The Realization of My Advantages

Each individual is unique—this is one of the very cliche lines which most people hear all too often. However, the reality is that this line is something that we must learn to remember. Being an individual means that we are different from other people and that we have different things to offer for various situations. Every person specializes in a skill or talent where he or she can excel, no matter how insignificant that skill or talent may be for others. Thus, I personally believe that it is important for us to seek our own interests to fully realize our capabilities while enjoying the things that we must do. I view that this is crucial whenever a person reflects on the advantages that he or she possesses. Even during my younger years, I have already been interested in colors and shapes. My parents used to buy coloring books and materials for me when I was a kid, and before I knew it, I was fascinated with colors. I tried various colors to match another color by mixing them in the corners of the plain drawing. As a child, I was developed a fascination for building things with my own hands. However, with my limited dexterity at that time, I was not able to build anything successfully. Although my mother often appreciated the small things that I created, such as boxes I made out of recycled materials, I always felt that I could do it better Thus, as I grew older, I became very keen on details, most especially with the things that I design. I started looking at magazines and was able to distinguish the designs that I like. Sometimes, I draw what I think or directly create things from scratch. Although this activity is very time consuming, I believe that this will hone my skills and will directly address my issues in being a perfectionist. I do think that in order to be the best in my craft, I also need to critique myself constructively. It is essential to be aware of my weaknesses so that I could improve as an artist. My training at Parsons, The New School of Design that offers a world-class education, is something that I have always been very proud of. As the said school is used in a popular reality show as a training ground for many fashion designers, being granted with the opportunity to attend training here would definitely have a great impact in my future career as a designer. Parson has a great faculty and staff members who provide top-of-the-line training for their students. By passing the training at Parson, I gain the impression and image that I am capable of making designs that the world can acknowledge as exceptional. In addition, the training which I have received as well as the design perspectives made me feel confident with myself. Thus, I believe that my training at Parsons provided me a competitive edge. Considering my personal assessment of myself, I believe that I am very unique from the other design students in terms of my willingness and devotion to this field. From the time that I was young up to this very day, I do think that my trivial interest developed into a strong passion for creating designs to make life more beautiful comfortable for people in different walks of life. Hence, my advantage is my passion to work which could be a trademark that would be remembered by others. By making a simple design that is captivating to the eyes of the viewers as well as convenient for those who would use it daily is one of the most important values that I have as a designer. This attitude is one of my competitive advantages that I possess that aid me in creating a name for myself to be acknowledged just like the other renowned artists in the world. For me, advantages are only a plus to the natural abilities and the talents which are bestowed upon us. Nevertheless, my education, personality, perspective, and my passion are the best advantages that I have. These competitive advantages will stand as my weapons to prosper and be noticed as an artist in my own genre and be appreciated by those who also believe in the mixture of beauty and comfort.

Gentrification in a Global Context

April 3, 2013 ENG11 Professor: Jonathan Katz Student: Darina Markyanova Draft#1. Essay #3 Gentrification. Gentrification is believed to have occurred as early as the 1870’s in Europe, and later on its spreads out in North America and Australia. However, it was first observed in 1964 in Camden Town, North London by Ruth Glass. She is found an actual term and clearly describe its definition. â€Å"Gentrification is a renewal of an urban area, accompanied by displacement of poorer residence by more affluent ones† (Williams 547).As known gentrification it’s a process that has been marred by a lot of controversy, but I believe it’s have a positive influence on any neighborhood and its community. However, some would disagree with that, because gentrification also has a negative influence on previous residents, who usually becomes a victim of displacement. Consequently, gentrification has two sides: it could be positive and negative. â€Å"Maria Marquez, 37, has slept on the sofa for past 12 years to give her mother and son two bedrooms in their apartment in Chicago’s gentrifying Logan Square area.But eventually, she says, we’re gonna get kicked out. It’s a matter of time. † (Hampson 1). Displacement of lower class residents appear through process of gentrification. It happens when urban developers transform low income neighborhoods into new and upscale communities. This is result in the eviction of the poor from their affordable housing as these urban developers target to replace them with wealthier tenants. Often these old, broken buildings that requires multiple repairs and renovations quickly been replaced by luxury homes as loft apartments and condominiums.In the fact that most of the original low income tenants cannot afford to live and pay for the new houses, so they are forced to move into lower social communities. As low class social residents move out, businesses that served them also forced to either s ell out to richer companies that can serve the new wealthier tenants or to completely close down. â€Å"99-cent stores †¦bodegas are gone. There’s large delis now†¦ inexpensive beer – you can’t even buy that in the stores. The stores have imported beers from Germany†¦ feta cheese instead of sharp Cheddar cheese.That’s a whole other world. † These tremendous changes forces some people to leave theirs gentrified neighborhood and look for new home else where. On the other hand those new upscale communities becoming a safer and cleaner place to live due to garbage pick ups, intensive police enforcements; necessary presence of door mans and well maintained properties by handy man. â€Å"The gang bangers are not around as much, and you don’t see the prostitutes on the corners like used to†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Hampson 4). This is shows that quality of life tremendously had changed and improved.However, even though the idea of gentrificati on might have some good for the development of urban poor areas, it comes with its pitfalls which include possibility of that crime will go up. For example, many poor and young individuals in more populated environments with rich residents will be urging to get involved in social vices overrides and commitments of crimes. Finally the frustration that follows on the eviction of the previous tenants usually results in confrontation between new tenants and the old tenants who see the new ones as the root to all their problems.As a result rich residents become to considering the people in the ghettos as potential criminals. Meanwhile previous residents is feeling neglect by the central government, because over the years ghetto have been enforced and put under intense surveillance of low flying helicopters and 24 hours police ground patrols. This has led to restrictions and curfews on residents on the ghettos. The fact that heavy police presence around ghettos has aggravated the already soar relations between ghetto and the more affluent tenants.As prove to this â€Å"†¦ the police are now here to protect ‘them’ and not ‘us’†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Lee 2). This is having led to complete segregation of these two sets of population. The rich are unable to go ghettos out of fear of being harmed while the ghetto cannot go into rich neighborhoods out of fear of arrests by law enforcing officers who have been placed in these locations to prevent any accidents that could happen to the rich. Today gentrification has been identified in almost every industrial country.It happens everywhere and the truth is – if community is close by to the area that under development, eventually it will get gentrified in the countless time. Besides changes that affiliated with gentrification usually positive, for all of that, as I stated above countless number of evidences and factors why gentrification is so superior and so beneficial for any community that dev elops and grows. Though this is may be controversy as usually poor residents get â€Å"lost† and divided into two opposite cultural and social levels in their area, where they were lived and grow up.

Critical thinking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 6

Critical thinking - Essay Example He uses the church as a source to refer to the hard hearted in support of his position. The church through the ages has at times adopted the doctrine of compel violet, a kind of political dominants, a kind of cultural superiority, a means of political dominance. According to Aristotle the essence of happiness is prosperity combined with virtue. When someone is happy, that is when he or she can make many friends, build a family, make wealth, live long life, excel, have athletic powers and therefore good virtue. Rhetoric is known as the ability of using language efficiently. Aristotle asserts, rhetoric is useful in that; it helps to discover the known and the unknown about a subject. Normally, we use language- in speech or in writing- we engage in a rhetorical work (McKeon, 148). Absolute certainty assumes the knower to understand each concept in its full extension and in its relationship to all other concepts. Absolute certainty precludes doubt of any nature. Absolute certainty holds every thought in total context and always relates all information together as one unified whole. Absolute certainty, defined in this full extension of the term, is possible only to an absolute being that enjoys absolute knowledge. The Corpus of marvel exists when someone evokes or experienced surprise or wonders where as a miracle is an event that occurs inexplicable as per the laws of nature and is taken to be supernatural. Hume defines miracle as a transcriptional of law of nature by a specific volition of Deity. Personally, some experiences are inexplicable i.e. when I got healed stomach ulcers without undergoing any medication (Bailey, Alan & Dan, 212). There are four methods by which we can assure the truth of something. First, is by trusting the source of the information (Lee, 37). For example, by reading a book or review a research study; by using references other than scientific studies such as religious literature. In all cases, the information is usually made clear and

Reflective Letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Reflective Letter - Essay Example I think this is one of the central parts of the revision process. It is possible to write a sentence that is grammatically correct that nonetheless has multiple meanings. Upon the revision process I was able to spot much of the ambiguity and clarify these element. This way the paper flowed more and the argument was stronger. During the revision of this specific paper I also realized areas where the argument could be made stronger. These revision elements were more conceptual in nature as I recognized that things that were previously stated were not as strong as they could have been. This way I was able to add more quotes and background information to strengthen the essay. To a great part my writing in ‘Your Life is Your’ Decision’ also was revised in terms of clarity and conceptual elements. Throughout this essay I recognize there were many elements that I did not make adequately clear. Changing these elements allowed the essay to flow better. Notably with this essay I experimented more with the form of the paragraphs. I came to realize that oftentimes paragraphs can go in a variety of positions and that experimenting with positions allows one to add rhetorical flair and strength to the essay. Another essay that I made revisions to was ‘A Summer Fitness Journey’. I chose this essay to be included in my portfolio as it not only represents a literal summer fitness journey, but also metaphorically attests to my writing journey throughout the course. Many of the changes that were made to this essay were for clarification purposes. In this sense I recognize I wrote the essay with a story in mind and at times did completely understand that the audience didn’t comprehend specific elements. This way during the revision I was able to more thoroughly establish the aspects of the story that weren’t thoroughly explained enough. Another major thing in this essay was the understanding that things emerged I wasn’t

What impact, if any, are sculpture parks and gardens having on the art Essay

What impact, if any, are sculpture parks and gardens having on the art world of today - Essay Example Jean-Francois Lyotard argues that realism in art is a form of conformism, and that the task of the modern artist is to produce â€Å"incommunicable statements† which cannot be fitted in to the easy flow of information within computerized society. In his ‘Appendix Answering the Question: What is Postmodernism?’, published at the end of The Postmodern Condition, he wrote that the â€Å"only definition† of realism is that â€Å"it intends to avoid the question of reality implicated in that art† (1979). It is associated in this account with those who â€Å"pursue successful careers in mass conformism by communicating by means of the ‘correct rules,’ the endemic desire for reality with objects and situations capable of gratifying it† (Lyotard, 1979, p. 75). This uncritical use of established methods of representation is contrasted with ‘avant-garde’ art, which, he argues, uses experimental innovations in technique and stru cture to attempt â€Å"to make visible that there is something which can be conceived and which can neither be seen nor made visible† (Lyotard, 1979, p. 78). This â€Å"something that can be conceived but not seen nor made visible† is often referred to as the sublime, a quality of transcendent greatness â€Å"with which nothing else can be compared and which is beyond all possibility of calculation, measurement or imitation† (Wikipedia, 2006). The presence of this sublime element, then, inspires the imagination in a specific direction based on which elements remain visible or understandable.

Business Strategy (Viking Sewing Machines) Case Study

Business Strategy (Viking Sewing Machines) - Case Study Example Company has reformulated its strategy documents, created new mission statement. The changes started with the change in the distribution network and to make retailers as dealer-partners and to motivate them to promote exclusively the company's products. In its biggest market (US) company collaborated with large retail chain Jo-Ann Fabrics and crafts and opened exclusive retail outlets. In its original country (Sweden) company has already a large retailer's network. In other parts, the company do not have exclusive retail network. Changes at the top management level with widespread changes in overall organizational structure as well as in operating systems. Now in the changed situation company has to adopt different business strategies and analyze that whether these strategies are successful or not. Business strategies: There are three main success criterions for the companies Suitability, Acceptability and Feasibility, which could be analyzed as follow: Suitability: It is a broad criterion concerned with whether a strategy addresses the circumstances in which an organization is operating the strategic position. Suitability can be thought as the rationale of a strategy and whether it makes sense in relation to the strategic position of an organization. Feasibility: Feasibility is concerned with whether an organization has the resources and competences to deliver a strategy. A number of approaches can be used to understand feasibility. Financial feasibility and Resource deployment are the two important approaches generally used for feasibility analysis. Now we will analyze the company VSM on the basis of above mentioned three criteria. The mission statement, VSM has clearly defined its priorities as to develop, produce, market and sell consumer sewing machine and related products, creating demand, being a customer driven company through providing quality products, satisfy customers and dealers-partner alike, and continuously adding values to its brands. It specifically emphasized on employees satisfaction and growth opportunities by adding value to its human resources. Its ultimate aim was to be a leading premium company in the world of sewing. It basically aims towards consolidation of its position in the market. To achieve these objectives, company has to formulate its business strategies carefully after analyzing its core areas of competencies, its strategic positioning in the market as well as the various choices it have in its existing situation. For the next 5 years mainly company has to identify its areas of operations and production, marketing and distribution strategies, financial planning and prudence, ex pansion strategies, and careful evaluation of various choices it have to formulate its competition strategies to remain successful sewing manufacturing machine company. Strategies might be regarded as suitable from the point of view of: existing opportunities in the environment and avoiding threats; capitalizing on organizations strengths and avoiding or remedying weaknesses; addressing exceptions. The general environment of western market for sewing machine is becoming saturated and shrinking. Even industrial demands are going down and therefore professional and domestic sewing machine market seeing a slump. Therefore VSM group has an opportunity to expand in East European market and

Marketing Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 4

Marketing Management - Essay Example The use of English advertising in foreign countries is one that is well-studied. In Japan, for instance, the usage of English connotes sophistication and modernity, as it also does in South Asia countries like India. In India, the usage of English is used to convey sophistication and modernity, while the usage of Hindi, the lingua franca of India, is used to connote tradition and belonging. In the Hispanic population living in the United States, English advertisements is seen as not accommodating, yet is somewhat positive if the listener has linguistic insecurity. Spanish advertisements have the opposite effect they are accommodating, yet are somewhat negative for those with linguistic insecurity. Therefore, the researcher found that a mix of Spanish and English is most effective in these populations, as it mixes accommodation and respect (the Spanish part of the ad) with a positive feeling of linguistic security (the English part of the ad). The use of English in the country of Japan is becoming an increasingly popular phenomenon. The attribution of the high number of loan words in Japan dates back to the Meiji Restoration in 1868, in which Japan was transformed from feudal to a modern state by adopting Western civilization (Takashi, 1990, p. 327). There are a high number of English loan words in the Japanese language, much more so than loan words from European nations. English loan words represent 80.8% of Western loan words in Japan, with the other western loan words coming from France, Germany, Italian and Dutch (Takashi, 1990, p. 327). This is because the Japanese study English more than any other foreign language. There is some thought that the Japanese people regard English as representative of something cosmopolitan and international, and modern English words are seen as conveying sophistication and modernity, especially in they are used in advertising. (Takashi, 1990, p.

Analysis the case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Analysis the case study - Essay Example Hence the exercise is an inductive method as applied in qualitative methodology. In this case, the researcher decided to examine the subjects’ attitude, likes and dislikes and behaviour through a narrative / dialogue in a real-life situation. Having decided on the means, the researcher collects the data by probing the minds and behaviour of the subjects in an environment which enables the subjects to be as true and spontaneous as possible. The researcher also prepares his own observations of the subject matter (Ski Lodge at the Oceana Club) in respect of which, the participants express their inner thoughts. These observations are in a reflective type note, and give the location a character against which the collected data is analysed. Thus an inductive and interpretive type qualitative research methodology is employed in this case, based on real-life situation with the participants and the background as subjects under study. This methodology is appropriate while collecting data from a relatively small sample and the subject is not amenable to quantitative and deductive research that is more appropriate for dealing with processes than with people. The interview took place as an informal chat with conversation flowing freely between the interviewer and the participants in the real world set up. The Interviewer supplemented his transcript with his own reflective fieldwork notes. In the process the ambience and attractiveness of place is being assessed in an ‘action research’ method. In analysing qualitative research work, the common steps are interim analysis, memoing, data entry and coding (South Alabama University, Ch.17, 2008). In the interim analysis, the queries are neither structured nor do they follow any particular and predictable pattern. They are generated as the interview progresses until the issue is completely understood. To achieve this objective, the researcher may apply a cyclical method of questioning to support or reject the

Reproduction Issue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Reproduction Issue - Essay Example This essay focuses on the ethical implication of third trimester abortion with reference to its medical effect on the fetus and the mother. In particular, this essay argues against third trimester abortion. Numerous claims against abortion argue that both the mother and the fetus have particular rights. It was emphasized by Annas (1998 as cited in Orshan, 2008, 310) that the fetus is not an individual within the context of the Constitution and declares that states cannot criminalize abortion prior to the determination of the viability of the fetus. States can prohibit abortion after determination of the viability of the fetus only if there is an anomaly that allows abortion to defend the health or life of the mother. States can enforce limits on abortion prior to the determination of viability only if such limits do not generate major barriers to a woman’s acquiring an abortion (Wikipedia, 2013b). Roe v. Wade made sure that women have the legal privacy right, and that such right is basic and general to cover her choice to obtain an abortion. Third term abortion is the most disputed topic of reproductive rights. There is no involuntary right to obtain abortion after the first trimester. In later trimester, the fetus is already viable. A six-month fetus can possibly stay alive with a delivery even though it would have higher susceptibility to complications. The Supreme Court has always considered exceptions for the likelihood of third trimester abortion if the woman’s life is in danger (Hall, Bobinski, & Orentlicher, 2007). It is not possible to ethically abort a possibly viable fetus except if there is a major justifying condition like danger to the life of the fetus or the mother. With regard to court directive, the court cannot oblige a doctor to carry out an operation that is professionally or ethically unjustifiable (Wikipedia, 2013a). For instance, if legislation ratified today making it legally permissible to carry out ‘mercy killing’, or

Social media essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Social media - Essay Example This is a key aspect of networking as it allows the sharing of ideas and learnt concepts for the betterment of the society. Social networking has been demonstrated to overlap with academic life in that it creates an opportunity to generate events related to coursework. As such, various stakeholders get to meet and discuss different issues regarding in line with assignments while offering a first-hand interaction with instructors. This serves to revolutionize the learning experience by providing ample support systems in the education sector, which works to improve its quality. Other than keeping in touch with friends, making new ones, and sharing ideas, social networking sites serve as a source of entertainment especially with the integration of online gaming communities. Moreover, social media provides information on the latest occurrences in sports and showbiz through feeds to local news channels. The world’s economy is a significant beneficiary of social media owing to massive marketing strategies employed to capture the attention of users. Social networking in marketing allows organizations to cut back on their costs of advertising and reaching out to potential clients and even reaching new markets. This is because with a tight or non-existent budget whatsoever for marketing, an organization can wage an all-out war on marketing through social networks since it is mostly free. In addition, the rise of social media sites has seen potential employers tear through the sites in search of information on their potential employees. Search engine and social networking sites provide a cheap model for background research where funds can be saved while getting the work done. Social networks also create an efficient platform on which college graduates can market themselves through professional networks. In spite of the positive aspects of social media, lack of moderation often

The White Cube Museum Essay Example for Free

The White Cube Museum Essay Introduction: White cube was set up by art dealer Jay Jopling, an ex-Estonian and son of a Conservative MP who is married to artist Sam Taylor Wood. It was first opened in a small, square room in May 1993 in Duke Street. Indeed, it was the smallest exhibition space in Europe at the time, and yet, for such a small space white cube became, arguably, one of the most influential galleries of the past decade. Situated at 44 Duke Street, St James, one of London’s most traditional art dealing streets, surrounded by auction houses, old master galleries and specialist art bookshops.   The central concern of White cube was to create an intimate space in which an artist could present a single important work of art or a coherent body of work within a focused environment. In this regard, the gallery achieved its reputation by being the first to give one person shows to many of the so-called Young British Artist [YBAs]. Even when it moved to its present location at Hoxton Square, it still held on to its unique gallery rule that an artist could only be exhibited once. By this time, white cube had built up an international reputation for showing international artists such as Chuck Close, Richard Prince and Jeff Wall but interspersed with this Jay Jopling had also shown, cutting edge, YBAs including Gary Hume, Mona Hatoum, Marc Quinn and Sarah Lucas. Alfred H. Barr. Jr., director of the Museum of Modern Art, MoMA, is credited for transforming the white cube concept into a functionalist ideology that conveyed purity and restraint, hence setting up the canon for modern art. On the other hand, Carol Duncan has attempted to bring out the effect caused by MoMA’s imposition of the masculine gaze to modern art galleries. Indeed her writings have given feminists an impetus to show that the personal is political and hence, women can channel there own experiences to disrupt the masculinity of the museum’s space. Ideally, Carol Duncan challenges the white cube’s functionalist concept of purity and restraint by directing us to begin to think about ‘female form’ and its cultural significance. The concept of purity and restraint conveyed by the white cubes has its basis in the ideology that representations of the female body can be though to be less of a static object and more as a limit point or set of exclusions, for while an image of the body of a woman can represent all that is pure or worthwhile, it can also embody that which is thought to be the most contaminated and disgusting. It is this objectivism of the female body by male artists’ that Duncan describes as male artists’ attempts to reach abstraction. The white cube captures this abstraction in such a way that it bars women artists from admittance to its canon. She seems to portray the idea that this canon emanates from the view point of a heterosexual male audience whose desires activated the modernism of the white cube art concept. In essence Carol Duncan’s main critique of MoMA’s white cube is based from its perceived attempt to foster stereotypes in society. From her are led to imagine exhibition sites to be quite the opposite of the white cube, to be social spaces based on the model of a living, responsive, organic entity. This is because to her, the white cube deliberately restricts the range of sensorial input to the viewer as works are spatially isolated in uncluttered, pristine environments characterized by large expanses of bare, unadorned wall. The cool aesthetic of the modern art institution, to her, only serves to emphasize the architecture as a functional container and a set of solid surfaces. This makes the art museum appear like a ritual site whose aesthetic exhibition, courtesy of the white cube, distinguishes viewers from art works both conceptually and spatially, which is an ideal of the neutralized relationship between art and space. Emma Baker also presents a different angle to the critique on the white cube. She argues that by interpreting artistic statements concerning art and space within the expanded notion of interior space, better understandings and more appropriate solutions will result. This solutions are necessary because the modernist idea of a universalized and neutral environment for art as espoused by the white cube concept impinges on the interior space in the gallery, and therefore on the artwork. The idea of space itself is considered an ambiguity, and it is this ambiguity that the white cube concept capitalizes on, presenting an unobstructive gallery space characterized by sterile and lifeless walls. This is a marked contrast from the artists of the past who expressed their spatial concerns within the abstract notions of the interior, architecture, environment, and /or space; hence there is a lot of interest expressed by artists, in negotiating concerns associated with the physical, psychological, and experiential implications of space. In as much as Emma Baker declines to support the white cube concept, which has been the traditional approach of a modernist museum to the collection and exhibition of art work, she also does not go out to support the artists of the past since, according to her today’s museum’s privileging of newness, non-linearity, and post modernity seems to disavow the influence of history and the relevance of modernity. Her writings instead seem to allude to an approach which is concerned with the mediation of that art work to a diverse public, rather than the cultivation of the artist within a historical context. This is because, today architecture is the prevailing element that determines the quality and characteristics of art related spaces and therefore dictates the interrelation of art and space. Thus, because of the psychological, aesthetic, and behavioral implications, the notion of the interrelation of art and space needs to be considered within the complexity of interior space. Essentially, Baker advocates for a generic post modern approach style, which presents the concept of space in a fashion that is without precedent in architectural style, something which is widely apparent in recently constructed museums and shopping malls globally. And yet, the fundamental structure underlying these new effects can also be seen as maintaining clear connections with past incarnations of the institution’s built form. Precedents for this approach include the exhibitions from the Education and Community Program, such as Unspoken Truths (1993), and Once is Too Much (1997-1998). These exhibitions, and the programs of work from which they derived, set standards for education and community work within, rather than parallel to, the museums activities. Hence the idea of neutrality as espoused by the white cube is in this context dismissed within a design sensitive framework.   Furthermore, Emma Baker considers that one of the key functions of a museum of modern art, through the acquisition of art works, is to challenge rather than to reinforce assumptions about definitions of art and artists. This viewpoint contributes to make a powerful argument for a new way of looking and thinking about art that is open and inclusive rather than closed an exclusive. As such, this viewpoint employs features of modernity at a generally invisible albeit fundamental level. This is so in regard to history, display and communication on the one hand, so that on the other, it can attempt to undercut the problems of representation associated with modernity, by referencing a post modernity that denies both historical precedents and the connection between museums and modernity as a progress-oriented project. This is ironic in relation to modernism’s belief that ‘ornament is a crime’ because it   looks as if post modernity has been appropriated within Emma Baker’s view point not as a cohering style, or as a guiding principle, but as precisely that: adornment. In both asserting and critiquing the idealized modernity of white cube exhibition spaces through their strategies of display, Emma Baker’s viewpoint may be physical evidence for the argument that modernity and post modernity do not exist in a dialectical relationship, but as influences that overlap and compete for attention. In conclusion, it is important to note that both authors, Emma Baker and Carol Duncan attempt to critique the white cube’s concept of artworks that speak for themselves by employing neutrality to achieve the needed effect. Carlo Duncan approaches her criticism from the standpoint that rather than have museums with bare and unadorned walls, art exhibitions were designed to be   social spaces based on the model of a living, responsive, organic entity. Emma Baker on the other hand argues that what is essentially needed is some sort of mediation of that art work to a diverse public, rather than the cultivation of the artist within a historical context. Reference: Marie Fitzpatrick, D. The Interrelation Of Art And Space: An Investigation Of Late Nineteenth And Early Twentieth Century European Painting And Interior Space http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:StnTM_h7QVAJ:www.spokane.wsu.edu/Academics/Design/documents/Theses/d_fitzpatrick_10568509.pdf+Emma+Barker+*white+cubehl=enct=clnkcd=24gl=keclient=firefox-a Toorn, T. Sensing Bodies: Documentation, Preservation and Wearable Computer Art http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:ClLDm5PRsH4J:www.docam.ca/Pedagogie/Seminaire_2006/Tai_van_Toorn.pdf+Carol+Dunkan+*white+cubehl=enct=clnkcd=10gl=keclient=firefox-a

Leading Organisational Equality And Diversity

Leading Organisational Equality And Diversity Introduction In this unit we are asked to make a report regarding on the importance of effectively managing equality and diversity and dynamics of leading and managing equality and diversity. In order to achieve this, we are given 2 task to complete which includes the analysis of the legal requirements relating to equality within the chosen organisation; evaluation of the implications of guidance and codes of practice; analysis of policies and procedures that need that needs to be place to promote equality and diversity and the needs and expectations of stake holders in relation to the organisations policy on equality and diversity. The second task is about explaining the practical aspects of promoting equality and diversity within the organisation and to stakeholders and of addressing equality and diversity issues. TASK 1 Through this paper I would try point out some aspects in understanding the importance of equality and diversity as core values in healthcare business organisation. What are the elements to be considered for effective organisational equality and diversity management? What does the organisation gain in the practice of equality and diversity? What must be done to ensure commitment in leading business organisational equality and diversity? In the care home that I used to work, commitment to equality and diversity help us understand how we treat our customers or service users, the wider public we serve, and one another. And if our policies, processes and interactions based on equality and diversity are fair, inclusive, accessible and responsive we would know the procedure as regards dealing effectively with discriminatory issues. Generally, an excellent customer service and equals high standards on equality and diversity. It is then, useful to grasp the meaning of equality and diversity, some related terms such as code of practice, equality legislation. A better understanding of these terms will help the healthcare organisation commit to better practice of equality and diversity. Equality means fostering and promoting the right to be different, to be free from discrimination, and to have choice and dignity and to be valued as an individual, with a right to their own beliefs and values. This works on the following premises that everyone must be treated fairly. Everyone has the right to have their individual needs be respected. Inequality happens and there must be an effort to deal with discriminatory issues. Employment and services must be available to all. Equality is about fair treatment. Rights, responsibility and anti-discrimination are important parts of equality. And knowledge of the legislative framework on equality will help those disadvantaged obtain opportunities for full participation in the society by imposing legal sanctions against malpractices of this principle. Diversity as a word means varied and different thus, diversity is about more than equality. It is about valuing variety and individual differences. It is creating a culture, environment and practices which respect and value differences for the benefit of society, organisations and individuals. Diversity acknowledges the fact that individuals and groups have varying backgrounds, perceptions, styles, values and beliefs. Where there are two people there is diversity, for everybody is different. It is a challenge for all of us to understand, value and respect such differences. Diversity is about respecting differences. It is the positive acceptance of the uniqueness and distinctness of each person. Thus, the care home created policies, procedures and practices where the diverse needs of diverse employees and service users are considered. Equality and diversity are closely connected to one another. For equality means treating individuals in spite of differences. Diversity believes in the unique contribution of each individual and values differences. If we treat persons according to their different needs, we cannot be unfair to them or to others. Where equality and diversity is practiced, equality of opportunity for all is ensured where each individual has chance to attain his potential. Each person must be protected from prejudice and discrimination. Any experience of discrimination on the grounds of our age, race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, religion or belief must be challenged. The Race Relations Act 1976 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 have been merged to become the Equality Act 2010 which has a more consistent approach to comply with the law. Equality 2010 protects individual from discrimination and promotes ones right to equality such as: Disability discrimination: Disabled people at work are protected from discrimination. This means that employers: must not treat a disabled person less favourably because of a reason relating to their disability, without a justifiable reason; are required to make reasonable adjustments to working conditions or the workplace where that would help to accommodate a particular disabled person. In our work place, we have colleagues who have difficulty in writing (dyspraxia). But his skill was really a great help to the group. He was given extra work on the floor while his partner is the one who documented all the personal care that has been given to the service users. The colleagues and the manager are very supportive of him. Equal pay: Employers must give men and women equal treatment in the termà £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬and conditions of their employment contract if they areà £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬employed on: like work work that is the same or broadly similar; work rated as equivalent under a job evaluation study or; work found to be of equal value. In the care home, equal pay was implemented fairly and it is in accordance to your qualifications and the job that you are into. If you work in the caring job, male and female are in the same rate, they only differs if they have more qualification than others like having degrees or NVQs. Part-time employees: The Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000 aim to ensure that part-time workers are not treated less favourably than comparable full-timers. Principally, this means they should: receive the same rates of pay; not be excluded from training simply because they work part-time; receive holiday entitlement pro rate to comparable full-timers; have any career break schemes, contractual maternity leave and parental leave made available to them in the same way as for full-time workers and not be treated less favourably when selecting workers for redundancy. In this regard, our care home is following the said legal requirement for part-time employees; they are receiving same as what full time employee is having. Race discrimination: The Equality Act 2010 makes it illegal to treat a person less favourably due to their colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins. Race discrimination covers all aspects of employment from recruitment to pay, and training to the termination of a contract. The care home that I used to work is a type of organisation that is multicultural; the employees are from different countries and with different culture. But since we are respecting each other and working in one objective of the organisation, the said racial discrimination are being lessen though it is prohibited but sometimes it happens. If conflicts about any of the rights occur, it is recommended always to resolve the issue to the employer (manager) first. Thus, our employer provide a contract employment for us employee where both parties may agree better terms than those required by legislation. The employer has the obligation to present to the employee a written statement of the main particulars of employment within two months of the beginning of employment. This must include, among other things, details of pay, hours, holidays, notice period and an additional note on disciplinary and grievance procedures. Another way of resolving any grievance issue is through the help of an independent third party or mediator. Such mediation is a voluntary process whereby the mediator helps both sides to reach an agreement. Any agreement comes from those in dispute, not from the mediator. If an employee believes that an employment right has been denied or infringed, he can make a complaint to an employment tribunal. It is, indeed important to have a comprehensive grasp of the existing legislative laws to be able to promote equality in the workforce and protect every employee from discrimination. An understanding of the legislative laws will also help in creating good quality guidance to equality and diversity organisational practice. Commitment to equality and diversity means the organization is willing to comply with legislative procedures. Legislative laws not only protect the individual employee but also different stakeholders and service users. On the other hand, the implication of guidance and code of practice in relation to equality and diversity in healthcare business is to have abetter knowledge and understanding regarding this matter. First what is code of practice? Codes of Practice are golden rules for guidance on legislation which have significant effect on healthcare business. The Code is non-statutory and not legally binding. This means it cannot prevail over mandatory external requirements. Healthcare organisation must abide by this Code of Practice whenà £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬producing new guidance or revising existing guidance. This Code of Practice states in simple terms how to create good quality guidance. A good guidance must have a good understanding of the target audience which is diverse and knowing their needs. In our care home, they know the intended service users; the guidance will adapt the most appropriate format and language in preference to their needs. There must be input users and their representative groups like the relatives beforehand. Organising a stakeholder panel and asking advice from concerned representative groups can provide useful resources so that the guidance will be designed and communicated effectively. If the guidance is easy to understand and straightforward then it can be assured that it will be followed correctly. Guidance must be easily accessible to the service users. Guidance will ineffective if no-one reads it. And no matter how well designed a guidance is, each item of the guidance must be reviewed and improved. It must be opened for feedbacks from the service users. Guidance must carry a link where the user can state any inaccuracy about the guidance. In terms of promoting equality and diversity, it is equally important to develop policies and procedures that will provide clear instructions and guidelines on what must be done in particular issues. Policies and procedures will ensure the well-being of all individuals in the workforce and everyone connected to the organisation by providing a framework of action. They help new members familiarise with the organisations working practices and provide them information on what is expected of them. Policies and procedures reflect the main priorities of the organisation which with good practice will ensure good quality service. Policies are also basis for making and monitoring changes in the procedures about moving towards equality and diversity. Equality and diversity policy must provide a framework where commitment to equality and valuing diversity in all aspects of the business organisation are clearly included. The policy must be easily accessible to all those involved in the organisat ion as regards equal opportunities and services and that the organisation is willing to protect the discriminated and the disadvantaged. Further more, identifying the needs and the expectations of potential stakeholders will be affected positively or negatively by the implementation of such policy and it is vital. The policy in the care home provides overall mission statement standing for the importance of equality and diversity to our stakeholders. Such statement can be used in publicity, recruitment advertisements, offering quality services to clients. Strategy and action plan must give an outline about how to keep this public promise and how equality and diversity will be implemented. And for an effective policy, it must be developed in consultation all members in the organisation. Action plan must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timed. This will include plans for training staff/management committee members and monitoring and evaluating. In healthcare organisation that I used to work, delivering services must provide appropriate services that meet the needs of the different clients/service users. It is a legal requirement that reasonable adjustments are considered to enable disabled people to use the services offered. The front line workers aware of the diversity of the clients must use inclusive language and provide extra support to meet the needs of the clients. As example maybe offering an appointment with a deaf client by text rather than via phone call or in our care home we provide interpreters for those clients who do not speak English through the use of colleagues who can speak the same language or volunteers with language skills or making appropriate referrals to organisations that can better respond to the needs of the client. We make sure that the needs and preferences of our service users are being met. In so doing, we can achieve the expectations of the stakeholders in accordance to the organisations pol icy on equality and diversity. TASK 2 Being aware of equality and diversity issues and knowing how to address them is important in ensuring commitment to equality and diversity. For example, in the healthcare sector, an ageing workforce can become a great challenge for employers especially when there is workforce turnover and skills shortage. Policies and procedures reflecting inclusive employment would regard a diverse workforce as an asset where persons with life experiences can become part of the workforce. Experts have expressed the fact that those employers who value older workers skills and experience are better placed to emerge from the recession. Another issue is the religion and beliefs. It can be noted that employees are characterized by predominantly diverse religion and faiths. Religious faith and belief can be relevant to recruitment and retention strategies. However, applying a dress code for all employees can be a disadvantage for some people of particular beliefs. But since equality and diversity are bein g practice in the care home, they allow staff to wear there turbans for male and bandanas for female. Discriminatory attitude resulting from stereotyping and prejudice would exclude individuals or groups from employment or services. Sometimes institutional discrimination occurs through policies and procedures which lead to disadvantage of a particular group. It is a legal requirement to have a process called Equality Impact Assessment whereby an organisation reviews ones services, policies and procedures whether there is a negative impact on an employee or to service user. Creating a culture committed to equality and diversity means that the everyday goals and behaviour of the organisation includes commitment to equality, human rights and inclusive working. In healthcare sector leadership and accountability is a key to creating a commitment to equality and diversity. Leadership must recognise all aspects of diversity: race, gender identity, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, part-time workers and persons with alternative working patterns, persons with different educational and social backgrounds, and persons with caring responsibilities. Role modelling of inclusive behaviour in recruitment, development and promotion of staff and readiness to address responsibly discriminatory issues are significant aspects of good leadership committed to equality and diversity. There must be clear and transparent accountability for delivering equality and diversity. Senior leaders must be active equality and diversity champions who create change in culture and attitudes. They must help enhance and sustain equality and diversity in partnerships and collaborations with all stakeholders. They set vision and goals, strategies, daily interactions with trustees, staff, volunteers and service users showing that they value equality and diversity. They must have the capacity to listen and communicate openly with all employees with diverse needs. Effective communication is another important element to consider if the organisation would really promote equality and diversity. It is the capacity to listen and to share information. It is not enough to work efficiently for the organisation. The contribution of each one to further growth process and practice of the business organisation through ones creativity, innovations and insights means would mean a need for good communication skills. The volume of information in todays world can be overwhelming. It is important to discern appropriate information needed to understand the perspective of different stakeholders. Identifying/reviewing stakeholders expectations/needs and reconciling differences through networking would mean a high-level approach for communication. Methods of communication in a networked world have become challenging: training program on virtual negotiation; communication with increasingly diverse service users; good networking with different groups who promote values of equality and diversity; providing information in different formats. Developing an equality and diversity communication plan which is proactive and outward focused will be useful in promoting public understanding and awareness. Practicing inclusion means embracing differences and creating an environment where each individuals rights protected and potentials are valued and respected. This can help attract and retain staff and improve customer or service user satisfaction. It is providing relevant and appropriate access for the participation, development and advancement of all individuals and groups; removing or altering physical barriers so as to provide access to all; avoiding offensive language; improving access to service and workplace for example by changing working patterns or by providing mobile services for those socially isolated and tailoring services to the needs of the clients. Valuing inclusion means no one is discriminated or harassed but rather everyone is treated with respect and dignity. It means that all (e.g. from the senior management to the most junior staff) is involved in the process of creating the culture to commitment to equality and diversity. Everyone is engaged and feels that thei r insights and experiences are valued. Reaching diverse group through constructive dialogue with stakeholders both internal (employees) and external (clients, finance sources, local government, NGOs) can help build more harmonious working relationships. Engaging and allowing them to be partners can contribute to profitability, company image, expense management, and employee morale and customer loyalty. Another thing is through advertisement via internet or giving away pamphlets; when advertising ones delivery of services, it must aim to be accessible to those in needs. Thus, it is important to think of ways how to reach the most disadvantaged people. This is one way of showing the organisations commitment to equality and diversity strategy. Written policies and procedures of the organisation must be easy to read and understand and available in relevant formats. This means avoiding jargon and abbreviation or any word graphics that could cause offence. Plain English Campaigns website provides good guidance regarding this ma tter. Having a clear purpose and structure and using easy to read print like Arial or Verdana font with at least 12 point font size for all texts need to be considered, too. When there is a need to produce alternative materials for particularly disadvantaged persons within the target group, it is important to consider large print, Braille, audio cassette, in electronic format by email or CD, or in other languages. Through this we can cater all types of stakeholders who are in need. With regards to monitoring and reviewing equality and diversity strategy plan, policies and procedures, current equality and diversity training programs, informal or unwritten work practices and arrangement for consultation and participation. This is important to be able to make needed adjustments to the workforce and services. Equality monitoring is the process of collecting, storing and analysing information about employeesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ and/or clientsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ gender, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation or social class. Monitoring such information allows organisations to ensure it is delivering its services and employment fairly, equally and appropriately to all groups. To understand the demographic make-up of the workforce and the customers will help identify under-represented groups and find ways to respond to their needs. Reviewing policies will show if there is awareness and good practice on the commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Monitoring and reviewing are important processes to see if the organisation takes legal responsibilities promptly and seriously and proactively builds a culture of commitment to equality and diversity to all stakeholders. Reviewing staff performances through appraisal against organisational equality and diversity set of objectives and strategy on an annual basis. Monitoring and reviewing through staff surveys, employee networks and forums are some ways of involving and consulting the employees on some key issues affecting them as regards equality and diversity. This can also lead more comprehensive understanding of the needs and expectations of the staff. Conclusion: Leading an organisation committed to equality and diversity is a great challenge. Collaboration among all members in the workforce and even among the clients is necessary. Understanding equality legislation and putting them into easy to understand equality and diversity policies as well as strategies will ensure good practice. There is a need in creating different committees responsible for the different aspects of promoting equality and diversity. Since equality issues are very much related with government legislation, it is imperative to update the knowledge of legislation against discrimination. However, Neil Thompson in his book People Skills (2002) affirms that legal compliance is not enough but rather developing a culture where people in the workforce are more aware of the significance of diversity and do take personal responsibility to develop this sensitivity. There is a risk of alienating people if one does not learn about others perspective and life experiences. A co-recipient of the 1998 Nobel Peace Price with David Trimble, John Hume, says, Difference is of the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace: respect for diversity. Managing organisational equality and diversity can be a very complex task but an effort to good practice is possible if all are motivated to be involved and engaged. This paper is limited in scope in many aspects for it does not document detail accounts of the necessary processes as regards specific aspects of equality and diversity. It is recommended that it is useful to create different committees in the organisation to work on an in-depth study of the different aspects of equality and its concrete application.

Reflection Paper on Effective Listening Skills

Reflection Paper on Effective Listening Skills Listening is defined, the act of hearing attentively (Princeton, 2010). Restated, it takes more than simply hearing communication; listening is an active thought process. It is hearing and concentrating on the verbal as well as the non-verbal. I took the listening quiz (Burley-Allen, 1982). My score was 75. What does this mean? According to Burley-Allen (1982), a score of 75 is average. I think effective listening skills are analogous to the Gestalt style of psychoanalysis. According to Corey (2004), Gestalt therapy is based on the assumption that we are best understood in the context of our environment. The basic goal of Gestalt therapy is to provide a context that will enable individuals to increase their awareness of what they are experiencing and doing. Moment-to-moment awareness of ones experiencing, together with the almost immediate awareness of ones blocks to such experiencing, is seen as the goal of this therapy. As a physician, Gestalt therapy does not use the language of p athology, or normal and abnormal. Instead, individuals are viewed as having the capacity to self-regulate and to develop their dealings with the various environments they encounter throughout life (Corey, 2004). Listening is defined, the act of hearing attentively (Princeton, 2010). Restated, it takes more than simply hearing communication; listening is an active thought process. It is hearing and concentrating on the verbal as well as the non-verbal. In addition, most of our communication is non-verbal, which includes listening. What did your score say about your listening skills? Were you surprised by the outcome? I took the listening quiz (Burley-Allen, 1982). My score was 75. What does this mean? According to Burley-Allen (1982), a score of 75 is average. What does this mean? I do not know because, unfortunately, Burley-Allen omitted the explanation of his four score categories. He did not describe the strengths and weaknesses of each score category. Therefore, this paper will answer the remaining questions from my point of view, instead of Burley-Allens. In addition, I will focus the paper as pertaining to my profession of medicine. I believe this will help me become a more effective listener because I will be able to learn from my strengths and weaknesses and apply them accordingly. I think effective listening skills are analogous to the Gestalt style of psychoanalysis. According to Corey (2004), Gestalt therapy is based on the assumption that we are best understood in the context of our environment. The basic goal of Gestalt therapy is to provide a context that will enable individuals to increase their awareness of what they are experiencing and doing. Moment-to-moment awareness of ones experiencing, together with the almost immediate awareness of ones blocks to such experiencing, is seen as the goal of this therapy. As a physician, Gestalt therapy does not use the language of pathology, or normal and abnormal. Instead, individuals are viewed as having the capacity to self-regulate and to  develop their dealings with the various environments they encounter throughout life (Corey, 2004). I believe this is an invaluable tool as a physician. Listening to patients explain their symptoms, being aware of their moment-to-moment experience, will facilitate the therap eutic process and even lead to more accurate diagnosis. What are your strengths and weaknesses when listening to others? How can you improve your listening skills to strengthen your weaknesses? In addition, how can your strengths be utilized and applied to your profession? The listening quiz does not qualify if a listening habit is considered a strength or weakness. Some individuals will define certain listening strengths as weaknesses and vice versa. For example, habit eight states, Form a rebuttal in your head while the speaker is talking? (Burley-Allen, 1982). The score for this habit is one point for most of the time, two points for frequently, three points for occasionally, and four points for almost never. In order to score the maximum four points then the answer would be almost never. However, I disagree with Burley-Allens assumption. I think effective listening is to be engaged in the thought process while the speaker is communicating. This includes forming a rebuttal in your head while the speaker is talking. The listener can then adjust the rebuttal accordingly to the speakers suggestions. Forming a rebuttal includes concentrating on the communication (habit 5), learning from the speaker (habit 6), recognizing semantics (habit 7), accomplishi ng communication (habit 17), think about reactions (habit 19), and etcetera. According to Burley-Allen, some of these habits are considered strengths and some are considered weaknesses. Therefore, the listening quiz shows low internal validity. The primary act that a physician does with a patient is listen. During the first encounter between a physician and patient, the physician will start the communication process by asking, What brings you in today? This question is followed by active listening. During this process, the physician tries to understand the patient and assemble a diagnosis. If pieces of an analysis are missing, then the physician will paraphrase the data and ask additional questions in order to narrow the choices. I believe that active listening is the most important act that a physician can do. In relation to the topics covered thus far, identify at least three techniques that could help you improve your skills. The three techniques that can help improve my skills are: (1) resist distractions, (2) summarize in my own words, and (3) keep an open mind. The first technique is resisting distractions. The Penguin Dictionary of Psychology (2001) defines stereotype as, A set of relatively fixed, simplistic overgeneralizations about a group or class of people. Here, negative, unfavorable characteristics are emphasized, although some authorities regard positive but biased and inaccurate beliefs as components of a stereotype. It is easy for my mind to become distracted while listening to a speaker. I tend to do this frequently. For example, if a patient comes in who looks underprivileged, then I tend to stereotype the patients background and struggles. This causes me to ignore important communication from the patient. (Note: It is difficult to resist distractions when a patient has a foul odor and the physician is trying not to vomit.) The second technique I have identified is summarizing. This is a useful tool when applied correctly. However, I tend to assume to know what the patient means and not summarize  in my own words. If I can learn to summarize a patients story in my own words, then there will be fewer miscommunications. This will lead to a more productive doctor-patient relationship. The third technique is to keep an open mind. The Penguin Dictionary of Psychology (2001) defines ethnocentrism as, The tendency to view ones own ethnic group and its social standards the basis for evaluative judgment concerning the practices of others, with the implication that one views ones own standards as superior. Hence, ethnocentrism connotes a habitual disposition to look with disfavor on the practices of alien groups. I am very judgmental. I consider this habit a strength; Burley-Allen scores it opposite as I do (habit 28). Being judgmental allows the listener to form personal thoughts from the speakers message a gestalt of the communication. Habit 28 did not specify if judging was considered positive or negative, so I give it a positive connotation. Our textbook states, Try to understand the emotions or interests that may lurk hidden beneath a given complaint or statement. Often the person youre talking with wont be fully aware of them themselves (Hattersley McJannet, 2008 ). In the context of ethnocentrism and judging negatively, this can be detrimental to effective listening. For me, this is similar to technique one: resist distractions. I can be a more effective listener if I keep an open mind and not judge negatively about a patient. (Note: It is difficult to keep an open mind if a patient does not have insurance, which is unethical by the physician.) Why is it important to possess strong listening skills in business and management? The Website for the California Society for Oriental Medicine reports, The February 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association published a report by the Agency for  Health Care Policy that studied the communication level between primary providers and patients. They found that physicians who listen to their patients and use a friendlier manner during visits might reduce the risk that they will be sued for malpractice. In the randomized controlled study they found that physicians that told their patients what procedure or technique they were doing, or going to do, who elicited opinions and questions from the patient, and were more likely to use humor and laugh, were more often in the group without any malpractice claims. Physicians who spent more time with their patients were also more likely to be in the no claims group (CSOM, 2003). This is invaluable including non-monetarily as a physician. The patient will feel more comfortable and allow the physician to perform examination procedures if the physician first explains the procedure and actively listens to a patients opinion and questions. In addition, I think it is essential to allow multicultural or multiethnic patients to construct their own understandings of the therapeutic process and to engage in interpretation and other forms of higher-level functioning. This will further facilitate an active process of listening by the patients. I believe sacred and confidential communication between physician and patient contain specific phases that can maximize listening efficacy. First, during the initial interview, the physician can begin to establish a collaborative relationship with the patient. It is essential that the interview focus on the patients own wishes and goals. Second, the physician should honor the patients concerns. It can be easy to respond to the emotional side of patients feelings the pain or need that motivates them to seek help and enter the hospital. The reactive emotions and resistance of patients disclosure may be helped through effective listening. Third, physicians need to respond to patients questions and suggestions that can only be accomplished through the  active listening process. Responding to the patients feelings, in an open-ended way, will usually produce the most information and intensify the doctor-patient communication. Finally, termination is an important and distinct phase of me dicine that needs to be negotiated thoughtfully. Ending the relationship will almost always be of great significance to patients. It is necessary to listen to a patients closing remarks because this usually suggests the overall quality of care. I believe that all of these phases will contribute to a more effective listening and communicating relationship between doctor and patient. The Penguin Dictionary of Psychology (2001) defines countertransference as the analysts displacement of affect onto the client [and] the analysts emotional involvement in the therapeutic interaction. This means that all feelings, thoughts, or actions of the physician that involve or influence the doctor-patient communication process are countertransference. This definition suggests that countertransference is a destructive element in medicine; however, not all countertransference issues are unconstructive. I believe that through maturity and growth, as a professional, combined with a thorough understanding of his/her ethnicity, values, and biases, can enable a physician to effectively identify and manage countertransference to make it productive. Countertransference is a constant element in interpersonal processes, and I believe it is inevitable in the doctor-patient relationship. In conclusion, when a physician engages in effective listening, the physician, without sharing it with the patient, has an opportunity to learn something about him or herself and utilize it for his or her personal maturity and professional growth. The physician needs to be aware of his/her own personal assumptions, values, and biases, and understand the worldview of culturally diverse patients to develop appropriate interventions, strategies, and techniques.

Why is the Novel Called To Kill a Mockingbird? Essay -- To Kill a Mocki

Why is the Novel called To Kill a Mockingbird. In order for us to understand the reason why the novel is called "To Kill a Mockingbird", we need to take into account what the title actually means. The mockingbird is a type of finch, and it gets its name from its ability to make sounds that mimic other animals. This bird is not a predator and all it does is to make music. In the book the references made to the mockingbird are ones of great significance. The first time we come across this in the novel is when Atticus Finch says to his son Jem Finch, "Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." The children, Jem and his sister Scout do not, at first, understand the importance of this advice. They decide to ask their neighbour, and also good friend, Miss. Maudie about it. She starts off with "Your father's right," and this is not the only time in the novel when she is in agreement with Atticus' views. She is almost a mother figure to the children along with Calpurnia, who is their cook, and she reinforces Atticus' philosophy. In this instance what she tells the children about mockingbirds, reinforces Atticus' views. She says: "Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." At this point the writer is conveying to us that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird, the reason being that it does not do anything but make music. Mockingbirds are portrayed as the epitome of innocence. The killing of an innocent is always seen as a horrendous crime in any age and any time. As we re... ...ole point that the novel is trying convey is about tolerance and understanding. It is due to a lack of these things that we get prejudice and discrimination of any kind occurs, whether it is racial or because of gender. If people were tolerant of other people then these problems would not even arise. Atticus is right when he tells scout that to truly understand a person you need to walk in their shoes. By doing this you will understand the person and so will be able to tolerate the person without fearing them because they are different to yourself. Atticus is not the only person in this novel who is able to think ahead. We know that people like Miss Maudie and Heck Tate, the sheriff, are also able to think beyond racial lines. We have come a long way from then, in establishing equality, and yet we still have a long way to go in achieving the perfect world.

Fichtes Subjective Idealism Essay -- Philosophy Essays

Fichte's Subjective Idealism With a dramatic dialectic style, Fichte expounds his subjective idealism which seriously undermines claims of an external world and which ultimately borders on solipsism. Beginning with the question of Free Will, Fichte concludes that there is none before engaging a mysterious Spirit in a philosophical dialogue over the nature of Fichte's knowledge. In the end, Fichte curses the Spirit for revealing the grim truth: "all reality is transformed into a fabulous dream, without there being any life the dream is about, without there being a mind that dreams." Following the same path of reasoning as the dialogue, the Spirit begins by asking Fichte how he knows of external objects. In answering that the knowledge of external object arrives as a result of direct, immediate sense perception, Fichte concedes that he possesses no direct consciousness of outside objects, but only of himself. "In all perception you only perceive yourself," since perception is merely the conscious recognition of observation statements such as 'I see' ... Fichte's Subjective Idealism Essay -- Philosophy Essays Fichte's Subjective Idealism With a dramatic dialectic style, Fichte expounds his subjective idealism which seriously undermines claims of an external world and which ultimately borders on solipsism. Beginning with the question of Free Will, Fichte concludes that there is none before engaging a mysterious Spirit in a philosophical dialogue over the nature of Fichte's knowledge. In the end, Fichte curses the Spirit for revealing the grim truth: "all reality is transformed into a fabulous dream, without there being any life the dream is about, without there being a mind that dreams." Following the same path of reasoning as the dialogue, the Spirit begins by asking Fichte how he knows of external objects. In answering that the knowledge of external object arrives as a result of direct, immediate sense perception, Fichte concedes that he possesses no direct consciousness of outside objects, but only of himself. "In all perception you only perceive yourself," since perception is merely the conscious recognition of observation statements such as 'I see' ...

Evolution Of Management Essay -- Organization Management Industry

Evolution of Management In this paper I will be explaining the evolution of management from the beginning of the industrial revolution to present which includes Classical School of Management, the Human Relations/ Behavioral School of Management, Theory X and Y, the Scientific Approach, Contingency Approach, and Theory Z. I will also be comparing the classical style and the present style to each other and to my current work environment. The Classical school of thought began during the Industrial Revolution around 1900 and continued into the 1920s when new problems related to the factory system began to appear. Managers were unsure of how to train employees (many of them non-English speaking immigrants) or deal with increased labor dissatisfaction, so they began to test solutions. Traditional or classical management focuses on efficiency and includes scientific, bureaucratic and administrative management. Bureaucratic management needs a rational set of structuring guidelines, such as rules and procedures, hierarchy, and a clear division of labor. Scientific management focuses on the "one best way" to do the job. Administrative management emphasizes the flow of information in the operation of the organization. The first... ...g. Fayol believed that all managers performed these functions and that the functions distinguished management as a separate discipline of study apart from accounting, finance, and production." (Online - http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/management/Log-Mar/Management Thought.html) [3] "McGregor recognized that some people may not have reached the level of maturity assumed by Theory Y and therefore may need tighter controls that can be relaxed as the employee develops." (Online - http://www.envisionsoftware.com/articles/Theory_X.html) [4] "This approach arose out of the observation that the three earlier approaches to management - the Classical, the Behavioral, and the Operations Research - did not always lead to an acceptable solution" (Patrick J. Montana and Bruce H Charnov, Management, Third Edition, page 30)

Compare and contrast the human condition as it relates to Muslims and Christians

The author of this paper will endeavor to compare and contrast the human condition as it relates to Muslims and Christians. The author will examine the teachings of these religions as it relates to the improvement of the human condition and will look at the public stance of both of these great religions. One of the five basic pillars of Islam is the Zakaat or spiritual tithing or almsgiving. In its simplest terms it is a command by Muslims to give 2.5% of their accumulated wealth on an annual basis to other Muslims. According to www.islam.tc there is much more to the Zakaat than the simple annual giving. According to this website the Zakaat is â€Å"the most important act of worship which has to be performed monetarily.† The website further lists the many benefits of giving Zakaat as follows: â€Å"It reminds Muslims of the fact that whatever wealth they may possess is due to the blessings of Allah and as such is to be spent according to His commands.† â€Å"Zakaat functions as a social security for all. Those who have enough money today pay for what they have. If they need money tomorrow they will get what is necessary to help them live decently.† â€Å"Zakaat payer pays his dues to Allah as an act of worship, a token of submission and an acknowledgement of gratitude. The receiver of Zakaat receives it as a grant from Allah out of His bounty, a favor for which he is thankful to Allah.† Thus the Muslim by accepting the 5 pillars agrees that he is to help support the less well off from him. As this is a command from Allah, the benefits of the Zakaat are then seen as blessings directly from Allah. Allah says in the Qur'an â€Å"The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn. It grows seven ears and each ear has hundred grains. Allah increases manifold to whom he pleases.† (Qur'an 2:261) Further research indicates that the Hadith indicates the following benefits are derived from the Zakaat as follows: 1. Gain the pleasure of Allah 2. Increase in wealth and protection from losses 3. Allah's forgiveness and blessings 4. Protection from the wrath of Allah and from a bad death 5. A shelter on the Day of Judgment 6. Security from seventy misfortunes Benefit is sometimes looked upon as the avoidance of pain, and the Hadith certainly points out not only some benefits such as forgiveness and blessings, but additionally the avoidance of pain such as shelter on Judgment day and the security from seventy misfortunes. Allah also indicates punishment for not giving Zakaat as follows: â€Å"And there are those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, announce to them a most grievous penalty (when) on the Day of Judgment heat will be produced out of that wealth in the fire of Hell. Then with it they will be branded on their forehead and their flanks and backs. (It will be said to them) This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves, taste then the treasure that you have been hoarding.† (Qur'an 9:34-35) Christians on the other hand are certainly not as public and seem to be by the author's experience somewhat bashful or ashamed to speak about money, tithing and almsgiving. From the author's own experience as a member of the Stewardship committee of his Church, we only speak of money three Sundays per year and only in the context that it is a member of the trilogy of time, talents, and treasures to be given for the glory of God. Further, Christians are of two minds as to the amount of money they should give. The old testament of the Bible in Leviticus 27:31 states the following: A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. The word â€Å"tithe† means one tenth. In the new testament of the Bible, Jesus teaches us in Luke 6:38 â€Å"Give, it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.† Also in Luke, Jesus says in Luke 11:41 â€Å"But give what is inside the dish to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.† The passages from the old and new testaments seem to be mutually exclusive, but do indicate that giving must be done, but not how much. Muslims, it seems are definitely more clear on the amount of giving. Also different between the Christian and the Muslim is who are we giving to? The Zakaat clearly indicates that Muslims are giving to other Muslims as a command from Allah which then gives benefit to both the giver and the receiver. Christians on the other hand clearly give to the Church. The Christian Church according to their doctrines then gives to help support the Church and also humankind as a whole. Christians routinely support other belief systems through their outreach and missions. Look as an example of the enormous support for Muslims by Christians after the Tsunami. The author is a member of an ELCA Lutheran Church and as part of the mission of this Church; the congregation took a mission trip in part to support a Catholic Orphanage in Peru. Muslims routinely praise or do not disparage the terrorist Osama Bin Laden. Why is this so? The reason is that Osama routinely supports other Muslims through generous giving to Muslims. Since there has been no outward vocal opposition to this generosity by Muslims it must therefore be an accepted practice. The author cannot recall or through research find any Christian terrorist let alone one who is exalted because of his giving. Both great religions certainly promote giving. The Muslim Zakaat clearly supports other Muslims which may just be the single biggest reason for the explosive growth of the Islam faithful in the world. Muslims believe the Zakaat should support all things Muslim such as education and cite Muhammad's exhortations regarding education as follows: â€Å"If you educate a man, you educate an individual. If you educate a woman, you educate a nation.† Certainly the Zakaat helps support education amongst the Muslims which further adds to their burgeoning populations. Christianity on the other hand is more quiet and somewhat bashful in their attempts at Christian education amongst the world's non-Christian people which may account for the slower growth of Christianity. Certainly both religions are painfully aware of the decline in the overall human condition, but Muslims, because of their adherence to the Five Pillars are doing a better and more public job of showing humankind (not necessarily in the United States) the kind, peace-loving, nurturing side of their faith.

College Goals Essay

Attending college is the first step to a better future. Throughout life there will be many goals to accomplish but some of the most important goals to accomplish will be during the time you are in college. My first goal is to pass every class this semester. After completing this goal my next goal to complete will be to graduate from Hudson County Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts. Finally my last goal to complete is to further my education and get the job I want. Passing every class this semester will help me feel positive and confident about my future and future goals. In order to complete this goal I will have to attend every class and be on time. By missing one class I will miss out on a lot of work and may not be able to catch up. I will have to finish every assignment on time because if I write the best essay I could possibly write but hand it in late, my grade will drop dramatically. Finally I will have to ask for help if I need it. Even though it is my first semester of college and I do not know what to expect, asking for help is easy and can help improve my college experience. To be able to obtain my Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts by August 2015 I will have to work harder than I ever have. I will have to be sure to complete all my assignments and be sure to attend all my classes. I will have to put school first in life and avoid activities that will have a negative impact on my education. Prior to achieving this goal I also want to choose the career I want so I can know what direction my life is going. My final long-term college goal is to go on to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree and possibly my Master’s Degree, depending on the career I choose. I have not chosen the career I want yet but I want to have the best education possible to qualify me for the job. To be able to obtain the best education possible I want to keep my grade point average high and be able to attend a good university. I have not really thought about all the details since I have not chosen a career yet but I am going to better my education as much as I possibly can. After completing all my education I will have the job I want and be happy and financially stable. In conclusion, my college goals are some of the most important in my life because they greatly help shape my future. By passing all my classes this semester I will have the confidence to continue my education and do well. By obtaining my Associate’s Degree I will be able to go on and obtain my Bachelor’s and possibly Master’s Degrees. And finally when I finish completing all my education I will be able to get the career I want and be happy with my life. My entire future depends on the choices I make in college.

Mankind Is No Island

Mankind is No Island Focus: The collection of Still Images Sound Not a lot of dialogue Montage of images – together they make an image The words shown are from signs, street signs and shop signs etc. What makes this film visual What is specifically visual about it What makes the video shape my perspective of the situation What is the purpose of the video being made? – To be more aware of the homeless Ideas: There is a lack of giving to the homeless The homeless are taken for granted The homeless are ignored by society It is filmed in the city because it demonstrates advertising and also emphasizes consumerism. Used to contradict or to challenge what they are to present in the cities. The homeless are destitute and deprived from the necessities of life. Techniuqes Soft dramatic piano music is used The music sets the tone. It also makes the audience depressed and feel guilty. Camera angles are placed in the same level as the homeless. This is used to place the audience in the homeless peoples situation and position. By doing this, the audience feels the hardships, the sadness and the uselessness as the homeless have also felt. Repetition of the images of the homeless being ignored Rhetorical Questions are also used to make the audience feel depressed and reflect on their guilt. RQ's are also used to make audience reflect Repetitions of RQ's Religious images Repetition of â€Å"NO† Close up of the Homeless Face – Shows their facial expressions. Also indicates their sadness and their depression. Shows their rugged appearance. Take away the homeless identity and places the audience to look at them face to face as humans. Demonstrates how old they look. Also supports that being homeless ages you. The homeless have literally been forced to live a life of desperation. The homeless have no choices. The fact that two of the largest cities are used symbolises and supports the idea that homeless people are not found in a particular place, but are recognised everywhere. Repetition of â€Å"your† emphasizes that the homeless and the successful are no different. They may be different in social class but they are still the same in species. The images are also negative and focus the negative sides of the city. The sentences are also in a first person register RQ's is used to challenge and contradict on what we love The Heart Balloon –

Western European History

Western European history dates back to the time of the very first evidence of Homo sapiens in the regions during Paleolithic times, to the Neolithic, and then the Bronze Age, during which man was better developed and civilizations shaped, to the Christian Era when Christianity was formed and gained popularity, and Churches gained in power, to the time of the colonization, to the time of the famed Industrial Revolution when the modern day economy based on manufacture and trade came into being, to the present day western Europe. Historical evidence points to the fact that in ancient times, that is, the Paleolithic times of man, there exited several developed civilizations in different parts of the world. The Cro-Magnons were people, who lived during these times, and according to archaeologist Carleton Coon, the Cro-Magnon man was large, heavy boned and muscular in appearance, and he also had a powerful jaw and an inordinately large head. (Leonard R Cedric) One must remember the fact that Cro-Magnon is the term used by historians to describe the people who lived during the Ice Ages, and according to archaeologists, the physical dimensions of these ancient people were not sufficiently different from modern man to warranty a separate term, and therefore, they could be referred to as ‘AMH’s’, or ‘Anatomically Modern Humans’. Life for the common Cro-Magnon would not have been too simple; he had to hunt for his food with crudely made implements like the Aurignacian blades, as archaeologists refer to them. These were long slivers of stones sharpened to a knife like point, which would then be converted into all types of hunting tools. The Atlatl, a sophisticated hunting tool with a short dart and a pocket into which the dart would be fitted, was also used by these people, The Cro-Magnons lived civilized lives, and this is a fact that can be exemplified by the discovery of a child’s body before it was interred in a sophisticated burial ritual, about 24,000 years before today. (Hirst, Kris, K n. ) They used sophisticated shelters as well, and wore refined tailored clothing made out of animal skins, and jewelry carved out of stone and animal bone and teeth. Historians often state that this was a period of cultural florescence in the history of man. (Stone, Linda 2007) However, historians also state that one of the most far reaching and transformational influences of human culture that have ever taken place in the history of man is the Industrial Revolution that took place in eightee nth century Europe. The direct consequences of this revolution would have such an impact on human labor, consumption, social structure and even on the thoughts of man that it could be stated that the world would have been a different place today if the Industrial Revolution had never taken place when it did. It is important to remember that this revolution did not just happen overnight; it took place gradually over a period of time, with changes taking place all over the world in small doses, these changes influencing the basic social structure of man at the time. With the coming of the Industrial Revolution, however, Europe, as well as other parts of the world, was able to move from being a primarily agricultural economy to an industry based urban economy. The structure of the family, the social obligations that had to be fulfilled and so on brought about such great change to man that even today, one has not been able to come to terms with them fully. The European economy at the time of the Industrial Revolution had become a sort of global economy, with European trade and manufacture extending to several continents close to home, except Antarctica. The demand for European goods grew as Europeans started selling in foreign markets, and this made the conversion of Europe from an agricultural economy to an industrial manufacturing economy complete. Europe became one of the top world players in international markets. Life for the common man was however an entirely different issue. The social system was not adequate enough to provide for the rapid changes taking place, and as a result, the fast increasing population was growing increasingly confused. Business was based on exclusive monopoly, and as a consequence, many people were out of jobs. â€Å"The Industrial Revolution† n. d) Furthermore, the new factory system reduced free man to virtual slavery, and he became poorer than ever before; he could barely subsist on his wages. It even destroyed family life, and health and well being of the people. (Mises von Ludwig 1993) To conclude, it could be said that the life of common man is always at risk of being exposed to and influ enced by the changes taking place in society; neither do they possess the wealth nor do they have the expertise with which to deal with the situation in an effective manner. It is the life of common man that is subjected to the greatest changes in a country, and as exemplified by the life of the Cro-Magnon as well as the common man during the Industrial Revolution, he was forced to undergo several changes, and bear the consequences on himself, his wealth, his welfare, and his relationships. This is the way of the world, and one cannot avoid these changes as they occur; one must learn to accept them and deal with them as one sees fit, or else, suffer the dire consequences. Works CitedLeonard R Cedric â€Å"An Atlantean Outpost† (2006) Retrieved on December 15 2008 from: Hirst, Kris, K â€Å"Why don’t we call them Cro-Magnons any more?† (n.d) Retrieved on December 15 2008 from: Stone, Linda â€Å"Genes, Culture and Human Evolution† (2007) Google Book Search Retrieved on December 15 2008 from: < http://books.google.co.in/books?id=zdeWdF_NQhEC&pg=PA43&lpg=PA43&dq=Cro-Magnons+in+Paleolithic+Europe&source=bl&ots=wbEgEGkAGQ&sig=2HL9EByPHFl_J804fGJ5SnGxk78&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result >Mises von Ludwig â€Å"Facts about the Industrial Revolution† (1993) Retrieved on December 15 2008 from: â€Å"The Industrial Revolution† The European Enlightenment (n.d) Retrieved on December 15 2008 from:

Essay Planning for Organizational culture is fundamentally about

Planning for Organizational culture is fundamentally about symbolic meaning and as such cannot be managed. Discuss. - Essay Example ance of organizational culture for a variety of organizational sizes and the natures of business they are involved in, identification of the various macro- and micro-cultural factors that affect an organization, and what qualifies as effective management of the organizational culture. I selected only the theories that provided a detailed and holistic perspective of organizational culture and were include manageable factors. I ensured the quality of my sources by using peer-reviewed sources that included but were not limited to books and journal articles. I used articles from good impact factor journals. I also used the sources only that were published in the last five years to ensure that my paper covers recent research and is updated on the latest findings in the subject. This reflects in the references section given at the end. I made sure not to include and to exclude retrieving any information whether in support of or to refute my argument from non-credible sources like Wikipedia and blogs. I had a plan in mind according to which I found the sources. I first I broke the statement down in different sections and phrases so that I would be able to reach the sources discussing particular aspects of the statement. For example, one of my phrases was â€Å"management of organizational culture† while another phrase that I used to search the sources on the Internet was â€Å"organizational culture’s symbolic meaning†. To make sure that I use credible sources, I preferred looking into journal papers and books than other kinds of sources available online. For instance, to find the relevant journal articles, I would write â€Å"journal filetype:pdf† after the phrase on the search bar. As a result, all I got was journal articles in pdf files online. Basically, the side of the argument I was on reflected in the statement of discussion i.e. â€Å"Organizational culture is fundamentally about symbolic meaning and as such cannot be managed.† I had four approaches in mind while