had said that if we try to be one with him we may be able to do everything that he could do, and The Life We’ve Always Wanted 4 more. I was very interested in learning to heal myself and others, as well as to enjoy the life I have always wanted. So, I spent a great deal of time in prayer, meditation, and reading the Scripture. For some time I was truly able to listen to God. I knew that He was talking to me, and guiding me. It definitely required me to slow down to be able to listen to Him. As soon as I entered a period of being extremely busy, however, I lost the connection. As a matter of fact, I forgot how God used to talk to me. It still bothers me to think that I do not recognize God’s voice even if I hear it now. Although Ortberg has extensively written about listening to God, I still cannot do it. I have simply forgotten how to listen to God, and there is no way that anybody can remind me about the method I had used to listen to Him. It was and remains a personal experience. Even if Ortberg’s writing eventually manages to remind me about the way I used to listen to God – I believe it would not be possible until and unless God allows me to listen to Him and to know that it is He. Reflection Jesus Christ had clearly stated that we must be one with him. He was a Messiah, and Ortberg reminds us that ordinary people are servants rather than Messiahs. So, if ordinary people do not have the potential of being Messiahs, why did Jesus Christ say that we should be one with him? If Jesus Christ were living on earth today, the suffering of human beings would surely have lessened. Conflicts around the world are on the increase, and so are diseases. Ortberg The Life We’ve Always Wanted 5 quotes William Iverson who had written, â€Å"A pound of meat would surely be affected by a quarter pound of salt;† and adds, â€Å"If this is real Christianity, the ‘salt of the earth’ where is the effect of which Jesus spoke? (p. 33). † It bothers me that Ortberg mentions this because he has not been able to help our world the way Jesus is expected to. Almost everybody can talk. As far as results are concerned, I would not be able to give enough credit to Ortberg for changing our world. Jesus did not write books. Perhaps, therefore, Ortberg should spend more time in prayer, meditation, and reading the Scripture before he is actually able to influence the world in the manner of Jesus. In my opinion, it is enough for ordinary people to read and understand the Scripture on their own. People that are constantly talking about the Gospel instead of practicing it should reflect on their own spiritual disciplining process. It seems to me that all believers ought to practice more and preach less. Action The answers to all human problems can be resolved by understanding the Scripture. To a friend who is experiencing problems, therefore, I would mention the Scripture and the fact that nothing is impossible for the human being who believes and follows revealed knowledge. However, I recognize the fact that most people do not give thought to the Scripture nowadays even as they experience severe diseases. It is for this reason that I would simply mention the Scripture instead of explaining it in great depth, unless, of course, I encounter people who truly believe that God would love to help them. The Life We’ve Always Wanted 6 As mentioned before, I seem to have lost the connection with God that I had experienced at the time I was genuinely motivated to be one with Him. I have experienced success in life since that time. Still, I miss listening to Him and knowing it is He. In the near future, therefore, I would like to spend time in silence and prayer to start listening to Him again. I would pray for Him to talk with me, with the knowledge that He is with me and would answer my prayer right away, provided that I agree to completely rid myself of the sickness of hurry.