Family as Social Institution Essay

Each Society has some basic needs which has to be satisfied for better day to day life. Social institutions are a medium like as social moulds which are established for carring out basic functions and help to established collective image of behavior. This institutions come in to existence for satisfying needs of an individual. Even though every institution carries out certain specific function, It is not entirely independent. There is interdependants in every social institution. Every institution has to use various resourses for its fulfillment. For eg, Chalk and black board for educational institutions; temple, masjid and church for religious institutions. These institutions have social acceptions for eg , Marriage institutions, religious institutaions, economic institutions and family institutions etc. Family Institution: Family is social institution of society. Some social thinkers called family as a primary group. A person is related to a family right from his birth up to his death a family participate in the joys and sorrow of a person. Family plays an important role in personality development of a child. Family institution is present in all human communities. Person in family have blood relation. In the family there are sexual relation in men and women. This are common relations and they are stable because of they are established by institution .all members of this instituton participate in a financial process and responsibility. There is only one resident for all the members of the family. This institution is small in size .when the children grow they get married and they form own independent family. Therefore, the size of the family is small. The concept of the family is observed in all human group. Family institution plays a very important role in giving stability to society. As family is a primary social institution of a society, existence of every social institution is depends on the functions carried out by that social institution. Family is no exception to this concept. According to Augbern and Nimcoff , satisfaction of sexual needs and child bearing are important functions of family. As the opinion of many social scientist main reason for the existence of the family institution is longer period of child dependence.

India a Global Economic Super Power Essay

New parts of the world that were not long ago considered undeveloped, backwater countries, are now taking center stage in the global economy. Much has been publicized about the ascendance of China’s economy, as it has become a major venue for the manufacturing of products sought after by worldwide consumers eager for cheaper goods. However, China’s Asian neighbor, India, also has a vigorously growing economy. India’s economy is partly being fueled by companies around the world seeking to reduce their costs by outsourcing some of their operations there. A March 9, 2005 article in the International Herald Tribune reported that within 30 years, India is projected to have the world’s third largest economy and more people than China. Russell D’Souza, International Credit & Risk Manager for Hallmark International, pointed out that India implemented modern, capitalistic economic reforms in the early 1990s that are producing positive results. The Tribune article reported that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who as Finance Minister championed these reforms, proposed major investments in his first budget for education, modernizing India’s colonial-era infrastructure, and lowering tariffs. D’Souza also noted India has modernized its banking regulations. â€Å"India has liberalized its laws to allow foreign banks to take over branches. Local Indian private banks are allowed to set up foreign bank branches. The banking rules have been liberalized considerably. † The CIA World Factbook’s website estimates that by July 2005, India’s population will be slightly fewer than 1. 1 billion, of nearly 16 percent of the world’s population, not far behind China’s, which is projected to be 1. 3 billion. Market Place PRI, a business radio program, reported on March 14, 2005 that a recent economic survey predicted India would grow at 7 percent this year. However, the report went on to assert that many economic analysts say that India needs to improve its infrastructure. D’Souza, who grew up in India but now lives in the U. S, experienced the problems India has with the Lagging state of much of its infrastructure. † You’ve got an infrastructure that is woeful. It’s one of India’s biggest Achilles heels. It’s worse than China’s. † Just the sheer size of its growing middle class provides a huge potential market for India-based companies. D’Souza said the size of India’s middle class is over 200 million people. â€Å"Consumer goods are exploding in India. There are people with cash like I’ve never seen before. † India’s geopolitical importance and stature are growing too. U. S. foreign policy officials view India, with its strategic location, as an important counter-balance to the growing political and military power of China. U. S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice began a six-nation tour of Asia in India on March 16. An article that same day in the Tribune noted that analysts in Delhi viewed her stop there as a positive sign â€Å"the United States was eager to underline India’s increasing importance on the U. S. foreign policy agenda. † Talks between Rice and Singh focused on defense and military cooperation, economy and trade and â€Å"synergies in energy and environmental protection. India possesses some advantages that make it especially suited to provide less expensive business services for companies. China, on the other hand, has excelled in the manufacture of cheaper products. The two main advantages for India is that it has an estimated 200 million people who speak English and also a world-class education system. â€Å"India is a bilingual country,† D’Souza said. He noted this is a byproduct of its former status as a British colony. â€Å"It has an advantage over C hina,† he said, in that respect. The educational system in India has produced a significant number of chartered accountants, doctors, MBAs, lawyers, research analysts and other professionals, many of whom will work in India for much less than their professional counterparts in the U. S. and Europe. Alok Aggarwal, Co-founder of Evalueserve, which offers business intelligence, market research and intellectual property services to clients in North America, Europe and Asia, noted there are two types of services offered on an outsourced basis. Business Process Outsourcing, or BPO, involves more routine processing of data. Ravi Aron, Professor of operations and information management at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, said examples of BPO involve more routine functions where there is a predefined way of doing tasks or even reaching conclusions, as in data entry, accounts maintenance and customer service activities such as those performed at call centers. BPOs typically provide such services as setting up bank accounts, selling an insurance policy and voice and e-mail-based computer support. Aggarwal said that a higher Level of service than BPO is called Knowledge Process Outsourcing or KPO. KPO involves high-end processes such as investment research and Legal and insurance claims processing. In a March 21, 2005 article in the Indiatimes News Network, Pavan Bagai, Vice President, strategic businesses, EXL said, â€Å"Imagine unsorted data going through a black box and coming out as useful information. In KPOs the black box is your mind. There is no predefined process to reach a conclusion. † In either BPO or KPO, India often offers a huge cost savings potential over those functions being performed by American workers in the U. S.  Aron said that in credit card-related functions, the cost of an American worker, including benefits and overhead, ranges from $48-55 per hour–while in India, those costs are only $18-24. A report by Hay Associates estimated that the fully burdened costs of an accounting clerk in Stamford, CT, is $69 per hour, while in Bangalore, India it is $4 per hour. (Though Alok disputes that number saying that â€Å"currently the loaded costs in Bangalore would be $7-$8 per hour† the cost differential is still staggering. ) French & Associates reported that a $50,000 U.  S. clerical worker would cost only $10,000 in India and would be a top graduate. This huge gap in employee direct and indirect costs is even more dramatic with KPO services. â€Å"When you go with high-end work that’s when the game gets interesting,† Aron said. He said employee costs per hour for an equity research analyst in the U. S. would range from $230-$250 while in India it would only be about $30. † Should you find it suitable to relocate, (to one of the countries that offers much cheaper employee costs) you will experience huge savings,† Aron said. If you look al the labor cost difference there is a 5-1 to 8-1 cost factor,† added Aggarwal, whose firm actually provides equity research and investment banking research services. â€Å"American doctors are very hard working–but they don’t work five times harder than Indian doctors. † The March 21 Indiatimes Network article reported that India, with its knowledge base and lower costs, will be â€Å"leading the pack in the race for KPO business. † The article referred to a report by Evalueserve that India will capture more than â€Å"70 percent of the KPO territory by 2010. India’s software trade body reported that export revenues from software outsourcing will reach $17. 3 billion in the fiscal year ending March 2005. In a presentation by Marc Vollenweider, President and CEO of Evalueserve, it was projected that by 2010 India will have about 1. 1 million people employed in BPO. According to Vollenweider, U. S. companies may be compelled to outsource due to his projection of a labor shortage. According to his figures, by fiscal year 2010, the U. S. is projected to experience a shortfall of 5. 4 million workers. In that same timespan, the U. K’s shortfall is projected to be . million workers. Vollenweider’s presentation concluded that, â€Å"Global Sourcing has become an economic imperative for the developed nations to maintain and sustain their historical and current growth. Offshoring IT and BPO services to low-wage destinations provides a viable solution to developed nations who are struggling against the significant shortage of skilled labor. â€Å"Evalueserve projects that by 2010 India will have 820,000 employed in low-end BPO services generating total revenues of USD 18 billion and 250,000 workers employed in high-end KPO services generating USD 12 billion. A number of major U.  S. -based corporations have set up operations in India or have outsourced certain business services to Indian firms. A report by French & Associates indicated India has become a venue for major development centers for IBM and Microsoft. Major corporations like Ford, JP Morgan Chase and HP are currently setting up operations there. General Electric, however, probably has utilized the manpower resources of India more extensively than any other major American Corporation. GE’s involvement in India began in September 1989, according to a front-page, March 23, 2005, The Wall Street Journal article. Al that time, then-CEO Jack Welch flew to India for a sales meeting to sell products to India. During that stop in India, Welch met with Indian government officials who pitched him the idea of having some of his company’s needs provided by its emerging high-tech sector. Today, The WSJ article pointed out, India â€Å"earns more than $17 billion from corporations worldwide seeking low-cost overseas talent †¦ † Although GE is hesitant about taking credit for a trend that has taken many American jobs overseas, most corporate observers agree GE played a major role in the outsourcing boom. The WSJ article further noted that in 1995, GE created GE Capital International Services, now known as Gecis, to handle backroom work and market analysis. In 1999 Gecis established the first international call center in India and in 2000 GE opened a research center in Bangalore to tap the skills of Indian engineers. The WSJ article reported that in November 2004, GE sold a controlling interest in Gecis and now the company will seek business from other companies. French & Associates estimated that GE had 5,000 FTEs (full-time equivalents) in India in 2000. That number grew to 12,000 FTEs by the end of 2003. The WSJ article also reported that in 2000, GE opened the Jack F. Welch Technology Center in Bangalore â€Å"that employs thousands of researchers working on everything from new refrigerators to jet engines. † A recent GE report indicated the company plans to spend about $600 million this year on computer-software development from Indian companies. Val Venable, CCE, Credit Manager for GE Advanced Materials, in reference to GE’s outsourcing efforts in India, said, â€Å"We certainly have been a major player. For our company and a lot of companies, you’re always looking for quality suppliers at low cost. It makes business sense to do it. † Venable, who spoke in India in late March during a five-week business trip there, said that her operations are split between the U. S. and India. â€Å"Part of my collections team sits in the U. S. and some of it is in India. † She said that employee allocation between that in the U. S. and India is proportional to the workload. â€Å"If I have 70 percent of my people in India, I look to have 70 percent of my work there. My people in the U. S. have a lot more credit experience, so they do a lot of the credit decisions. † In Venable’s case, even though GE does not wholly own Gecis anymore, it has not changed her operations. â€Å"My relationship with my team has not changed. We work together and we have sub-teams. For our credit and collections teams we didn’t see a difference. My people from the India and the U. S. have been trained the same. † The cost savings of operations in India aren’t just confined to personnel expenses Venable said. â€Å"It’s not just the cost of the people. Over here I have different IT costs and I have different training costs. † She acknowledged that many Indian employees are well educated and enthusiastic about their work. â€Å"There’s a huge emphasis on education here. It’s their first experience in business. † On the issue that some Americans have complained about not being able to understand customer services representatives in India, Venable said, â€Å"Some of my team have fairly strong accents, but have you ever called Texas of Mississippi? They have accents too. We usually work on that. That’s part of the service to the customers. An unavoidable drawback Venable mentioned of outsourced services emanating from India to American consumers is, â€Å"If you’re going to have a team in India, there’s a time zone difference. † She said the time zone difference between India and the U. S. is 9. 5 hours and 4. 5 hours between India and the U. K. She san the time zone difference actually has not been a major problem for her operations. â€Å"The areas around the call centers are becoming a 24-hour culture. Probably in the next 20 years we’re going to have virtual offices and it won’t matter where people sit. Does everybody need to sit in the same room? Probably not. †

Creating A Constructivist Classroom Education Essay

Abstractions:Constructionism claims that scholars are able to build cognition most of course and wholly while they are building some artefacts. This paper explains that cognition acquisition is a procedure of design that is facilitated when scholars are actively engaged in planing cognition instead than simply construing or encoding it i.e. Learners benefit the most from the larning procedure when they are the interior decorators of the instructional experiences. Constructivist instructors encourage pupils to measure how the activity is assisting them derive understanding. By oppugning themselves and their schemes, pupils become adept scholars as they learn how to larn. The pupils so have the tools necessary to go life-long scholars. Educational Technology can help pedagogues in making a constructivist larning environment. It offers a enormous sum of information, tools for creativeness and development, and assorted environments and forums for communicating. Through engineering, pupil s can show themselves and their creative activities and they can reply inquiries that they are presenting for themselves. Hence, this paper tries to set forward the fact that Constructivist pattern is made easier with engineering because it promotes collaborative, synergistic and student-centered acquisition. Cardinal words: Constructionism, instructional experiences, life-long scholars, collaborative, student-centered acquisition.Introduction:Education is at the meeting of powerful and quickly switching educational, technological and political forces that will determine the construction of educational systems across the Earth for the balance of this century. The handiness of engineering may take instructors to integrate constructivist patterns in their schoolroom. Rakes, et.al. ( 1999 ) found that the sum of engineering available, the degree of engineering accomplishments of the instructors, and the usage of engineering were straight related to utilize of constructivist methods in the schoolroom. They province, â€Å" engineering can supply the vehicle for carry throughing constructivist instruction patterns † . Technology complements constructivism by supplying on-going information and tools for pupil creativeness and development, which contributes significantly to an addition in pupil larning results. It serves as a powerful tool for constructivism ‘s cardinal rule that pupils learn by making. Constructivist pattern is made easier with engineering because it promotes collaborative, synergistic and student-centered acquisition. The usage of engineering in the schoolroom besides has a positive consequence on pupil attitudes because they feel more successful, are motivated to larn and hold better assurance ( Dwyer, et Al, 1991 ) . In today ‘s digital economic system, the ability to entree, adapt, and make cognition utilizing engineering is critical to a pupil ‘s success.Significance OF CONSTRUCTIVIST VIEWS OF LEARNING:Merely late has it become executable to see constructivism rules within the context of technology-mediated higher instruction ( Gunawardena, Lowe & A ; Anderson, 1997 ; Blanchette & A ; Kanuka, 1999 ) . This is due chiefly to progresss in communicating engineerings ensuing in an effectual agencies to implement constructivism ru les, which would be hard to carry through with other media ( Driscoll, 1994 ) . Specifically, communicating engineerings have the capacity to supply an synergistic environment that can back up instructional methods required to ease constructivist rules. For these grounds, constructivism has become a popular epistemic place for many pedagogues who are utilizing technology-mediated acquisition. Unfortunately, pedagogues who take on the challenge of seeking to do sense of the literature on constructivism frequently find it to be an overpowering escapade. There are a assortment of epistemic places that coexist in the literature on how we construct knowledge – many utilizing the same constructivist label. Conversely, there are many different labels used to depict the same cardinal thoughts built-in in many constructivist places. Adding to the labeling confusion is another job: some of the instruction literature describes constructivism as a set of instructional schemes, some descr ibe constructivism as a acquisition theory, and others describe constructivism philosophically – or as a manner we come to understand ourselves and our environment. The undermentioned literature reappraisal identifies the Hagiographas on constructivism that are notable. Hagiographas were identified as notable when they made of import theoretical points about the usage of constructivism for technology-mediated acquisition. Constructivism positions larning as a personal, brooding, and transformative procedure where thoughts, experiences, and points of position are processed into something new. In this doctrine, instructors are the facilitators for the pupils ‘ acquisition ( Sandholtz et al. , 1997 ) instead than the provokers. In the knowledge-constructed schoolroom, the pupils work together, sharing the procedure of larning non merely with their equals but with parents and others ( Sandholtz et al. , 1997 ) . The literature is rich with illustrations and grounds back uping the claim that cognition is constructed and non transferred. This attack to acquisition has become known as constructivism ( Jonassen, 1999 ; Riel & A ; Fulton ; Schank, Berman, & A ; Macpherson, 1999 ) . Learning takes topographic point in every schoolroom. The job is that it is frequently non what we expected would be learned ( Smith, 1998 ) . The constructivist larning environment contains a job that is cardinal to the sphere of survey, theoretical accounts of the acquisition procedure by an expert, and is scaffolded by a manager or more adept scholar that extends the ability of the scholar ( Jonassen, 1999 ) . Balakrishnan ( 2001 ) investigated the usage of constructivism and engineering in project-based acquisition in simple schoolrooms and found that instructors ‘ planning and pattern of project-based acquisition activities are focused more on multiple instructional activities and less on integrating of constructivism and engineering. Julius ( 2001 ) investigated how constructivism was evidenced in the beliefs, perceptual experiences, and patterns of in-between degree instructors who were considered to be effectual instructors. The consequences revealed that constructivists held consciousness of the function of both pupil and instructor in impacting the cognitive development in pupils. Classrooms using a constructivist attack to pedagogy would be pupil centered ( Bransford, 2003 ) .PRIORITIES OF EDUCATIONAL TECNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTIVIST PRACTICE:The four precedences are:Thatch for Intellectual Development1. Critical and originative thought accomplishments development 2. Demonstrated competences in nucleus course of study 3. Effective usage of engineering in the schoolroom in support of larning 4. Application of larning accomplishments to relevant, real-life state of affairssMake Learning Meaningful1. Appreciation of diverseness of larning manners and personalities 2. Appreciation and application of appropriate instruction manners 3. Giving pupils the chance to have their acquisition experiences 4. Developing a passion for life-long acquisitionUse Authentic Assessment1. Set high criterions for ego and pupils 2. Developing a dynamic attack to a changing universe 3. Demonstrate competences through public presentation 4. Promote active engagement in our democratic societyFocus on Students Becoming Manufacturers and Subscribers1. Lend to others in category in and community 2. Foster value as an person and as a conducive member of society 3. Use larning accomplishments in real-life state of affairss and for existent wagess 4. Interact/team with other instructors and community members.ROLE PLAYED BY EDUCATIONAL TECNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTIVIST CLASSROOM:a-? Paradigm displacement in position of the learning procedure:Paradigm displacement in position of the acquisition procedure coupled with applications of the new information engineerings, may play an of import function in conveying educational systems into alignment with the knowledge-based, information-rich society. The general impression sing the usage of computing machines in instruction is that it may best be used as a tool for drill and pattern plans supplementing the instructional procedure. In such instructional procedures, the scholar receives information already programmed inside the computing machine following an algorithm. Although some sum of interactivity is ensured, the general feeling is that in such instructional procedures, computing machines control the acquisition construction giving the scholar really small room for creativeness, doing h im a inactive receiver of information. There is a demand to research the potencies of this device beyond these traditional impressions i.e. the meaningful designing of computing machine based instructional procedures with increased pupil engagement. Besides, it is non the drawn-out use on the device that would guarantee the coveted acquisition instead the nature of these larning undertakings, which would transform and enrich the instructional procedures. Computer application plans can be used to plan larning experiences to develop originative and critical thought and be used as ‘mind tools ‘ that can be used by pupils to stand for what they know and to prosecute in critical thought about the content.a-? Use of ICT in altering the function of the instructor from ‘prescriptor ‘ to that of ‘orchestor ‘ of acquisition:In schoolrooms today, the function of the instructor needs to alter from the traditional function of prescriptor to that of orchestrato r of larning – which necessitates the designing of ICT integrated schoolrooms advancing higher order cognitive accomplishments. The focal point ought to be more on enquiry-based attacks frequently traveling beyond the prescribed course of study to dig and seek replies to the job under concern but now from different positions. This methodological analysis is disputing both for the instructor every bit good as for the scholar but finally the procedure of self-learning ensures a more strict attack and deeper apprehension of facts. The focal point is more on the procedure of information acquisition, the critical and analytical thought involved in geting information from multiple beginnings, analysing any information and so planing the acquisition results in aesthetic presentations. Such a theoretical account of larning focal points more on the procedure over the merchandise, geting information from multiple beginnings, analytical and critical thought and eventually a comprehensiv e rating measuring different countries of pupil academic growing.a-? Development of educational portfolio through the usage of ICT:An educational portfolio is one such typical invention that can advance constructivist acquisition in the otherwise traditional schoolroom. It is a combination of a figure of larning undertakings and a digest of the results achieved as a consequence of the procedures undergone therein. A critical constituent is the accent on ‘process ‘ over ‘product ‘ and the changeless contemplation of the scholar as he moves from one phase to another in the realisation of the aims. The other important characteristic is the acquisition of information from multiple beginnings and the necessary constituent of changeless informations analysis before continuing to the undermentioned phases in the development of the educational portfolio. Appraisal of larning results besides is a comprehensive one taking into history different countries of scholar aca demic growing as a consequence of the procedures being carried out from designation of ends to acquisition of relevant information and eventually its processing and airing.a-? Promoting portfolio appraisal through ICT:Portfolio appraisal is a comprehensive mode of pupil rating integrating a assortment of larning undertakings with appropriate and timely proviso of the necessary guidelines to finish the same within accorded standards and allotted clip bounds. Portfolio Assessment, with a focal point on growing and development over clip, implemented through choice, contemplation and review of category work, along with end puting and self-evaluation. These are public presentation enablers that define the acceptable criterions expected from the scholar and therefore specify the way that he needs to follow to accomplish excellence. What differentiates the educational portfolio from the traditional signifiers of appraisal is the designing of the portfolio around a set of criterions and lar ning ends which are non the direct results of the schoolroom instructional procedures, instead an enterprise to guarantee pupil higher order acquisition as a consequence of these instructional procedures. Function Direction Construction Classroom Activity Teacher-centered ; didactic Learner-centered ; synergistic Teacher Role Fact Teller ; expert Confederate ; scholar Student Role Listener ; ever the scholar Confederate ; sometimes the expert Instructional Emphasis Facts ; memorisation Relationships ; enquiry and innovation Concept of Knowledge Accretion of facts Transformation of facts Presentation of Success Measure Quality of understanding Appraisal Norm-referenced ; multiple-choice points Criterion-referenced ; portfolios and public presentations Technology Use Drill and pattern Communication, collabor- ation, information entree and retrieval, looka-? Educational engineering advancing multiple positions of acquisition:With the aid of educational engineering the accent is on cognition building, non reproduction ; the composing of information instead than the infliction of cognition ; multiple outlooks instead than multiple workbooks. The instructor must fix with inventive foresight, and imperative penetration in order to excite and imitate effectual brushs that resemble existent life instruction. Wyld, S. and Eklund, J. ( 1997 ) .A province that: â€Å" facing scholars with jobs from multiple positions can advance the pertinence of their cognition across changing state of affairss. Learners have to work with the same construct in different environments at different and with different ends. So they are expected to develop cognitive flexibleness and to bring forth multiple positions of their cognition. † a-? Educational engineering making constructivist schoolroom through active acquisition: Learners can non build cognition merely by passively having, geting, or accepting it ; A nor by inertly listening nor heeding.A Knowledge is non formed during the transmittal of it.A Therefore the accent for direction must be on the creative activity of significance and understanding while meeting new information or new contexts.A Active scholars need to be involved bypartaking, take parting, building and cooperating.A Jonassen ( 1996 ) states that scholars must be given chances to be active in ways that will advance autonomy, creativeness and critical analysis of jobs necessitating a solution.A Wilson ( 1997 ) , created a list of chances for the scholars to develop more active buildings of meaning.A They included simulations, scheme and role-playing games, toolkits and phenomenaria, multimedia larning environments, knowing acquisition environments, storytelling constructions, instance surveies, Socratic duologues, training and scaffolding, larning by design, acquisition by learning, group cooperation, collaborative acquisition and holistic psychotechnologies.a-? Educational engineering advancing collaborative acquisition chances:Collaborative work allows for schoolrooms to be more concerted than competitive.A Students begin to see one another as resources instead than beginnings of ridicule.A The societal context within which a scholar resides is important to their accomplishment. Strommen & A ; Lincoln ( 1992 ) A found that: â€Å" Constructivism has led to the extra find that powerful additions are made when kids work together†¦ ..children are able to reflect on and luxuriant notA merely their ain thoughts but those of their equals as good. Children come to see their equals non as rivals but as resources. † To understand a construct to the point of being able to explicate it to others, is when existent acquisition has occurred and personal cognition has been acquired.A Lunenberg ( 1998 ) believes the value of collaborative acquisition is in the chance for scholars to lucubrate on their ain thoughts every bit good as those of their peers.A Worldwide coaction is besides actuating for both pupils and instructors as it provides an appealing manner for pupils to derive internet accomplishments while go toing to regular schoolroom activities. The worldview of the pupil can be expanded because of the nothing cost of pass oning with other people around the Earth.Decision:Educational Technology provide an array of powerful tools that may assist in transforming the present stray, teacher-centered and text-bound schoolrooms into rich, student-focused, synergistic cognition environments. To run into these challenges, schools must encompass the new engineerings and allow the new ICT tools for larning. They must besides travel towards the end of transforming the traditional paradigm of larning. To carry through this end requires both a alteration in the traditional position of the acquisition procedure and an apprehension of how the new digital engineerings can make new larning environments in which pupils are engaged scholars, able to take greater duty for their ain acquisition and building their ain cognition. Constructivism modifies the function of the instructor so that instructors help pupils to build cognition instead than reproduce a series of facts. The constructivist instructor provides tools such as problem-solving and inquiry-based acquisition activities so that pupils can explicate and prove their thoughts, draw decisions and illations, and convey their cognition in a collaborative acquisition environment.

Estrogen and progesterone ( Advanced pharmacology) Essay

Estrogen and progesterone ( Advanced pharmacology) - Essay Example Pills containing progesterone also act by secreting thick cervical mucus which blocks the movement of the sperm beyond the cervix. There are many different types of progesterones like synthetic or oral progesterone, crinone, injectible progesterone and progesterone suppositories. Before recommending an oral contraceptive pill which is usually a combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) to the client, a detailed clinical history must be taken. The history should cover information like the previous and current medications taken by the client, herbal and over the counter remedies and drug usage. In case of women above 35 years and women with a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, migraines, gall bladder disease and pulmonary hypertension, COCP recommendation should be avoided (Petitti, 2003). The oral contraceptive may either be a combination birth control pill or a minipill. The combination birth control pill contains both progestin and estrogen and different combinations of active and inactive pills which may be conventional or continuous dosing type. Progestin is the only constituent of the minipill. The combination birth control pills may be monophasic or triphasic. In case of a monophasic birth control pill, every active pill comprises of the same quantity of progestin and estrogen, whereas the triphasic combination birth control pill contains three different types of pills that contain different hormones taken for a period of 3 weeks. Other than oral contraceptives, there are also novel approaches available to prevent conception. Ortho evra is a trans-dermal patch that is worn on any region of the body like abdomen, buttocks, upper arm or upper torso except the breasts that delivers progestin and estrogen in an uninterrupted manner into the blood stream through the skin. Contraception is also achieved through depot specific injections. For instance, Depo provera is medroxyprogesterone acetate which could

A Raisin in the Sun Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

A Raisin in the Sun - Essay Example It can also be inferred that she puts great value for Asagai’s opinion. This is why author has written in the play, â€Å"she looks back to the mirror, disturbed†, when she hears Asagai ask her, â€Å"were you born with it (born with the hair) like that?† (Hansberry, Nemiroff, and Baraka, 61). Asagai is smiling throughout this episode and even laughing loud at her confusion (Hansberry, Nemiroff, and Baraka, 61). He is aware of his superiority over her. And she is not emotionally honest enough to tell him the real reason why she changed her hair. Instead she finds an excuse in telling him that she changed the hair because â€Å"it was hard to manage†¦when it is raw† (Hansberry, Nemiroff, and Baraka, 61). The drama of the play is brought to a new dimension when the scene of Walter lets his son know he is still have the plan to involve in the liquor store deal. This is because, it is only in this moment that the audience sees a different side of Walterâ €™s personality as he generally strikes to the audience as a restless and quarreling person. But in this scene, the reader or viewer of the play is reminded of the real human being that Walter is.

Discuss the Commonalities and Differences Between Communist Economy Essay

Discuss the Commonalities and Differences Between Communist Economy 1976 and Social Market Economy after 1976 in China - Essay Example Under this system government approved the private ownership of means of production. As means of production are handled by the government before 1976, there was always the intervention of government in whatever is done. But with the emergence of socialist market economy, the role of the government shrank into making laws. Under communist economy people were reluctant to work as they were deprived of owning property and the developments that the country received under such a system was too little. When people were allowed to have private property, the made the best use of the resources and this period witnessed the thriving of the Chinese economy. In the communist economy, it was the government that controlled the market mechanism but under social market economy the market forces such as supply and demand took the place of government. When the communist economy tried to bring everything under the control of the government without any consideration to its citizen, the social market econ omy envisages at the formation of a welfare state in which individuals are given priority in all the aspects. Communist economy was upheld only by a simple majority of China, but social market economy has been welcomed by all category of the society. 3. How did China become an industrialised economy with in the last four decades? An economy becomes industrialised only when an agrarian society turns into industrial society with social change and economic development. The endeavour China made to reach its destination of a developed economy has been in its culmination for the last couple of decades. In all the areas, the performance of China was spectacular. The first and foremost factor that can be attributed to the success of China in this arena is the rapid expansion of international trade. International trade was accelerated as a result of gradual and incremental trade reforms and opening up of the economy for international trade. As a result, the Foreign Direct Investment increase d. China being a vast country had resources in abundant. Moreover the labour also was cheaper as compared to other developing countries. The decision to use the resources properly helped the development of domestic industries. China’s factory outputs vary from cotton textiles to railway locomotives, jet planes and computers. As the largest economy in terms of population, there is greater demand for commodities in China. In one hand it is a good market for foreign companies and on the other a good supplier as well. The amount china spend in the area of education is huge. The well educated works being more productive contribute towards the industrialisation of the country. The amount China invests for research and development is really note worthy. Advanced technologies help it to produce commodities cost efficiently. Chinese products has got good demand world wide as these products are competent to the products of other industrialised countries. However, it is the decision of the government to open up the economy for foreign countries that helped the fast industrialization. 4. Write a critical note on China’s SOE reforms. The state owned enterprises in China were capable of producing a wide range of consumer goods domestically. The commodities so produced were capable of satisfying the local demands sufficiently. However it had more drawbacks than these advantages. The persons who were at the top of the party were the ones who controlled these enterprises. Since most of them were

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Research Paper

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - Research Paper Example This paper illustrates that EEOC is under the mandatory obligation to monitor compliance and enforcement of Title VII under Civil Rights Act, 1964 along with other federal civil rights. Civil Rights Act, 1964, Equal Pay Act of 1963 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 are some such practices of EEOC that prohibit discrimination at workplace based on a range of factors age, nationality, ethnicity, gender, etc. Title VII of Civil Rights Act entails race, color, origin, gender, and religion as protected groups which show evidence of discrimination and the laws of EEOC are intended to protect employees and potential employees against discrimination. EEOC recommends that employees of all public-private firms are protected by federal laws against discrimination. In this regard, Title VII of Civil Rights Act, 1964 prohibits discrimination in terms of race, color, religion, sex or national origin in hiring, promoting, discharging, payment, fringe benefits, among other aspects of e mployment. The amended version of The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 protects employees, present and prospective, with disabilities in hiring, promoting, and other aspects of employment. For protecting discrimination based on an age of above 40 years who are the applicants or employees, The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 is handy to ensure equal opportunity. Also, Title VII of Civil Rights Act, 1964 and The Equal Pay Act of 1963 prohibit sex discrimination where women and men are paid different wages for the same work in the same organization. Further to this, all federal laws prohibit any retaliatory action by an employer in cases of filing of charges of discrimination by the employee, and it can amount to serious offense of the laws. Diversity at the workplace is practiced to ensure that individual differences are recognized and acknowledged to create an environment that is diverse and innovative, and which utilizes the contributions of the diverse backgroun ds of its employees. In the diverse workplace, EEO policies apply in addressing the disadvantaged groups prone to discrimination in terms of age, race, etc.

How do you think domestic and foreign intelligence should work in this Assignment

How do you think domestic and foreign intelligence should work in this country - Assignment Example Foreign intelligence encompasses security surveillance orchestrated by cross-border powers and personalities. Intelligence service is the most sensitive national institution that must be accorded utmost autonomy to prevent the country from vulnerability to terrorist attack. America being the presumed global superpower is a target for terrorism and other forms of violent attacks. The U.S. depends on both its domestic and foreign intelligence information to fight and or contain the world’s terrorism. It requires a highly confidential, competent and effective intelligence service both from domestic instruments and from foreign input (Marks, 2010). After the September 11 attacks, cooperation and close coordination is required between national and international intelligence in America (Marks, 2010). However, there should not be complete merge of the two institutions. While they should cooperate to deliver coinciding information, their individual autonomy should also have clear demarcation. The country’s security management should establish a central coordinating body that harmonizes information dissemination from either side of the security institutions. The role of this body would be to provide further scrutiny to the intelligence information before delivering credible vigilant information to the government. The specific roles of these two institutions should also have distinct stipulations to avoid conflict and duplication of surveillance information. Furthermore, the authenticity of foreign intelligence surveillance is dully enshrined in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of

Individual project 5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Individual project 5 - Essay Example ‘Women Matter’, a study by McKinsey & Company clearly points to the fact that an organization with 2 or more woman executives at the top level was ranked highest in operation excellence and financial performance. (Desvaux, Devillard-Hoellinger, & Baumgarten, 2007) The relevance of ethnic diversity at workplace is as important as the gender diversity. But it is still very less embraced by the corporates. Its relevance is always debated upon in the corporate world. Some of the benefits of ethnic diversity in workplace are innovation, better business expansion, productivity, motivation, profitability etc. (Bell, 2012) The diversity factor of sexual orientation is important too on a different perspective. There is no specific study that has proved that the presence of LGBT crowd in an organization will increase the organization’s productivity, nor is there a study that it will reduce the productivity. Therefore, based on moral grounds, LGBT community will be allowed t o be part of organization. Discrimination against LGBT group might result in a qualified or innovative individual from being hindered to progress. Moreover, a diversity based on sexual orientation will help an organization to develop better reputation. (Feigenbaum, 2012) A concluding statement will be drawn based on a comprehensive literature review on these three factors. Desvaux, G., Devillard-Hoellinger, S., & Baumgarten, P. (2007). Women Matter. Retrieved November 4, 2012. From: http://www.mckinsey.com/locations/paris/home/womenmatter/pdfs/Women_matter_oct2007_english.pdf Bell, M. (2012). Ethnic diversity in workplace: the business benefits. Retrieved November 4, 2012. From: http://www.hrmonline.co.nz/article/ethnic-diversity-in-the-workplace-the-business-benefits-141661.aspx Feigenbaum, E. (2012.) What Are Some Diversity Issues Found in the Workplace & in America. Retrieved November 4, 2012. From:

Money in Marriage Essay Example for Free

Money in Marriage Essay Money is a vital component for a sustainable and harmony life. Knowing the main function of money in marriage is important for a successful marriage. According to (Loh,2012) a research by Smart Money magazine, cited by shows that 70% of spouses surveyed discuss about money no less than one weekly while 36% of men and 40% of women confess that they lied to their couple about their spending. Many couples do not aware about the importance of money. The ability to pay household and utility bills, the tendency to ensure the children get their rights as well as the chance to have a comfortable and sustainable living are therefore, the importance of money in marriage. One of the reasons why money is important in marriage is to pay household and utility bills. Just like how organizations have their organization’s financial details each year to trace how they spend their money to pay for things married couples also need to record their expenditure and examined them monthly. (Eugene, 2009). A couples need to distribute their money to pay the energy, electrical and telecommunication bills. Electricity is necessary to run all home utilities such as refrigerator, television, radio, including hot water heaters and water pump that allow toilet to work. Besides electrical bills a telecommunication bills also need to be managed well so that we can ensure smooth communication between a family members. The example of communication utilities is such as encompass telephone, satellite television service and Internet service. For instance communication utilities such as internet can be used by the family members especially children who are still study to find information, communicate with their friend, and sharing their opinion. A married couple also need to allocate their money for the household food budget. The monthly budget for the food and groceries of the house should be managed accurately. â€Å"It is significant to give them with a healthy-balanced diet and encourage them to work out frequently† (Vijaindren, 2012). Parents should aware that your child needs a variety of food to fuel his growth, strengthen his immune system and support his brain and nervous system. So it can be conclude that money is important in marriage to have a healthy lifestyle because an apple a day can keep a doctor away. Another importance of money in marriage is to ensure children get their rights. A beneficial education is a necessary for children (Rosmah, 2010). Every child should have an adequate education to secure their future. Money can be used to pay necessary fees regarding the education or study. For example, money can be used to pay an education fees for children who studying at primary, secondary or even children at the college. As an example, money is useful for buying a basic need for children education such as school uniform, stationeries, and of course a books. Every child deserved an additional education such as home tutor or tuition. With money, tuition fees and additional books can be paid consistently. According to Rosmah (2010, as cited in Lim (2010) a marriage that has consistency in money should give their children a well-nourished life. Every parent can make their children more valuable and comfortable with money. For example provide a comfortable shelter such as personal room for their uses. Furthermore with money parents will have the tendency to ensure that children get their rights. As an example, children nowadays will request for an up-to-date gadgets, such as smart phone, tablet, or even an android phone. This can be fulfilled with money. Thus, money is important not only for an adult, but can be very useful for a sustainable in children’s life. One of the other reasons why money is important in marriage is to have comfortable and sustainable life. Najib(2012, as cited in Shuman, 2012) â€Å"My feverent wish is to ensure that each and every one of our young productive adults and, indeed the future generation of Malaysian will have enough savings and financial assets to enjoy their retirement to the fullest†. This pension scheme is one of the ways to have a sustainable life. Many of young married couple do not aware about the importance of this pension scheme it is to persuade and influence people to set aside money for the upcoming and urgent situation. For instance one of the family members having any major health problem such as cancer or heart problem that need to spend a lot of money to heal at least this scheme can support it. Another importance of money is to keep away the future cohort to cope with difficulty and struggle to have a sustainable and comfortable life. Life insurance gives a person chance to propose a consistent financial for his or her family in the event of disaster or poor health problem happen to the family members (Morris, 2010). With the power of money a couple can buy a life insurance for their house, vehicle and family member. For example when a giant Tsunami hits Japan on 2012 many facilities and infrastructure has been demolished, at the same time many victim had lost their family members. So the reason why you need to take out an insurance policy is to look after who’s left behind you especially the ones that you loved. In a nutshell, the importance of money in marriage include chance to have a comfortable and sustainable life, the tendency to ensure the children get their rights as well as the ability to pay household and utility bills. Money is vital asset that are useful for a long time, and can secure the future. Thus, money must be managed well to ensure that the flow of money will run smoothly and can lead to a sustainable life and harmony marriage. Everyone must have their own budget so we can prepare for the unpredictable thing that may occur. Tracking your money expenses, create a monthly budget, prepare for unexpected emergencies, and plan for big expenses are few steps that can be made to managed money well. This can educate a person to become a discipline and independent in his life.

Analysing a managing change in General Electric

Analysing a managing change in General Electric Renowned scientist Thomas A. Edisson.who established Edison Electric light company in 1878.General Electric company is then took one huge company formation after two of merged in to one of Edison General Electric company and Thomas Houston company in 1892.Then GE is the only company listed in the Dow Jones industrial index. Today GE is a diversified technology, services, and financial services company with operation in more than 100 companies and 3, 50,000 employees worldwide. GE is a multinational which belongs to several companies in different companies headquartered in  Fairfield, Connecticut. Its New York headquarters located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in  Rockefeller Center, name give is  GE Building  for the projecting GE logo on the roof NBCs headquarters. Main studios are also located in the building. GEs Ecomagination concept attempt worldwide recognition to keep front runner itself as a green company. In current global market GE is stands one of the biggest players in the wind power industry, but not only because of its technological innovative products but also development of product as a environment-friendly like hybrid locomotives. Desalination and water reuse solutions, and photovoltaic cells. The company has set goals for its subsidiary holding companies to decrease their greenhouse gas emissions. GE as Brand GE has got his fourth position of the most recognized brand in the world; worth almost $52 billion.GE.com heighten the value of the brand by the ownership. A performance which places General Electric on Rank 3 of the VB.com Internet Hall of Fame. After appointing New CEO  Jeffrey Immelt, He  had a set of changes in the brand positioning in 2004, He tried to bring some transitional changes as chairman, then he quite successful in some instant also. He made the diversified businesses of GE. The changes included a new corporate color palette, one of them are small modifications to the  GE Logo, a new customized font (GE Inspira), and breakthrough company slogan ,  imagination at work  replacing the longtime slogan  we bring good things to life,  which is composed by David Lucas.. Academic/learning reasons behind GEs choice: The fundamental and important reason behind to chose GE as organization because the companies existence in the market over 130 years. Still they are innovative. They always have been inspiration to other industries, the different kind of delivering the ideas, implementing them. Which always keep them in front.GE expands their horizon in much diversified manner in air and also around the world.GE continues with its tradition of innovations keeping the scale of growth in economy. Companies dramatic discoveries help to redefine the lives. And now GE continues to earn the respect in the business economic world. To keep this informative thread in my mind encourages me to take academic lessons of the company as a learning resource and reasons also. 1.b) Theories and principle which underlie strategic planning. Growth strategy of General Electric. A company follows and obtained the best growth five initiative strategies to create capital efficient growth and to create high margin: 1) Technical Leadership 2) Services 3) Customer Focus 4) Globalization 5) Growth Platforms 1.Technical Leadership Technology is a prior and most preferential sector of companies initiative. Innovation comes in research and development which is a very subjective of this sector. The importance always given to the Technical leadership because it produces high-margin products, which could wins competitive battles and creates new markets. The external marketing forces are always been changing and they are not constant so company have about 2,000 researchers in our Global Research Centers linked to market and customer needs and in constant dialogue with our businesses.As main outcomes of a technical leadership a company made great progress in energy efficiency by introducing four leading products at the mid of 2003: 1) The H Systemà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ gas turbine 2) 3.6-megawatt wind turbine 3) The GE Evolutionà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ Series locomotive engine 4) And the GE90-115B jet engine. 2. Services GEs Technical leadership can measure its better accountability is high end margin services for decades for a massive installed base of more than 100,000 long-lived GE jet engines, power turbines, locomotives and medical instruments. But services only work if they make our customers more profitable. In the energy market, GE has accepted the methodology to build and design asset business to improve customers energy efficiency, uptime and environmental performance. This year, our customer Norfolk Southern will begin operating with GEs Precision Dispatch Systemà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢, the rail industrys most comprehensive traffic management system, to improve locomotive availability and customer service. 3. Customer Focus Last year, company has formed a sales and marketing council led by Beth Comstock and Dave Nissen, two of our best growth leaders. Their main agenda includes: aligning our sales force with customer needs; taking Six Sigma to our customers; developing world-class marketing; driving sales force effectiveness; and serving global customers with excellence. One of our successes is in vertical selling, the practice of aligning our offerings in four industries that are critical to GE: healthcare, energy, transportation and retail. They represent $47 billion of industrial revenues and $169 billion of financial services assets. GE brings a unique concept of capabilities to these industries, including products, services, information and financing. In 2003, GE signed a multiyear agreement with New York-Presbyterian Hospital to support them in clinical research operation and help them improve their business. Company has also formed a $2 billion relationship with Emirates Airlines to setup a modernize setup for aircraft and make their assets and people more productive for their better outcomes. Xerox is a best partnership company with GE having strong relationship between them, though the company provides their help in the segment of finance and operating capabilities to improve their marketing strategies. 4. Globalization Since foundation of the company, GE always became a competent in world market with its multiple ideas and effectiveness throughout the globalization. After the formation company has sold its major product outside the U.S, remaining the economic market company sold its product. The company has keeping its own and major one-third of our leadership team global. GE global revenues were almost $74 billion in 2005, up 11%, and should grow 14% in 2007. Company has its different vision to recognize central fact that they know the demand by Global growth requires more than simply shipping products. Company always been committed equally to developing capabilities and relationships in the markets where you want to succeed. In Asian countries GE also commitment to China for its future business.GEs established its Global Research Center in Shanghai to develop the capabilities of Chinese suppliers and technology that GE can use globally. GE is keeping this approach in other developing markets. The company is confident to get revenues from Eastern Europe, Russia and Iraq should grow from $3.5 billion in 2010 to $7 billion in 2015.. 5. Growth Platforms Transform the business model using growth initiatives, such as services and globalization. Finally, apply this theory financial strength to invest in organic growth or acquisitions. GEs Growth Strategy:http://www.ge.com/images/en/ar2003/widgets/spacer.gif Technical Leadership Services Customer Focus Globalization Growth Platform http://www.ge.com/ar2003/chairman/letter_4.jsp 1. d) Models and tools which could be used as a strategic planning and development of GE: SWOT ANALYSYS is a basis method which will help for strategic planning and development OF GENERAL ELECTRIC. SWOT analysis is being discussed below: STRENGTHS Global recognition:   General Electric has ventured into the world market thus gaining global recognition for its unique goods and services Forbes magazine ranked GE as the worlds largest company in year 2009.   In todays business world General Electrics brand is the worlds most recognized brand, and recognition has given it a competitive edge over other companies due to its ability to attract more customers. Excellent Management:   GE utilizes a unique management style, the integrity of management and business operations are divided into business units.   Each business unit plays a distinct role within the company and has its own independent management.   Examples include GE Commercial Finance, GE Equipment Services, GE  Energy, GE Insurance, and GE Consumer Finance among others. This kind of unique management helps to take instant decision and to be more concentric toward its unit managerial functions and helps to increase productivity due to the high level of accountability and efficiency that business unit managers are expected to maintain. Diversity and operation management: GE has invested in a wide range of products whose activities range from technology, energy, automotives, and aviation and home appliances to financial services and insurance services. This kind of diversification shields the company from risks in case of misfortunes. WEAKNESSES Under-performing energy sector: Due to the effect global crisis and fluctuation in fuel prices energy sector is not performing as expected. So the supply shortage because lack of demands and fluctuations in prices of oil and gas have mostly threatened the companys profitability. Threat to flexibility: Sometimes flexibility in the business operations may causes dangerous for a company, because it results in over-stretching which usually slows down decision making.GE having its very huge operation management to do under numerous units which require attention and could prove hard to manage if excessive diversification occurs. OPPORTUNITIES Mergers and acquisitions:   GE has many sources and very much to prove, but sometimes in market there are many competent, result of this GE has performed several mergers in the recent past. These not only help the company to expand globally but to diversify its activities into new areas thus increasing productivity. Research and development: Intensified research and development characterize the GEs activities to maintain a competitive edge over others in the same industry. GE invests substantial amount of resources for relentless efforts to ensure the production of innovative products. THREATS Competition:   Operating in global economic environment  where stiff competition is present is a threat in itself. GE risks losing its customers to competitors .As a large company GE gives importance to control to negotiate with suppliers. They can better manage production to keep prices and profitability high.   Competition could be intensified by product differenciation, better techniques and technology among competitors. Information security: Every company faces a treat of losing confidential and important data through internet hackers, sometimes natural disasters and dishonesty of employess.this could affect the companys activities and cause a slow-down in production. Financial crisis:   Up and downturns in the economy, global financial crisis, seriously effect most companies today, these causes the rises in prices and shrinking bank lending rates have lack in businesses much needed profits and capital respectively. References Chasnoff, D. (1991). Deadly deception: General electric, nuclear weapons and our environment.  Newday. Hurbert, P. (2007).  General electric company profile.  United States: Market Research. Makower, J. (2005). Ecoimagination: Inside GEs power play.  World Changing. Task 2 2.a) Marketing Strategy options used by the General Electric GEs marketing plan is basically designed and explained with 7 Ps of marketing segments. Which are explained below. 1. Product. GEs technology division produces Inappropriate and fire detection products, which also use to card access systems, aircraft replacement parts, jet engines, medical diagnostics, medical imaging as well as patient monitoring equipment. The companys major sector is energy, so it also provides products related to energy infrastructure such as wind turbines, gas turbines, water purification systems, and aircraft engine derivatives. GEs also produced a consumer as well as industrial division such as refrigerators, washers, microwave ovens, residential air conditioners. 2. Price General Electric introduced a Power by the Hour program for its aircraft engines, in recognition that its customers were not specially purchasing its airplane engines, but also they will keep in mind the ability to minimize downtime through its maintenance and service initiatives. There was a increased in a cost pressure in global economy in 2004 due to GE raised prices in for its Infrastructure Water and Process technology customers and it widely affect on citing marketplace conditions for water treatment solutions which made it more expensive to do business. General Electric introduced a concept of healthtmagination, whose initiative involves the reduction of prices in its medical imaging and diagnostics business as a result of reduced customer spending in these areas.    3. Place General Electric is headquartered in Fairfield Connecticut, at 3135 Easton Turnpike. GE has subsidiaries located in Singapore, Mexico, Munich, China and Ontario Canada General Electric has global business projects including Southeast Asia, Northern Asia, Australia,New Zealand, Africa, Latin America and Europe. 4. Promotion Since 2001 GE worked with Responsys, Inc. as the preferred vendor to implement GE Services Networks email marketing programs.    GEs slogan we bring good things to life is among the most recognizable in the world. 5. Process With the assistance from major Boston Consulting Group and McKinsey and company General Electric pioneered the nine cell strategic business screen used to identify the most favorable position with attractive growth opportunities as well as competitor strength. GE managers operate and make their decisions from the companies famous blue books five volumes of detailed guidance. GE management has utilized techniques such as leadership development, Work Out, and Six Sigma. Constant appraisal process has been undertaken every year by GE which is about a 10%.which involves from its bottom of firing to higher level. GE strives to accomplish its goals with four core values in mind: imagine, solve, build, and lead. 6. Physical Evidence GEs physical Evidence can be stated below 1) Huge investments in Russia including equipment fleet with more than 1,500 large units. 2) Crucial investments of infrastructure resources such as oil and gas as well as aviation. 3)GE has made investment in Indonesia to build the infrastructure. 7. People Jeffery Immelt is the current chairman of the board and chief executive officer of GE. The Spirit The Letter is employed an integrity policy which every employee supports with a signed pledge.   General Electric provides an employee and retired employee outlet store with discount products. GE utilizes skills-based customer service routing technology. 2. b) STAKEHOLDERS OF GE Description and function of stakeholders in GE. 1. Emerald Technology Ventures Emerald Technology Ventures is a global leader in clean technology venture capital incepted in year 2000; Emerald is a pioneer which cleanly focused on energy sector which is rapidly emerging clean technology sector and exclusively on innovative technologies in energy, advanced materials and water. Company has been operating from offices in Zurich, Switzerland and Toronto, Canada. Since inception, Emerald has managed three venture capital funds and two venture capital portfolios mandates totaling over EUR 400 million.since the foundation company only invites the global investors include such as a leading financial institutions and multinational corporations. http://www.emerald-ventures.com/aboutUs.aspx 2. KPCB (Kleiner Perkins caufield byers) KPCB is a Venture Capital Firm, but its not only the company who has corporate directives but also they are a creative think tank that helps design new industries that change the world. They have created an exceptional marketplace of ideas where entrepreneurs and inventors come together and brainstorm how to build companies that will redefine the future. Kleiner Perkins is not a commercial investment company but it is more than that. Its partners gave the time, insight, and expertise necessary to help crystallize a long-term vision and corporate strategy for company. And through their network of portfolio companies and personal contacts, KPCBs philosophy of contributing more than just capital is exactly what makes companies experience as an iFund company extremely valuable. 3. Rockport Capital Rockport is a leading venture capital having a partnership with cleantech entrepreneurs which operates in world market. Company has different management operating style involves collaboration with core management teams to achieve faster growth and building its own value in market and bring disruptive technologies. Company operates in global market have a excellent track record which is providing the insights and networks that push forward companies to get more success in world economic era. Rockport categorize its primary focus in some certain business sectors, majors are Energy and Power, Transportation, Resource Effeniciency, Advanced Materials and Green Building. With respect of these companies, Rockport also invests in all stages of development. Energy sector always been a much favorable sector for investment for Rockport. Since this capability sets Rockport apart, the focus on opportunities in which company has leverage these strengths to add value beyond investment capital. http://www.rockportcap.com/our-approach Task 3a) Definition: vision According to Mike Harvey (2009), the vision seeks to provide an ideal future for which the organization strives for. Lambert (1996) as quoted by Harvey (2009) suggests that crafting a vision calls for creativity. He states that a vision should specifically answer direct questions like what will the organization be like in 5 to 15 years times among others. Tom Peters (1987) pontificates that, visions are meant to be clear, inspiring and challenging. From these statements I have developed the vision statement for Dialogue Direct will be the following: Maintaining our Leadership position in the top 5 of UK fundraising organization in a bid to make a difference in the world (Mike Harvey course notes for strategic planning and implementation, 2009) In GE CEO is the first and head of the management. The corporate success depends on the vision districts by the  chief executive  . GE has vision impact on the employees to be accompanied in a dramatic and enduring way.GE always make sure you keep stretch in employees vision, communicate it constantly, underscoring the relationship between management and employee. Definition: Mission statement A well-thought out mission statement guides a companys managers as to which market opportunities to pursue and which fall outside the companys strategic domain (Scott, 2000). A mission is something to be accomplished. Professional Definition: GE does not have a mission statement, per se, but its operating philosophy and business objectives are clearly articulated each year in the Letter to Shareowners, Employees and Customers in the Annual Report.. http://www.ge.com Definition of Objectives: The objectives are declaration of companys purpose and goals (Rea and Rea, 2000). Objectives are meant to create a challenging environment for people who crave to make above average contributions and who imagine to get above average rewards (Bragg, 2006). GEs main objectives are:   1) To facilitate the development of effective energy and environmental strategies related to corporate business policies in Georgia; 2) To facilitate the creation of effective legal, regulatory and structural framework for market oriented reforms and harmonization with best western (EU) standards in the fields of energy and environment protection; 3 )To build public awareness, encourage public participation , in the fields of energy and environmental protection. Definition of values Values   Imagine, solve, build and lead four bold verbs that express what it is to be part of organization. Their action-oriented nature says something about who we are and should serve to energize ourselves and our teams around leading change and driving performance. http://www.csrglobe.com/login/companies/ge.html Professional Definition: Values in GE: While GE has always performed with integrity and values.The values which embody the spirit of GE at its best. Energy and spirit of a company that has the solid foundation to lead change as business evolves. And they express distinctly a code of behavior that guides through that change with integrity. They are a call to action that asks every GE employee to recommit to a common set of beliefs about how we work in our world today, they are based on a continuum of how GE has grown and performed through generations. They are our words and our values in our own voice. 3b) Effectiveness of above three things can be measured in the following ways: Mission, Vision and Values Mission The effectiveness of mission is give a clear way for organization to clarify what it is currently discover to do for its customers or stakeholders. It is like statement of purpose, which create a question What is GE trying to accomplish on behalf of our stakeholders or individual investors? An effective mission statement helps to identify day-to-day operations and as the foundation for future decision-making and to make corporate strategy. Vision The vision is a corporate glance which creates a rallying point for strategic management team to maximize efforts. Organizations vision provides a powerful and inspiring picture of the outcome an organization seeks, at some point in the future. Vision is a key of success and it would be effective if clear and step forward to be achieving goal of organization. Values An organizations value is fundamental and deeply held. Every organization has its intrinsic value and is important to everyone on the management. Values are an implicit part of the promise of organizations future and establish for prospective and existing team members about their expectation from teammates, management and leaders. 3 c) ORGANIZATION CULTURE Definition:- Gareth Morgan has described organizational culture as: The set of the set of beliefs, values, and norms, together with symbols like dramatized events and personalities that represents the unique character of an organization, and provides the context for action in it and by it. http://www.organizationalculture101.com/definition-of-organizational-culture.html GEs organizational culture: GEs organizational culture committed towards its leadership culture, The company believes that employees performance can only flourish in safe and sound environment. This leadership culture can be obtained through system and policies develop communication, maintain the partner employee relationship, privacy and gives surety of health and safety. GE has multidimensional work assessment groups which undergo with different definitions and operating structure give below. 1)Operating with integrity 2)Work and life balance 3)Quality and work life Some of the key characteristics of GEs organizational culture are as follows: A )Individual effort is much more important than group or collective efforts. B) Competition is king internally and externally C) Poor performers lose face publicly ETHICAL VALUES: Definition:- An ethical appeal also referred to as ethos basically has to do with rights or moral values. http://www.tutorvista.com/answers/ethical-values-definition/72821 Ethical Values of GE: Factors: Since the inception of company Internal and External functions of Management GE has been began operating under Thomas Alva Edison. Since then GE has grown and matured as one of the greatest multi- innovator firms in business history with GE has become an international company expanding its services and product around the world. GE has its own ethics of business and values. GEs ethical values reflect in a wonderful example of how external and internal factors like globalization, technology, innovation, diversity, at national and international level will impact the way company managers operate and comply with ethical and compliance issues. GEs ethics impacts directly, not only the four functions of management namely planning, organizing, leading, and controlling but also the four factors globalization, technology, innovation, and diversity are closely related with each other. http://www.tutorvista.com/answers/ethical-values-definition/72821 http://www.writework.com/essay/ge-business-ethics-compliance 3 d) Core competencies: Definition:- It is cluster knowledge and gained abilities from its consistent efforts over the years, which are not easily imitiated.it helps to any organization to be competitive and help to become more creative and able to deliver good services towards customers. After a many years of dedication General Electrics introduced best practices GEs version of benchmarking, reengineering and energetic, highly participative employee-manager retreats, to get more new ideas from employees.  Ã‚  These are which will help GE to be more creative and were aimed at significantly increasing innovation in order to substantially increase productivity.  GE has major and important client is U.S  for many years.When GE applies the theory of core competency it become live and breathe innovation, at the very least, find it fundamental to their successes in the words of Peter Druker Every organization-not just businesses-needs one core competence:  Ã‚  innovation. http://www.winstonbrill.com/bril001/html/article_index/articles/201-250/article220_body.html Critical success factors: Mike Harvey (1984) suggests that, these are factors that are necessary when the company is looking to excel and outperform its competitors. Those are the things customers, shareholders and stakeholders generally value about a business and its activities. Importance of the critical success factors in an organization is because of it can help to focus on the building their capabilities or to identify if there are any lack of ability to build necessary critical success factors. Critical success factors are necessary to the success of General Electric: In world energy market GE compete with some another leading companies. Some rival companies are now to launch new greener products in market to make environment decarbonised.so in my opinion the competition will become more rigid in coming days Critical success factors could be in subject areas of gas turbines and energy efficient lights.GE already introduced its much heralded Ecomaginationproject.but it needs more diversity in above particular independent research. Task 4 4.1a) Amendment strategy in response to change in economic and business climate. GE is always committed to its customers for their better services; on the other side company has also to focus on large scale business opportunities. Though being a being a global leader in a number of high tech industries GE has identified a providing solution to face a problem of the future which could be interest of environmental issues. Therefore Mr.jeffrey has bought a new innovative and creative project namely Ecomagination When GE done analysis upon ecological survey he came on decision that there is a resources problem of global warming and supply of oil and water which were most prominent. And its going to be more demand in coming decades. So avoid future imbalance of certain things GE has started to invest in ecologically friendly alternatives to existing technologies. (Global Energy Formation, Matts Larsson 2009.Pllgrave Macmillan, Page 119) 4. b) GE responded to the changes in its environment. As explained above GE accompanied changes and following their strategies as per creation a innovation Ecomagination.so it can be prove that GE responded to the changes in its environment. The GE ecomagination annual report provides updates on the progress on each of its ecomagination commitments. 1. Double investment in clean research and development   GE invested $1.5 billion on ecomagination RD, reaching the commitment to double our annual investment by 2010 one year ahead of schedule. GE continues to be committed to unleashing new technology.. 2. Increase revenues from ecomagination products   In 2009, ecomagination revenues grew six percent to $18 billion even in a challenging global environment. 3. Reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve the energy efficiency of its operations   GE reduced its GHG emissions by 22% compared to 2004. GE improved its energy intensity 34% compared to 2004, surpassing the goal of 30% in 2012. http://www.genewscenter.com/Press-Releases/GE-Surpassed-5-Billion-in-Research-Development-Investment-in-ecomagination-Technology-2902.aspx 4 c) As per my concern following will be the major functional areas of GE. 1. Research and Development Department GE Global Research is the hub of technology development for all of GEs businesses having 10 global laboratories organized by scientific disciplines all focused on leveraging technology breakthroughs across multiple GE businesses. GE established laboratories in different continents and their people come from the US, Europe, China and India collaborates and builds on each success. http://www.ge.com/company/research_development.html GE diverse its industrial lab in the world. From aircraft engines to power generation to financial businesses and even television network and movie studios, GE Global Research can leverage technology across industries and across scientific disciplines. http://www.ge.com/company/factsheets/grc.html 2. GEs marketing Department: General Electric is treat

Water Rationing in Malaysia

Water Rationing in Malaysia Definition of Water Rationing Water is the most essential single element required in order for people to accomplish the universal human right to a standard of living adequate for the health as well as well-being of himself and his family. Lacking of access to fresh water, health and well-being are severely jeopardized. This is because people cannot live without basic water supplies. Water is the important need so that people continue to survive. Without water, people could only survive for a few months before they had some serious health problems or even death. Fresh water protection is a huge responsibility that involves in the individual, industrial and even the government. Every single person has a vital role in trying to protect the continuous supply of fresh water. One of the main concerns regarding water is that of there will be enough water for the request within the next 25 to 50 years later. Current rising problem today is the lack of drinking water. Once every twenty years, the consumption of water is double. The supply of fresh water is not renewing at the same speed anymore. The lack of drinking water has caused a much larger problem. The problem is that the water is polluted. Currently, about half of the hospital beds in the world are filled with patients with water borne diseases. In the Malay Mail newspaper, it shows that â€Å"The water supply from the dams is not enough to supply water to more than 7 million users in the Klang Valley.† In the Klang Valley together with Wilayah Persekutuan and Selangor states, the current water rationing program initiated in last February 2014. It consists of alternating two days with water then two days with dry taps in the areas allocated by the government. Water rationing is not always regarding water shortage. Sometimes it is related to the demand is greater than the supply. Supply may actually be sufficient in certain place but in some places with irresponsible user, the water is water at an uncontrolled level which led to nowhere to find fresh water. Thus, the government will create a solution for this problem such as water rationing to meet the requirements of every citizen. During Malaysia water crisis in 1998, 4.2 million people had to survive on 2553 million litres of water per day. This resulted in a shortage of 105 million litres per day. For year 2014, 7.1 million people need about 4900 million litres per day but with only 4367 million litres per day is available. Figure 1 shows the comparison of water needed between year 1998 and year 2014. In year 1998, there are 1.8 million people in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur that were affected by a six month long water rationing exercise which is from March to September as the result of El Nino phenomenon. The dry weather and lesser rainfall weather during year 1998 led to almost critical water levels in four dams which is Batu, Klang Gates, Langat and Semenyih. El Nino is actually a band of warm ocean water temperature that occasionally develops off the Pacific coast of South America. The Causes and Effects of Water Rationing Water shortage that resulted in water rationing does not happen in a single day. There are many causes of water shortages. Some of the examples are population growth, overuse of water by industries, pollution, global warming, drastic weather changes and others more. One of the causes that result in water rationing is the growing water shortage in the growing demand resulting from the population increase. The increase of demand of fresh water is directly proportional with the increasing population. The increase in demand arises out of a few factors which include the direct consumption demands of the increasing population and the demand from development and food production to give food to the increasing population. But then, the fresh water is not increasing but decreasing rapidly due to the over usage. Thus this will lead to the demand is more than the supply in which related to water shortage. Climate change has affected the whole water cycle, decreasing water resources and resulted in water shortage. Global warming too has speeded up the hydrological cycle and amplified evaporation will make drought conditions more rampant. One of the example of climate change is droughts occur more occasionally in some certain area while will be hit by flash floods which could destroy dams and reservoirs. Land use changes have a variation of influences on water resources. Whilst decrease of vegetation cover may result in better runoff, it decreases groundwater infiltration as well as the storage capability of dams and lakes through siltation. The significant draining of wetlands or extensive deforestation may change the microclimate of a region. This is a consequence of people cutting trees for numerous reasons including illegally felling of trees for sale. Some of the cause of water shortage is mismanagement by government officials. The government official lacked of law enforcement to stop water from being wasted. Water shortage is the whole nation as well as global problem which are happening at an alarming rate. It can be effective to increase consciousness among all people regarding age towards the seriousness of water shortage and the benefit of saving water. This is very important as it could make people realize the importance of water and not waste them uncontrollably. The government should implement laws to solve the problem like having hefty fines to those who waste water and not just a tab on the wrist. Due to rapid industrialization and a lack of wastewater treatment system, a large number of surface and ground water is contaminated and thus not safely available for human use. Water contamination can result from a numerous causes which include agricultural return flows, industry, and domestic uses. Both surface and groundwater are regularly affected. Destruction of the riverine environment decreases the ordinary ability of a river to deal with with pollution. The largest water using sector is agriculture. This is a common reality worldwide. As population increases, ever greater pressure is placed on agriculture to produce food. This in turn results in increased water demand. Water scarcity and food security are therefore directly related. In addition, using additional water than is returned in rain, people are polluting the water that they have. For example, most of the pesticides as well as fertilizers used in agriculture, sewer overflows and oil and grease from road will run off into water system. The other source of excess nutrients such as lawn fertilizers, pet and farm animal waste, decaying plant material. Industrial plants waste water treatment plants can also contribute the level of toxic substance enter the river and lake which will resulted in polluted water. Politicians and decision-makers are the people who have highest influence on the distribution of improve water shortage budgets and the adoption of policy. Unfortunately, a lot of politicians do not agree with the parameters of practical water resource management and this result in judgements are being made on the basis of short-term political feasibility. The effects of water shortages are the most noticeable to the everyday man. More than half of the worlds hospital beds are filled by people suffering from water linked diseases as well as nearly 20% of deaths to children under age five being credited to water related issues. Water related diseases include a wide variety of well-known and feared ailments such as Malaria, Lice, dengue fever, Hepatitis and other more. Water shortage will pose major nation or global challenges as it would reduce agricultural production as well as lead to an increase in food and water prices. This will greatly affect consumers disposable income, businesses profits and economic growth. Water can also become a source of conflicts among communities, states and countries. Developing countries such as Malaysia are more harshly affected by water shortages problem. Lack of clean and fresh water will caused health concerns and human loss as a result of poor hygiene. A lot of people who cannot get supply of clean water on a regular basis will end up using unclean water from streams which are usually contaminated. Those who are using contaminated water will develop health complications like cholera, diarrhea and other more in the long run. Besides that, hunger is another negative effect related with water shortage. Water shortage will link to agriculture. With lesser water, the crops produce will be lesser thus in the long run will leads to hunger and thirst. Water Rationing Survival Water rationing means the water company will limit the fresh water supply to domestic and industrial area. During water rationing period it is needed for people to save water and prevent from wasting it. There are a few survival skills during water rationing such as greywater recycling. Greywater recycling is the waste water generated from washing machine and dishwasher is used for other stuff. The greywater can be used for cleaning the house compound, flushing toilet and many more. So, never pour water down the drain when there may be additional use for it for example watering a plant or garden, or for cleaning. This can be done by while taking showers, place a bucket in the showers to catch excess water and use the water for cleaning or flushing the toilet. This can be apply when washing dishes or vegetable in the sink. Next, it would be turning off the main water valves when it is not in used. As during water shortage, water is very limited. Thus when the local officials advice on the water rationing, it is better to off the main water valves to prevent those already in the tank is contaminated. Apart from that, during water rationing, it is best to repair broken or leaking pipes. This is to prevent extra water being wasted unnecessarily. This can be done by repairing dripping faucets by replacing their washers. Another method is to check for toilet tank leaks by adding food colouring into the tank. If the toilet is leaking, colour will appear in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes to an hour. It is good to check the toilet for worn out, corroded or bent parts. Most of the replacement parts are inexpensive, readily available as well as easily installed. During shower, it is better to take shorter shower instead of long bath. Replace the showerhead with ultra-low flow version. Some of the ultra-low flow version allows users to cut off the flow without adjusting the water temperature knobs. In the shower, turn on the water to get wet and turn off after the body is wet then turn back on to rinse off. Repeat it when washing the hair too. Avoid flushing the toilet unreasonably. Throw of tissues, insects and other related waste in the dustbin rather than the toilet bowl. For the lawn, do not overwater the lawn. As a general rule, lawns only need watering every five to seven days in a week. Heavy rain will eliminate the need of watering for up to two weeks. If possible, do buy a rain gauge and use it to measure the rain that land on the lawn. Water lawns during the early morning hours when temperatures and are the lowest. This reduces water losses from evaporation. Another method is having bigger water storage. With less water used on days when the water is rationed, it is best to realigning the use of fresh water. Having extra storage in the house will be good if water rationing period is extended for a day or two. If the water storage is on the roof, it had to be big enough to store water for drinking, bathing and cooking. Recommendation to the Causes Identified There are a lot of steps that can be taken to solve water shortage issues. One of them is rainwater harvesting system. Rainwater harvesting system will cut down the usage of treated water used for car washing, toilet as well as general cleaning. This will save up on the water bills. One huge problem is finding sufficient space for the rain water harvesting system to be installed. It is not a small piece of device that one can just plug and play. Another recommendation for water shortage is desalinization. Desalinization is system which can filter the salty water through membranes and removing the salt through electro dialysis and reverse osmosis process. Desalinization process has worked for about 130 nations in North Africa and Middle East. With the use of this system, these nations are currently producing around six billion of fresh water daily. Since Malaysia is surrounded by sea, it is possible to introduce desalinization process. Besides this, another recommendation is to protect water catchment areas. Water consumption is normally divided into domestic, industry and agriculture. Most of the water consumption is for domestic sector as most of the industries and agriculture use raw water instead. Government should introduce more water catchment areas for example forest and lakes. These are the areas that must take into consideration of future need of raw water. These areas should be register as national park so no deforestation and no development could be done at that area. Thus, this would ensure the future supply of raw water. Government should improve the water supply infrastructures as a method to prevent water shortage. The government could build more service reservoirs to prevent water shortage. A service reservoir could store up to a minimum one or two days of storage of water. On top of that, government should use meters as a method to monitor how much water does people are sending down the drains, flushing in toilets and pouring over their gardens. Meter is the fairest way to charge for water and the people need to be held responsible for what they use. For example, a family of four uses as much water in a day as a sprinkler uses in an hour. If people are using sprinkle and swimming pool, they need to pay extra. Apart from that, the government should persuade and educate people to use less water. Small actions like turning off the taps during washing up could save a lot of water. For example, by turning off the tap while brushing teeth would save a lot of water. If a normal tap runs at five litres a minute, people do brush their teeth for two minutes for twice a day. It would be 20 litres that goes down the sink. Another method is by charging the water based on the water quality. A raw water quality based raw water tariff should also be in place to ensure the governments are receiving income by safe guarding the water catchment areas to secure raw water resources. Safe guarding water catchment areas will preserve the raw water quality and reduce cost of treating water which will be translated to affordable water tariff. Conclusion In conclusion, stopping water crisis from reaching tragic level needs more concern of people as well as governments. It can be an effective ways to increase consciousness among all people from all walks of life regarding the shortage of water and what people have to face in the future if the uncontrolled water usage is not stopped. Governments should implement laws to penalize uncontrollable use of water. People should be wiser and miser in using water. Everyone must think of better ways to discipline oneself so that water is not wasted. It is better to come up with precaution than solution. Finally, people should safeguard the environment and filter unwanted pollutants before it is release to the environment Reference Toltal Words: 2598 words 1

Cultural Change and Survival in Amish Society Essay -- Amish Culture S

Cultural Change and Survival in Amish Society I. Introduction Watching the Amish riding their horse drawn carriages through Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, you catch a glimpse of how life would have been 150 years ago. The Amish, without their electricity, cars, and television appear to be a static culture, never changing. This, however, is just an illusion. In fact, the Amish are a dynamic culture which is, through market forces and other means, continually interacting with the enormously tempting culture of America. So, one might be led to wonder how a culture like the Amish, one that seems so anachronistic, has not only survived but has grown and flourished while surrounded by a culture that would seem to be so detrimental to its basic ideals. The Amish, through biological reproduction, resistance to outside culture, compromise, and a strong ethnic symbolism have managed to stave off a culture that waits to engulf them. Why study the Amish? One answer would be, of course, to learn about their seemingly pure cooperative society and value syst em (called Ordung). From this, one may hope to learn how to better America's problem of individualism and lack of moral or ethical beliefs. However, there is another reason to study the Amish. Because the Amish have remained such a large and distinct culture from our own, they provide an opportunity to study the effects of cultural transmission, resistance, and change, as well as the results of strong symbolism in maintaining ethnic and cultural isolation. II. History of the Amish The Amish have their roots in the Protestant Reformation of 16th century Europe, led by Martin Luther. Of these Protestant groups one sect was the Anabaptists. The first Anabaptist group was kno... ...the Amish except for their use of language and plain dress, would not have been distinct from most other 19th century farmers. This in essence allowed for the early survival and establishment of Amish culture in the United States. References Gelles, Richard J. and Levine, Ann. 1995. Sociology, An Introduction . Fifth Edition. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill. Good, Merele and Phyllis. 1979. 20 Most Asked Questions about the Amish and Mennonites. Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Good Books. Hostetler, John A. 1983. Amish Life . Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press. Kraybill, Donald B. 1990. The Puzzles of Amish Life . Intercourse, Pennsylvania: Good Books. Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia. 1997. Amish . 1993-1996 Microsoft Corporation. Pennsylvania Dutch Country Welcome Center. 1997. Amish FAQ. http://www.800padutch.com/atfaq.html Cultural Change and Survival in Amish Society Essay -- Amish Culture S Cultural Change and Survival in Amish Society I. Introduction Watching the Amish riding their horse drawn carriages through Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, you catch a glimpse of how life would have been 150 years ago. The Amish, without their electricity, cars, and television appear to be a static culture, never changing. This, however, is just an illusion. In fact, the Amish are a dynamic culture which is, through market forces and other means, continually interacting with the enormously tempting culture of America. So, one might be led to wonder how a culture like the Amish, one that seems so anachronistic, has not only survived but has grown and flourished while surrounded by a culture that would seem to be so detrimental to its basic ideals. The Amish, through biological reproduction, resistance to outside culture, compromise, and a strong ethnic symbolism have managed to stave off a culture that waits to engulf them. Why study the Amish? One answer would be, of course, to learn about their seemingly pure cooperative society and value syst em (called Ordung). From this, one may hope to learn how to better America's problem of individualism and lack of moral or ethical beliefs. However, there is another reason to study the Amish. Because the Amish have remained such a large and distinct culture from our own, they provide an opportunity to study the effects of cultural transmission, resistance, and change, as well as the results of strong symbolism in maintaining ethnic and cultural isolation. II. History of the Amish The Amish have their roots in the Protestant Reformation of 16th century Europe, led by Martin Luther. Of these Protestant groups one sect was the Anabaptists. The first Anabaptist group was kno... ...the Amish except for their use of language and plain dress, would not have been distinct from most other 19th century farmers. This in essence allowed for the early survival and establishment of Amish culture in the United States. References Gelles, Richard J. and Levine, Ann. 1995. Sociology, An Introduction . Fifth Edition. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill. Good, Merele and Phyllis. 1979. 20 Most Asked Questions about the Amish and Mennonites. Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Good Books. Hostetler, John A. 1983. Amish Life . Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press. Kraybill, Donald B. 1990. The Puzzles of Amish Life . Intercourse, Pennsylvania: Good Books. Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia. 1997. Amish . 1993-1996 Microsoft Corporation. Pennsylvania Dutch Country Welcome Center. 1997. Amish FAQ. http://www.800padutch.com/atfaq.html