International information an E business strategies Assignment

International information an E business strategies - Assignment Example Internet network architecture involves the use of architectural techniques in the field of internet networking technology. There are different components of the internet network architecture and technology. Client. Comprises the physical devices such as computers, mobile devices and notebooks that are linked to the wireless network area. Satellite. A satellite is used in the catching and distribution of signals over the network. Network adapters. These are used to set up or configure the internet technology in the operating system. Examples of network adapters for accessing the internet are LAN cards and modems. Routers. Transmit data from one place to the other in the form of data packets. Access points. Transmit data between wired and wireless technology. . Bridges. Used to establish connections between wired networks such as Ethernet and wireless networks such as LAN. Act as points of control in the network architecture. The use of electronic communications changes market trends. Businesses will rush to adapt to emerging trends of marketing. Social networks such as Facebook and YouTube are preferred over search engines due to the interactive nature with the clients. Environmental scanning has a role in shaping the current business strategies (Kalakota & Robinson, 2010). It gives an overview to the organization on the current technological innovations, impact the information will have on the society, cultural and economic factors of a country as well as international contributions. An online marketplace is segmented into various portions. The customer segment comprises existing and new customers, web-savvy and non web-savvy, specific needs customers, and those that are in different... E- Business is a concept that describes the arrangement organizations redesign to incorporate internet services in their business structures, processes and services. It entails the use of electronic devices in the processing and sharing of data to ease interactions with systems and services.Entrepreneurs are faced with decision making challenges resulting from increased globalization, rapid technological challenges and competition. As a result, new knowledge creates a competitive advantage.Entrepreneurs gather information from the external environment and interpret it through organizational learning to improve problem solving. The external environment ranges from the task environment (competition, customers, and suppliers) to the general environment. To realize the full benefits of the internet, organizations need to reinvent their business processes to incorporate the rapidly changing technology. The assembly of computer hardware in computer networking is called computer architectur e. Internet network architecture involves the use of architectural techniques in the field of internet networking technology. There are different components of the internet network architecture and technology. An online marketplace is segmented into various portions. The customer segment comprises existing and new customers, web-savvy and non web-savvy, specific needs customers, and those that are in different demographies.

Proposal Sample Essay Example for Free

Proposal Sample Essay Childhood obesity is a prevalent problem in the United States today. As of 2008, 20% of children aged 6-11 are considered obese. This is due to lack of fresh and healthy food alternatives, lack of education on nutrition and disease and the decrease in physical activity in todays youth are the defining factors that contributed to this now nationwide epidemic. H.Y.F.R, with the help of local community grocers, is geared to defeat the issue of obesity in youths of low-income families. Families at or below poverty level have little to no access to healthy foods to feed their children. H.Y.F.R knows the battle with obesity will be a long and hard one, but with the support of our allies, community members and parents, we can stop our children from getting bigger and bigger, sicker and sicker. Research Findings As per the research conducted in this proposal, there are many health risks associated with obesity in children. There are chronic diseases known to plague adults such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, joint pain or pressure, various types of cancers and high cholesterol are starting to be diagnosed in our youth. Lack of involvement on the parts of parents is the most influential factor as to why we are seeing obesity in children. Parents who lack education on whats nutritious are a detriment to the health of their children. Factors like socioeconomic status and cultural issues also play a role. First lady Michelle Obama has taken a firm stand in opposition to childhood obesity. Visiting grammar schools in the capital have made a resounding impact on the importance of a healthy diet. Project Description The goal of H.Y.F.R is to decrease obesity and promote healthy youth’s for the future. H.Y.F.R has created four objectives that focus on achieving the goal of the organization. The first of these objectives is to set the foundation for health in today’s youth. Fostering a positive attitude, and reinforcing new healthy behaviors and alternatives will make the chance of permanent change more likely. Second, H.Y.F.R knows that healthy choices and behaviors must be continued in the household. Educating parents is paramount. Providing literature and information for parents to continue the healthy lifestyle for their child will also increase the likelihood for permanent change. The third objective would be to involve the community in our efforts to reduce obesity in our youth. Organizing fitness events and utilizing farmers markets will increase the odds that children will respond to these initiatives. Our last objective is to have a recreational center to call our own. Havin g open green space and an enclosed gymnasium will allow a safe haven for these inner city youths to exercise and get healthy in a clean and safe environment. Methodology There is a list of activities that we will implement to help achieve our goal. Sports like volleyball, tennis, baseball and softball are just a few of the activities the youths will engage in to help shed their excess weight and jump start their healthy lifestyles. Interactive classes like dance and Zumba will make losing weight fun for children who are heavily distracted otherwise. Separating the youths by age will allow for a comfortable environment in which to exercise and interact which promotes comfort. Staff/Administration Properly trained and credentialed staffing is crucial to any organization. H.Y.F.R knows this and has listed the necessary personnel that will help keep the organization running at its maximum potential. Project manager, project administrator, program coordinator, nurse, health educator, nutritionist, counselor, lifeguard (volunteer/intern), dance instructor (volunteer/intern) and maintenance personnel are essential to the smooth operation of the various projects. Budget H.Y.F.R is a not for profit organization. With this in mind, the budget total is estimated to be 957,740.00 dollars including the salaries and other expenses. Sustainability H.Y.F.R can only continue operating with the contributions of local philanthropists and other charities. Hosting bake sales (organic and healthy items) and other types of fundraisers will generate funds to keep this program moving forward. Michelle Obama also as headed an initiative towards this goal and if this organization could utilize that, there could be other funds to be gained. Evaluation Quarterly evaluation of the success of H.Y.F. R is vital. Knowing where the organization stands is essential. The program would benefit form a constant learning processes. Evaluating strengths and weaknesses can help determine what improvements can be made to improve its efficacy. Evaluating also generates knew knowledge. Things not known before can come about and inspire new aspects of the program. Parts such as the budget and the allotment of the granted funds will also be evaluated in the expectation to reduce costs and put the money back into the program where it is needed. H.Y.F.Rs partners, methodological ordinations and feedback from the community will all help to evaluate. The opinions of all are important. Evaluations from external sources do cost a sizable amount of money. Conducting a standard evaluation would account for 5% to 10% of the total budget. Evaluations would be done via surveys, database reports and minutes taken from the meetings. The length of time it takes t he targeted population to lose weight and start their healthier lifestyles will determine the success or failure of the organization. Variables like culture and ethnicity will be considered. Statement of Need The prevalence of Childhood Obesity is a rising issue in America. Moreover, in order for us to control this issue it is imperative for us to implement a program designed to prevent, reduce and eliminate obesity in the New York City area. Lately, youths dealing with obesity have developed diseases that are prevalent in older adults such as; high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, and joint problems. Other diseases include sleep apnea and various types of cancers. Obese children often get teased and bullied by schoolmates because of their weight, which can result in social and psychological problems. Also, stigmatization and poor self-esteem can occur after dealing with bullying and teasing (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The population targeted for H.Y.F.R (Healthy Youths For Real) includes boys, girls, young men, and young women in New York City. We would also like to target all five boroughs by uniting them together to overcome obesity in our young people. Obese children that stem from low-income families often reside in the most impoverished communities in NYC. These communities lack adequate facilities designed for physical recreation. The availability of healthier food choices in the neighborhood is an ongoing issue, especially with the high prevalence of fast food restaurants in the area. Some of the under privileged areas also have high-crime rates, making whatever nearby parks available a safety issue. It is proven that the most effective way to defeat obesity is through a healthy diet and exercise. In addition, there are other factors used to help facilitate this change of behavior in our youths, such as the involvement of the parents. At H.Y.F.R we believe, if the parents are involved in their children’s lifestyle they will be very influential on their child’s healthier eating habits. If H.Y.F.R were not able to implement a non-profit program in the community, youths of low-income families would not have access to a recreation center designed to educate, prevent, and reduce childhood obesity. It is essential that H.Y.F.R. create a recreation center for today’s youths because of the rising costs of gyms, parks and recreation centers in our communities today. Research Findings Childhood obesity is becoming an issue in our communities instantaneously and long term. â€Å"Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5- to 17-year-olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Whereas for the long term effect of childhood obesity lead to: â€Å"Children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese as adults and are therefore more at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.† â€Å"Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for many types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, and prostate, as well as multiple myeloma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). These statistics speaks volumes and provide valuable information of what is occurring and will occur with our youths of the future and yet the childhood obesity rates continue to rise. Childhood obesity is categorized by age groups 10-17 18-24: â€Å"adolescents† as individuals in the 10-19 years of age group and â€Å"youth† as the 15-24 year age group. These two overlapping age groups are combined in the group â€Å"young people† covering the age range 10-24 years (World Health Organization). Body Mass Index The following are Body Mass Index Charts (BMI) one for girls and the other for boys, these BMI charts are used as an assessment to identify any potential weight problems such as obesity, overweight, underweight, or simply determine if the child has a healthy weight. The child’s weight and height are calculated in order to determine the BMI. â€Å"Children are not considered obese until their weight is at least 10 percent higher than what is recommended for their height and body type (American Academy Child Adolescent Psychiarty). Weight ranges goes the following: Underweight- Less than the 5th percentile, Healthy Weight-5th percentile to less than 85th percentile, Overweight-85th to less than the 95th percentile, Obese- equal to or greater than the 95th percentile.

Does Managing An Organizations Culture Replace Bureaucracy Management Essay

Does Managing An Organizations Culture Replace Bureaucracy Management Essay Bureaucracy is concerned with the imposition of rules and the attitude that management knows the best. There is a strong hierarchy, and no involvement of lower level employees; work-to-rule principle, there is division of labour and impersonality (see Fincham and Rhodes,2005). Weber argued it to be the absolute necessity in modern times since it is the most technically efficient model the decisive reason for the advancement of bureaucratic organizations has been purely its technical superiority over any other forms of organizations (Weber:1964). Therefore, the question arises as to which is the best way to achieve the coordination and control of an organization, Webers claimed technically efficient model bureaucracy, culture management using Peter and Waterman claims for Human Relations or post bureaucratic approaches and so on , which will be argued upon in this essay, and giving a conclusion in the end. Bureaucratic organizations develop a culture of the master knows all and is always right. This was facilitated by unskilled work requirements and hence, managers were able to keep important information to themselves, with no discussion with those down the hierarchy. Due to low skill levels, employees were easily replaceable, obedience to rules was fairly easy to achieve, and employees themselves were reluctant to participate due to lack of knowledge. Such a system is easily maintainable in a situation of unskilled workers, who are just required to work along the machinery pace, controlled by top management (see Charlie Chaplin- Modern times). However, employees are now more educated than ever before, they want to be appreciated for the higher level efforts they place and the greater knowledge they posses. Peter and Waterman in their book In search for excellence argue that the workers have more to give and managers have more to gain if they are willing to listen and understand employ ees feelings. This point is further justified by the issue of job security. Managers deliberately restricted individual autonomy since they feared the loss of their own positions if workers know more. They deliberately used technology to deskill work as they feared their seats being at risk. Lane(1988) argues that higher education has made managers less insecure and more willing to delegate work to those below them. The Japanese success (Clarke and Newman:1993) featuring introduction of new cost effective means of production, teamworking, and continuous production (Kaizen): someone who work daily on an issue understands the problem more than those who have virtually no practical experience about it, and small contributions by every worker leads to continuous improvement in productivity, whereas technology gives only a one off improvement, accelerated the establishment of formal culture in which employee contributions could be formally encouraged. Teamworking was giving boost to the productivity in Japan, with American firms losing out, led to the culture establishment using Mayos claim for human relations theory, and away from Webers ideal bureaucratic model. A movement from standardized mass market products to niche marketing; concentration on each individual market segment requiring flexible specialization(Piore and Sabel: 1984), increased globalization and competition(Lash and Urry:1987) and emergence of complicated technology giving power to people who possessed knowledge about it, trade unions pushing for more employment rights and shift towards demand driven economies(Moody:1987) emphasizing the inflexibility of large scale organizations, led to the emergence of Post bureaucratic Organizations(PBO), reinforcing that bureaucracy is not perfect. However, more power to those down the line may lead to chaos as everyone will be pushing forward their own ideas, PBO no longer remain stable since more worker autonomy may lead to confusion, as Willmott places it Autonomy is slavery, Bureaucracy is freedom(Willmott:1993). This may also lead to jealousy and rivalry amongst employees, and groups will be concerned about their own productivity rather than moving towards the corporate goal. Issue of inequality may arise if views of a certain person or group are given more importance than others, leading to conflicts, and deviation from the corporate mission. Decentralized culture would mean that there is a quick response to market changes, in competitive environment decentralization will help the business to keep its competitive edge and avoid time wasting in decision making. However, what will happen in situations that put the corporate image at risk? In this case, decentralization might lead to chaos and conflict only; bureaucratic organizations which are centralized maybe preferred more. Network firm arise as organization grows complex and global rather than a hierarchy: a set line of accountability and authority, free from confusion. Again, stability is at risk, as control and command in a bureaucracy are taken over by employee empowerment and participation; chaos and conflicts are inevitable(see Thompson and McHugh: 2002). Therefore, I believe managing a culture based on Post-bureaucracy doesnot completely undermine the need for bureaucracy. Bureaucracy Dysfunctions and work definition Peter and Waterman argue that bureaucratic organizations: deskilling of work, strict division of labour and strong hierarchy, may lead to monotonous, fatigue and skill rottening, which leads to workers losing interest and adverse productivity. The solution to this was provided by Dickson and Roethlisberger in their human relations theory in which they argued that management should develop a culture which is concerned towards workers needs, soul, believes, and values. Work, as defined by Watson certain effort and commitment offered by the employee to the employer in return for monetary and other rewards(Watson: 2006): these other rewards are clearly the autonomy and empowerment, being appreciated for a work well done and so on, as recognized by Mayo also. Therefore a change in the work definition from Webers work-to-rule, to Watsons commitment and effort require the establishment of a more understanding culture. Burawoy(1980) argue that workers have a moral commitment to work ; work p rovides identity, as opposed to Foucault who believes that the instrument of discipline and punishment should be used; where a normal behaviour is described and there is control depending upon the power of individual. Keeping the issue of fatigue and interest in mind, I believe that managers should concentrate on selecting the right person for the right job (see Blau and Schoenherr:1971). Whether a bureaucratic culture is preferred or a lose control one, the right employee type should be chosen to fit in. Perhaps the greatest argument made in favour of bureaucracy is by Weber that it creates an iron cage of rationality; all decisions made are free from sentiments, emotional bias and error, and every action is carried to amplify business success. The question arises, whether it is practical or just an ideology? To be rational one must possess knowledge and understanding of all the relevant information, but no ones knowledge is perfect, so can a rational decision be taken. Simon addressed this as bounded rationality. Bauman(1989) argued that too much concentration on cost effectiveness is dangerous as it may undo value (ethical) judgments. Merton(1949) argued that it might be the case that rules become more important than result, which may lead to inefficiency, as thought by Blau(1955), who feared that trade unions may set up an agreement of work to rule only. Ritzer(2000) argued that bureaucracy has dehumanizing effect (see The McDonaldization of Society), which is unethical. However, all of these arguments are ignored by Du Gay(2000) who says that bureaucracy protects against unfairness. Although bureaucratic organizations may set up strict obedience to rule and formal communication channels but Whyte(1943) argues who can stop informal channels from existing? These grapevines are disruptive and may cause revolts against management. Weber argues that trust is installed in bureaucratic organizations since everything is known, where as in case of Post bureaucracies a sudden change of attitude maybe seen with suspicion contradicting Morgan and Sayers views(1988), who believe in the opposite. Management attitude and relevance to Taylorism McGregor argued that how culture is managed depends to a large extend on what is expected of the employees: management perceptions about their employees. If managers believe that workers are loyal, see work as natural and use their own initiative(Theory Y), then he might set a loose culture with more autonomy. If however, managers believe workers are lazy and need to be urged and pushed to work then a work to rule(Theory X) atmosphere may be preferred. Child(1984) thought bureaucratic organizations have close relevance to Taylorism: dehumanizing work, economic man and master knows all, but, the important point to note is that it was only successful in old less competitive times. With the emergence of flexible firms (Atkinson: 1984) and networks this becomes more of an ideology. New management styles and normative control Peter and Waterman in their literature argue that managers should move from being bureaucrats to more creative and flexible. Clarke and Newman (see Clarke, John and Newman: 1993) further suggest that managers should : Have a visionary quality : inspiration for staff Be peoples centered: encourage employee contributions Be customer centered: dynamic to adapt to market changes Manage culture: not by creating rule focused/bureaucratic organizations that inhibit flexibility but creating loose tight organizations, giving way to centralization and decentralization as argued by Peter: an essential factor in leadership à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.is to influence and organize meaning for the members of organization(Bennis and Nanus:1985). Kunda High Technologies studies and Etzionis work argues about normative control, where employees character should be taken over rather than his work; shape behaviour in purposive way( Lammers :1981). Creation of a family culture will encourage worker to give his every effort for the success of the work; culture fosters success(Deal and Kennedy:1982). By creating a playful environment, managers can control the personal life of employees and mold their actions to obtain desired work behaviour. However there are sinister and aggressive sides of normative control: marriage failures and poor health may drag down the productivity and image of the company (see culture control and culture management: 2000). Conclusion Bureaucracy has certain advantages interms of stability, rationality and planning, and so does the development of a strong formal culture based on worker autonomy and entrepreneurship. Fletcher Byrom argued make sure you generate a reasonable number of mistakes, which is considered to very important by Peter and Waterman, who argue that successful companies need to innovate , carry out research and develop loose tight properties. I believe that much depends on the type and size of business: a large firm comprising of several thousands of employees, it would be time consuming and disruptive to give autonomy and might cause rivalry and conflict: preferring bureaucracy. Incase of delayered globalised firms like multinationals, networks and flexible firms, culture management and empowerment is required. Furthermore, due to variation in human nature who can be sure which factor is a motivator? Whether autonomy and establishment of a strong culture actually facilitates motivation or causes disparity between formal and informal culture as in Disney. Whether employees take pride in empowerment, as thought by Berggen or are too shy, afraid and lazy to take responsibility? Some argue that PBO is not a new concept but merely a redefinition of old bureaucracy: it has driven out of bureaucracy. As Smiricich argues organization is a culture, I believe that bureaucracy and culture management are not the alternatives for each other, but, should be used simultaneously and interchangeably to boost progress, depending upon the situation; Peter and watermans claim for simultaneous loose-tight properties.

Technology in the Mathematics Classroom Essay -- Computer Technology

Technology in the Mathematics Classroom While reading the NCTM summary on Technology, it is to my understanding that use of technology is at the teacher’s discretion. Therefore, the teacher is charged with the responsibility of preparing students before venturing into the field of technology. Essentially, students should be able to grasp and understand basic concepts and ideas, before intertwining computers or calculators into a lesson to further explore the concepts in said lesson. When visiting the U.S. Department of Education’s National Education Technology Plan website, I did not find any information on how technology should or could be integrated with mathematics. Their entire site was devoted to integrating technology but simply left an open forum for ideas. Now the ideas submitted by teachers were interesting, however, the matter still remains on whether a teacher feels that their students are prepared and receptive to integrate technology with a lesson or idea. I believe a teacher would be less inclined to use technology especially given that no ideas have b... Technology in the Mathematics Classroom Essay -- Computer Technology Technology in the Mathematics Classroom While reading the NCTM summary on Technology, it is to my understanding that use of technology is at the teacher’s discretion. Therefore, the teacher is charged with the responsibility of preparing students before venturing into the field of technology. Essentially, students should be able to grasp and understand basic concepts and ideas, before intertwining computers or calculators into a lesson to further explore the concepts in said lesson. When visiting the U.S. Department of Education’s National Education Technology Plan website, I did not find any information on how technology should or could be integrated with mathematics. Their entire site was devoted to integrating technology but simply left an open forum for ideas. Now the ideas submitted by teachers were interesting, however, the matter still remains on whether a teacher feels that their students are prepared and receptive to integrate technology with a lesson or idea. I believe a teacher would be less inclined to use technology especially given that no ideas have b...

How Accurate Is Huxleys Vision of the Future.

Back To the Future In a world where people have sex all the time, take drugs to make themselves happier, and have no parents to tell them what to do, they have fun all the time. Huxley’s vision of the future sounds like a college kids dream. Huxley’s vision in his novel, Brave New World, describes a future that will never happen. Huxley’s vision of the future describes a delusion because the United States acts stubborn. We do not agree to anything most countries do, like the math system, language, and currency.The United States acts on its own. No one controls the United States. Most people from our country behave conservatively. People live off religion, it gives people hope that a paradise does exist even in a tough world called life. No person would agree to have sex all the time with anyone and everyone. People want love and a monogamous relationship. People also have jealousy issues. Americans act possessive, no person wants to give up family; it teaches loy alty and love. Most of the rules in Huxley’s novel sound illegal.Five year olds play erotic games; this screams child pornography. What sick person would force children to have sex with each other? The caste system correlates to India which falls under illegal activities. Most importantly, people have to do above and beyond geniuses to develop the test tube theory etc. The education systems in the United States, Canada, and Europe fabricate learning; the children’s mindset of school describes it as a place called hell. They have to meet certain requirements in order to discover ways to make people without sexual reproduction.Brave New World is impossible. Love makes people who they are. Without love; fairness, hope, faith, generosity, humanity, kindheartedness, and compassion would never exist. (â€Å"I want to know what passion is†¦ I want to feel something strongly. † Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, p. 102). Some points in the novel do run parallel with a near future of the United States, such as, no sacred marriages, sex obsessed people, atheist, need for drugs/ alcohol, and hunger for power and control do surround the United States.Although, the possibilities of the future obtain endless outcomes, with the lack of intelligent people, Brave New World will not happen anytime soon because more important dilemmas in the world today take precedence, such as, world hunger, poverty, finding a cure for incurable diseases, crime, and the economy. We have to fix the mess we live in now or no perverted fiction future will ever exist without the advances in government and education. Huxley’s vision will only ever exist in a troubled mind.

Low Stakes Paper: The Shepherd’s Horn Essay

In â€Å"The Shepherd’s Horn†, persuasion plays an essential role throughout the entire story. Persuasion can be an extremely powerful tool and through telling this story, Hansen illustrates just how significant it can be. â€Å"The Shepherd’s Horn† tells the story of a young couple, Ragnhild and Guttorm, who are prevented from having a relationship by Ragnhild’s protective father, Thord. Together, Ragnhild and Guttorm have a child out of wedlock, therefore forcing the couple to hide their relationship as well as their child from Ranghild’s mother and father in fear of disapproval. However, with the help of Caroline, the story’s narrator, the couple is finally reconciled with her parents because Caroline’s abilities to persuade are no match for Thord. Caroline’s curiosity in the story is essential because without it, the story may not have had such a happy ending. His recognition of the sound from the mysterious horn in his dream is what ultimately leads him to learn about the story of Ragnhild and Guttorm and to his surprise, their child. Touched by their romantic story, Caroline was able to convince Ragnhild and Guttorm to have courage and tell her parents the truth about their relationship, as well as their child. This is where the first major instance of persuasion occurs in the story. Caroline’s influential approach was the first step in having the couple confess to Ragnhild’s mother and father the life that they had been hiding for many years. After he was able to convince them to lay â€Å"their fate in [his] hands†, they proceeded to find Thord. Ragnhild and Guttorm had been hiding this child for months, and their relationship for even longer, so the fact that Caroline was able to convince them with such ease to finally admit this story shows that Caroline is a very skillful persuader. However, rather than flat out telling Thord the truth, Caroline first went about telling him in a very clever manner. Caroline started by telling Thord a â€Å"tale† that paralleled the story of Ragnhild and Guttorm, easing the idea of the reality of the situation onto Thord. As he saw Thord grow more and more intrigued in the story, he skillfully explained at the end, how the story taught, â€Å"about your royal lineage†¦here lies the word of the Lord, which teaches that we are the same before God. It teaches humility and forgiveness, mercy and love†. His choice to compare his tale with that of Ragnhild and Guttorm’s was witty as he was first able to explain the moral of the story before Thord became too enraged to listen, which may not have been the case if he had only heard the story of Ragnhild and Guttorm. After Thord had heard everything that Caroline had to say about how, in fact, this story taught valuable life lessons about forgiveness, Caroline decided to proceed right into revealing Ragnhild and Guttorm’s child. At first, Thord and his wife were angry and upset. However, it was Caroline’s continuous efforts to persuade the couple combined with the respect that the couple had for him that eventually lead to their forgiveness. Much to all of their surprise, Thord was able to forgive Ragnhild and Guttorm and open to making peace with the situation. The story ended with Ragnhild and Guttorm happily married and the child was named after Caroline as a means of respect for what he had done for their family. After reading this story, I was able to see how prevalent the idea of persuasion was. It occurred throughout the entire story in instances that may have gone unnoticed, such as when Caroline convinced his driver to drive to the location after hearing the horn, as well as in very impactful places, when Caroline convinced Thord and his wife to forgive their daughter. Whether it was a climactic or part of the story or not, Caroline was very tactful in his methods, which ultimately lead to the happy ending of this story. While sometimes persuasion can be seen as manipulative, in â€Å"The Shepherd’s Horn†, it illustrates how the persuasion of even strangers can have such a positive impact. Caroline was able to use things such as diction, reasoning, and other persuasive strategies in order to achieve his goals of easing the reality of the situation on Ragnhild’s parents. Not only does persuasion take a lot of strategy, but it also requires courage. If it weren’t for Caroline’s persistence and persuasive methods, Ragnhild and Guttorm may not have had the courage to tell her parents and would ultimately live in hiding for the rest of their lives.

Reflection on the History Systems of Psychology Essay Essays

Reflection on the History Systems of Psychology Essay Essays Reflection on the History Systems of Psychology Essay Essay Reflection on the History Systems of Psychology Essay Essay Pre-modern. modern and postmodern frames of mention have all helped form of import. modern-day psychological theories and issues. In this paper I will try. in a brooding mode. to walk through and revisit the countries we covered in class. the terminal purpose being to derive a step of penetration into where the field of psychological science bases today. peculiarly with respect to oppressive signifiers of ethnocentric monoculturalism. In footings of pre-modern positions. in the class we foremost discussed historical issues refering the mind-body job. I stated the nature of the relationship between organic structure and head and whether they are one and the same or two distinguishable substances. which is the centre of the argument between monists and dualist. Descartes. the most good known dualist. argued for a separation of head from psyche and organic structure. Besides an interactionist. Descartes held the head influenced the organic structure every bit much as the organic structure impacted the head ( Goodwin. 2009 ) . Plato. his predecessor from antiquity. was besides a dualist and an interactionist arguably. and believed the organic structure and soul/mind were temporarily at one during life ; each came from a wholly different topographic point. the organic structure from the material universe and the psyche from the universe of thoughts. At the minute of decease. the organic structure withered off in clip a nd infinite. the psyche or head returning to the universe of signifiers and there recognizing cosmopolitan truths ( Wozniak. 1992 ) . Diging deeper into pre-modern positions of the mind-body job I touched upon Spinoza. Spinoza. a modern-day of Descartes. dismissed Descartes’ two-substance position in favour of what is called double-aspect theory ( Wozniak. 1992 ) . Double-aspect theories hold the position that the mental and the physical kingdoms are changing facets of the same substance. For Spinoza. that individual substance is God. perceived as the cosmopolitan kernel or nature of everything in being. In Spinoza’s position. there is no divider of head and organic structure. hence. Alternatively they are of a individual substance. in a pre-established coordination. reflecting the Godhead kernel. In contemplation. I continue to side with Spinoza and double-aspect theory in footings of pre-modern positions. I do believe that there is a pre-established coordination between head and organic structure that is brooding of the godly creative activity. â€Å"I am hence I think† is my continued respon se to Descartes. In footings of modern positions in the class we examined the beginnings of psychological science as a capable subject. During the class I stated that psychological science foremost appeared as a capable subject in 1879 when Wilhelm Wundt started a psychological science lab in Germany at the University of Leipzig. The research lab devoted itself to the analysis of witting thought in its basic elements and constructions. which was uncovered through a procedure of self-contemplation ( Gross. 1996 ) . What differentiated this ‘new psychology’ at the clip from doctrine was its usage of measuring and control every bit good as its accent on the scientific method to analyze mental procedures relevant to human consciousness. Due to his influence on Edward B. Titchener. Wundt’s frame of mention arguably helped give birth to structural linguistics. Indeed Wundt’s adherent. Titchener. is credited with developing and labeling structural linguistics in an 1898 paper called â€Å"The Postulates of a Structural Psychology ( Goodwin. 2009 ) . In the paper he compared and contrasted structural linguistics with functionalism. which he claimed infested most US universities. salvage Cornell where he was cultivating what would come to be called the â€Å"the Cornell school of psychological science. † Notwithstanding. Goodwin ( 2009 ) has stated that Titchener and the Cornell position of psychological science was highly narrow mostly because of its insisting on self-contemplation and due to Titchener’s attitude that his manner was the lone manner. a place that frequently does non portend good in academe. In this vena and possibly arrogantly so. Titchener. likened structural linguistics to anatomy. its purpose being analysis he surmised - whereas functionalism he likened to physiology. saying that functionalists exami ne how the head is able to accommodate one to his or her said environment. which to Titchener was a waste of clip without a deep apprehension of construction. As one needs to cognize the Immigration and Naturalization Services and outs of human anatomy before being able to to the full dig into physiology. so therefore was the functionalist at a loss. in his position. without the ability to sketch the constructions of human consciousness via a extremely hard procedure of systematic. experimental self-contemplation as stipulated by him in about cult like exclusivity. which spawned unfavorable judgment. Consequently. his motion neer gained the impulse it needed to win American Black Marias and heads. falling into the ashcan of history in favour of functionalism. Nevertheless. in malice of Titchener’s unpopularity in the US. his digesting part is that he helped make a topographic point for the lab and experimental psychological science in all colleges and universities with plans in psychological science. While functionalists were besides interested in looking at mental procedures such as consciousness in so far as measuring human behaviour in footings of how it aided people in accommodating to ever-changing environments. they did non. unlike followings of Titchener. stress self-contemplation ( Goodwin. 2009 ) . Psychologist James R. Angell. a follower of John Dewey. the laminitis of functionalism in America. became its most vocal interpreter. knocking Titchener and pulling a crisp contrast to him in a 1907 popular paper called â€Å"The Province of Functional Psychology. † It was a damnatory response to Titchener’s 1898 paper. For Angell. the structuralist was interested in the â€Å"what? † of witting idea. whereas the functionalist psychologist wished to cognize the â€Å"how? † and â€Å"why? † of it. inquiring what is consciousness for? ( Goodwin. 2009 ) . This manner of sing psychological science in footings of its practical applications. became an of import influence in modern times. because it led to the survey of subjects such as developmental and unnatural psychological science. in add-on to analyzing the single differences of head. ( which Titchener and the Cornell school unusually had no involvement in ) . When inquiring how psychological science can be used to work out mundane jobs in a practical manner. we are taking from the functionalists and their motion. Possibly the most outstanding motion in the field of modern twentieth century psychological science was behaviourism. Behaviorism began basically due to the work of Ivan Pavlov. Pavlov who did non see himself a psychologist. but. instead a physiologist interested in the procedure of digestion in Canis familiariss. was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1904 ( the twelvemonth B. F. Skinner was born ) in Physiology and Medicine. In the class of his research. Pavlov observed that the Canis familiariss would frequently get down salivating before any nutrient being given to them. when they would see the nutrient or the food’s container. or when they heard the footfalls of the lab helper who was on his manner to feed them. His observations led to the survey to what we now call classical conditioning ( Gross. 1996 ) . The first effort to use Pavlov’s findings on conditioning to worlds was made by John B. Watson in a doubtful and arguably unethical experiment on a little male child named Albert. demoing that the fright of rats can be intentionally induced ( Watson and Rayer. 1920 ) . The experiment served to popularise a new behavioural attack to psychological science that would within a decennary become the dominant force in America. Watson its laminitis. propagator and publicizer ( Goodwin. 2008 ) . To the modernist Watson ( 1913 ) . psychological science is an nonsubjective natural scientific discipline. its theoretical end the anticipation and control of behaviour. Wundt and Titchener’s position on self-contemplation has no topographic point in its methods. nor is consciousness addressed or studied. There is no pronounced boundary line between people and animate beings. Due to Watson’s input and influence cats. Canis familiariss. rats. and pigeons became the major beginning of psychological informations. As ‘psychological’ now meant ‘behavior’ instead than ‘consciousness. ’ animate beings that were easier to analyze and whose environments could be more readily controlled could replace people as experimental topics ( Gross. 1966 ) . B. F. Skinner. besides a behaviourist and modernist. went stairss further than Pavlov and Watson. projecting behaviour in a more synergistic visible radiation. He made a differentiation between respondent and operant behaviour and argued that most carnal and human behaviour is non brought approximately in the manner Pavlov and Watson indicated and surmised. Skinner. like Edward Thorndike before him. was interested in how animate beings operate on their environment and how this operant behaviour brings about peculiar effects that can find the likeliness of that behaviour being repeated. In experiments he used a fluctuation of Thordike’s puzzle-box. a Skinner box. which was made for a rat or a pigeon to make things in. instead than flight from. Fundamentally. Skinner saw the scholar as much more actively involved than did Pavlov or Watson. for whom behaviour was due to stimuli. innate stimulation before acquisition and conditioned stimulations after larning. In add-on to behaviourism. modern positions of psychological science took turns and bends. As a reaction to both Titchener’s structural linguistics and Watson’s behaviourism. the Gestalt psychologists of the 1920s and 1930s in Germany and Austria were chiefly concerned with perceptual experience and held that perceptual experiences could non be deconstructed in the manner that Wundt and Titchener wanted to make with idea. and that behaviourists had sought for with behaviour. Their belief could be compactly stated as follows: ‘the whole is greater than the amount of its parts’ ( Gross. 1996. p. 3 ) . The whole is basically destroyed when you break down perceptual experience and behaviour into parts. the Gestalt psychologists held. There are forming rules of perceptual organisation which were voiced by Gestalt’s laminitis Max Wertheimer. These rules are often highlighted in units on perceptual experience in general psychological science text editions and are as follows: the rule of propinquity. the rule of similarity. the rule of continuance. All of the forming rules have in common what is called the jurisprudence of simpleness or what Gestaltists term Pragnanz. This refers to the inclination for perceptual experiences to mirror world every bit closely as possible ( Goodwin. 2009 ) . In the class I gave an illustration of gestalt thought. which in contemplation I would wish to return to as it clearly remains in head. I used the illustration of a coach halting at a coach halt in one’s vicinity. On a given twenty-four hours the coach stops at the same corner the individual is accustomed to. and is recognized to be that coach. The individual gets on. but has made a error. She did non recognize that there was a path alteration that forenoon and the coach she took was numbered otherwise. What gives? Is it merely a affair of non paying attending? In Gestalt inspired. top-down conceptually goaded processing. we begin with one’s anterior cognition. motives. outlooks and beliefs. In the coach illustration. the inability to see and decode or register a different figure on the coach and acquire on it. means it was recognized it to be the customary coach due to top-down processing ( Danner. 2009 ) . If one were to detect the different coach figure. nevertheless. that would imply bottom-up processing. because such processing is data driven. The different figure is perceived in footings of information in the centripetal input. in concurrence with top-down processing. uncovering to the individual that it is non the customary coach. Possibly after recognizing her error. the individual in the illustration will be more careful following clip. thereby exerting more bottom-up processing. If Austria was home to some of Gestalt’s most outstanding members and disciples. it was besides place to Sigmund Freud. the male parent of depth psychology. Freudian psychoanalytic theory was the first to province the significance of innate thrusts and specify unnatural and normal behaviour in relationship to the function of the unconscious head. Its importance is that the theory of personality popularized contextualizing human behaviour in footings of the Idaho. self-importance. and superego. notating development in five psychosexual phases. Each phase was marked by displacements in what Freud believed were the underlying manners of satisfaction: unwritten. anal. phallic. latency and genital ( Glassman. 2000 ) . In contemplation. I continue to happen virtue in Freud’s construct of phases for certain. I would still prefer to name them development phases. nevertheless. and non needfully set a sexual significance on them. as Freud and his protagonists have done and go on to make. There is no demand to detail the well-known restrictions and unfavorable judgments of Freudian theory. which harmonizing to Glassman ( 2000 ) are its falsifiability. the great trade of accent put on instance surveies. and its cultural prejudice towards adult females. Regardless of such naysaying. his protagonists would passionately reason for and be inexorable about such a sexual narration of the human individual. which if non fresh fish. surely has amusement value. In fact. Freudian theory is intriguing to me mostly due to the dramatic ( about cinematic ) struggles and challenges that mark each psychosexual phase. Possibly the most well-known of these is the Oedipal struggle ( which occurs in the alleged phalli c phase ) . It was interesting to read that some analysts called the female discrepancy. the Electra struggle. but Freud himself did non utilize the term ( see Freud 1924 ) . Possibly the most attractive modern theory of personality. in my position. would belong to Carl Rogers. In Carl Roger’s theory. a individual is the beginning of his or her basic demands such as nutrient and H2O. He or she is besides the beginning of a growing motivation which he called an actualizing inclination. which is an unconditioned thrust that is brooding of the desire to turn. to develop and to develop one’s capablenesss ( Glassman. 2000 ) . It is the realizing inclination that stimulates creativeness. doing a individual to seek out new challenges and accomplishments that motivate healthy growing in one’s life-time ( Gross. 1996 ) . Harmonizing to Rogers ( 1961. but originally proposed in 1947 ) : Whether one calls it a growing inclination. a drive towards self-actualization. or a frontward traveling way inclination. it is the mainspring in life†¦ It is the impulse which is apparent in all organic and human life – to spread out. extend. go independent. mature and develop. In contemplation. I continue to experience that Roger’s influence and go oning popularity in the psychotherapeutic community give his theories merit. APA members have been asked which psychotherapist they believe to me the most influential figure in the field ( Smith. 1982 ) . In 2006. this study repeated in the Psychotherapy Networker. In both studies. Carl Rogers was the â€Å"landslide† pick. While this does non turn out Rogers to be right. surely it gives his theory of motive more acceptance than non. increasing its credibility. Surely. I feel influenced by Rogers as I move frontward in my calling. While Roger’s theory of an actualizing inclination and the overall nature of the client-centered attack may be controversial due to its allowance to allow the client name the shootings and as stated by Goodwin ( 2009 ) for its overemphasis on the the ego at the disbursal of the importance of the community. in add-on to being clearer what it was against than what it was for. it is however. a believable predication in footings of its application in therapy and remains my penchant over Freud. Consequently. I continue to experience that all clients innately wish to be successful in life and to be praised as subscribers to their ain selfactualization. They wish to spread out their cognition and accomplish higher degrees of success beneath all the pretenses that seem otherwise. When clients are non executing to their fullest potency. congratulations and support can assist light the actualizing inclination in a mode that would otherwise hold remained hibernating. When researching postmodern positions of psychological science we have to inherently talk about cultural narrations and meta-narratives. What is psychological science today and who defines it? What is psychology’s narrative. who told that narrative historically. and who gets to state it today? When we look at psychological science as a pattern. historically and today. is of import to convey to the bow the ethnocentric monocultural facets that were oppressive to adult females and go on to be to minority groups in reenforcing white male Euro-American civilization as the normative and desirable civilization. Indeed. healers and assisting professionals should seek to assist deconstruct and unveil monoculturalism whenever it rears its ugly caput. When oppressive signifiers such as heterosexism. agism. gender and sexism come to the bow in therapy. for illustration. healers should non reenforce them but seek to promote contemplation on such biass with the purpose being for the client to indentify for what it is – and to turn consequently. The field of psychological science itself is non immune but remains at hazard to the fiasco of monoculturalism. Harmonizing to Yutrzenka. Todd-Bazemore and Caraway ( 1999 ) even though the informations prognosis that by 2050. cultural minorities will do up over 50 % of the US population. this rapidly altering demographic has minimum consequence on the figure of cultural minority psychologists. This is peculiarly true for Native Americans. who are far more underrepresented than any other cultural organic structure. Though the APA as stated by Goodwin ( 2009 ) . is smartly turn toing this full issue at present. with such attempts to be praised. still the bequest of ethnocentric monoculturalism is a discoloration on the profession. and will stay so until important Numberss of minority psychologists abound. In malice of the barriers facing them. adult females and minorities have made many noteworthy. valuable and critical parts to the field of psychological science. During the class I discussed Eleanor Gibson who received the National Medal of Science in 1992 for a life-time of research on subjects covering with the development of deepness perceptual experience to the basicss involved in reading. faced favoritism while at Yale from psychologist Robert Yerkes who wanted no females in his lab ( Goodwin. 2009 ) . While she was able to acquire her PhD there under the counsel of the neobehaviorist Clark Hull. she unluckily went on to see troubles at Cornell ( where her hubby had gained a place ) forced into an unpaid research associate place in malice of winning competitory and esteemed research grants. As a consequence of these grants. nevertheless. she was able to transport out open uping surveies on depth perceptual experience with Richard Walk. When Cornell. place to Titchener’s bequest. removed its nepotism regulations in 1966. merely so did she go a full professor. Furthermore. as discussed in the class. African americans have besides made outstanding parts to psychology. Kenneth and Mamie Phipps Clark once more come to mind in footings of their best known research titled Racial designation and penchant in Negro kids ( Goodwin. 2009 ) . In this research it was shown that black kids showed a penchant for white dolls over black 1s when asked which they would wish to play with and looked more like. The Clarks concluded. harmonizing to Goodwin ( 2009 ) that one insidious consequence of racial segregation was its negative influence on Afro-american self-esteem. As a consequence of this research. in portion. the Supreme Court was compelled to make the right thing and change by reversal the racialist separate but equal philosophy in Brown v. Board of Education. The Clarks’ part to psychological science and the parts of other AfricanAmericans predating them were non without battle. Their wise man at Howard University. Francis Sumner faced immense obstructions when trying to acquire a alumnus grade and addition employment in academe. African americans have frequently had their basic rational abilities questioned ( Goodwin. 2009 ) . The bequest of white racism and of the field of psychology’s complicity by non taking a firmer base until merely late is without inquiry a important ground why African-Americans remain to a great extent underrepresented in the profession. in malice of the additions made for adult females. 60 per centum of doctors degrees in psychological science are awarded to adult females today. while Native Americans as we discussed and African-Americans continue to be awarded a paltry per centum in bend. Such blue figures have nil to make with intelligence. We know that early intelligence trials were normed on merely Caucasic. middle-class populations and merely late has such prejudices been addressed and possibly abated. This besides was the instance for the MMPI personality trials every bit good. In the instance of the MMPI. many of the original points became dated and harmonizing to Kassin ( 2008 ) . to convey the trial up to the twenty-first century and more postmodern positions. new points were written in. and a more diverse cross-section of the US was sampled. The consequence of that updating is the newer 567-item version called the MMPI-2. In contemplation. my conjecture is that similar progresss have been made or are being considered in IQ testing every bit good ; otherwise we would hold to name into inquiry whether colored IQ trials are valid for minority groups. Consequently. great attention should be taken when explicating trial inquiries every bit good as construing the consequences of test-takers from different cultural groups and urban folks. Basically. it is important that trial shapers be made cognizant of cultural differences when seting together IQ trial inquiries. as recommended for the MMPI ( Church 2001 ) . Exerting cautiousness does non intend minority groups are treated with child baseball mitts. but instead that a lens of apprehension is in topographic point - and that can come approximately as a consequence of the trial shapers and assessors informing themselves. Otherwise an IQ test’s cogency for minority groups is at issue. Pre-modern. modern and postmodern frames of mention have all helped form of import. modern-day psychological theories and issues. Consequently. I have attempted in a brooding mode to revisit the countries of psychology’s history we covered in class. If psychological science as a profession is to go on to turn and develop. it will happen through a similar procedure of contemplation. followed by action. It is of import for psychological science to cognize its beginnings. its history and several narrative. However. in realisation of the deepness of ethnocentric monoculturalism. its leading. peculiarly in the APA. must move on the call to convey about the inclusion of more minorities. Otherwise. the oppressive discoloration of monoculturalism shall abound and go on to deface the profession we hold beloved. Mentions Angell. J. R. ( 1904 ) . Psychology. New York: Holt.Church. A. T. ( 2001 ) . Personality measuring in cross-cultural position. Journal of Personality. 69. 979-1006.Danner. N. ( 2011 ) . Psychology: ORG5001 study of psychological science I. Boston: Pearson Learning Solutions.Freud. S. ( 1924 ) A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis. New York: Washington Square Press ( reprinted 1952 ) .Glassman. W ( Ed. ) . ( 2000 ) Approaches to psychology. Philadelphia: Open University Press. Goodwin. C. J. ( 2009 ) A history of modern psychological science ( 3rd ed. ) . Hoboken. New jersey: Wiley. Gross. R. ( Ed. ) . ( 1996 ) Psychology. the survey of head and behaviour. London: Hodder A ; Stoughton. Kassin. S. . ( 2008 ) . Psychology in Faculties: ORG 5002 Survey of psychological science II. New York: Pearson Custom Publishing.Rogers. C. R. ( 1961 ) On going a individual. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Smith. D. ( 1982 ) Trends in reding and psychological science. American Psychologist. 37. 802–809. Watson. J. B. ( 1913 ) Psychology as the behaviourist views it. Psychological Review. 20. 15877. Watson. J. B. A ; Rayneer. R. ( 1920 ) Conditioned emotional reactions. Journal of Experimental Psychology. 3. 1-14. Wozniak. R. ( 1992 ) Mind and organic structure: Rene Descartes to William James. Retrieved from hypertext transfer protocol: //www. qcc. cuny. edu/socialsciences/ppecorino/INTRO_TEXT/Chapter % 206 % 20MindBody/DUALISM. htm. Yutrzenka. B. A. . Todd-Bazemore. E. . A ; Caraway. S. J. ( 1999 ) . Four air currents: The development of culturally inclusive clinical psychological science preparation for Native Americans. International Review of Psychiatry. 11. 129- 135. ProQuest: 43479524.

Has Television had a Detrimental Effect on Your Generation, essays

Has Television had a Detrimental Effect on Your Generation, essays There are some things in life that you cannot live without; for example, air, food, shelter and clothing are the ones that may first come to your mind. But have you ever thought that some goods may have become your necessarily without you even realizing it. One of these kinds of good that comes to my mind is Television. The first thing I do when I go home is to turn on the television. For children and teenagers watching television may be one of their best entertainments. From children watching  ¡Sesame Street ¡ to teenagers watching  ¡Friends ¡. Statistics show that American children and adolescents spend 22-28 hours per week viewing television more than any other activities (except sleeping). I think that television have a detrimental effect on my generation. For children they are young and innocent they will learn everything in school, from their parents and on whatever they see the most, which is television. They may not see any violence in school or from their parents but there is a big chance that they will see violence in television. When children have finished their homework their parents may let them watch television as entertainment. As they turn on the television, they may come across many programs that may contain violent scenes. For the first time they see violence on television, they may be scared or even think that it is cruel, the second time they see violence they may not be as frighten since they have seen it before and so on. Until one day the child may not feel anything at all when they see violence on television. Another way television shows can influence children is when they see that violence can be used to solve problems. Children who view shows in which violence is very realistic frequently repeated or un punished are more likely to imitate what they see. Television has even more influence on teenagers. As teenagers enter high school they make new friends and they learn new ...

An overview of scrum methodology

An overview of scrum methodology Software development organizations have become more interested in agile methodologies, whose focus is client collaboration, individual value, and adaptation to change. Scrum is a framework within which people can address complex adaptive problems, while productively and creatively delivering products of the highest possible value. Scrum makes clear the relative efficacy of your product management and development practices so that you can improve. The Scrum framework consists of Scrum Teams and their associated roles, events, artifacts, and rules. Each component within the framework serves a specific purpose and is essential to Scrum’s success and usage. What is the scrum? Scrum is a framework for managing work with an emphasis on software development. It is designed for teams of three to nine developers who break their work into actions that can be completed within time-boxed iterations, called sprints (typically two-weeks) and track progress and re-plan in 15-minute stand-up meetings called daily scrums. Approaches to coordinating the work of multiple scrum teams in larger organizations include Large-Scale Scrum, Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) and Scrum of Scrums, among others. Scrum values:- Scrum is a feedback-driven empirical approach which is, like all empirical process control, underpinned by the three pillars of transparency, inspection, and adaptation. All work within the Scrum framework should be visible to those responsible for the outcome: the process, the workflow, progress, etc. In order to make these things visible, scrum teams need to frequently inspect the product being developed and how well the team is working. With frequent inspection, the team can spot when their work deviates outside of acceptable limits and adapt their process or the product under development.[18] These three pillars require trust and openness in the team, which the following five values of Scrum enable:[14] Commitment: Team members individually commit to achieving their team goals, each and every sprint. Courage: Team members know they have the courage to work through conflict and challenges together so that they can do the right thing. Focus: Team members focus exclusively on their team goals and the sprint backlog; there should be no work done other than through their backlog. Openness: Team members and their stakeholders agree to be transparent about their work and any challenges they face. Respect: Team members respect each other to be technically capable and to work with good intent. Scrum roles:- The three roles defined in scrum are the ScrumMaster,the product owner, and the Team (which consists of Team members). The people who fulfill these roles work together closely, on a daily basis, to ensure the smooth flow of information and the quick resolution of issues. ScrumMaster The ScrumMaster (sometimes written â€Å"Scrum Master,† although the official term has no space after â€Å"Scrum†) is the keeper of the process. The ScrumMaster is responsible for making the process run smoothly, for removing obstacles that impact productivity, and for organizing and facilitating the critical meetings. The ScrumMasters responsibilities include Removing the barriers between the Development Team and the Product Owner so that the Product Owner directly drives development. Teach the Product Owner how to maximize return on investment (ROI), and meet his/her objectives through Scrum. Improve the lives of the development Team by facilitating creativity and empowerment. Improve the productivity of the development Team in any way possible. Improve the engineering practices and tools so that each increment of functionality is potentially shippable. Keep information about the Team’s progress up to date and visible to all parties. In practical terms, the ScrumMaster needs to understand Scrum well enough to train and mentor the other roles and educate and assist other stakeholders who are involved in the process. The ScrumMaster should maintain a constant awareness of the status of the project (its progress to date) relative to the expected progress, investigate and facilitate resolution of any roadblocks that hold back progress, and generally be flexible enough to identify and deal with any issues that arise, in any way that is required. The ScrumMaster must protect the Team from disturbance from other people by acting as the interface between the two. The ScrumMaster does not assign tasks to Team members, a task assignment is a Team responsibility. The ScrumMaster’s general approach towards the Team is to encourage and facilitate their decision-making and problem-solving capabilities so that they can work with increasing efficiency and the decreasing need for supervision. The goal is to have a team tha t is not only empowered to make important decisions but does so well and routinely. Product Owner The Product Owner is the keeper of the requirements. The Product Owner provides the â€Å"single source of truth† for the Team regarding requirements and their planned order of implementation. In practice, the Product Owner is the interface between the business, the customers, and their product related needs on one side, and the Team on the other. The Product Owner buffers the Team from the feature and bug-fix requests that come from many sources and is the single point of contact for all questions about product requirements. Product Owner works closely with the team to define the user-facing and technical requirements, to document the requirements as needed, and to determine the order of their implementation. Product Owner maintains the Product Backlog (which is the repository for all of this information), keeping it up to date and at the level of detail and quality, the Team requires. The Product Owner also sets the schedule for releasing completed work to customers and make s the final call as to whether implementations have the features and quality required for release. Team The Team is a self-organizing and cross-functional group of people who do the hands-on work of developing and testing the product. Since the Team is responsible for producing the product, it must also have the authority to make decisions about how to perform the work. The Team is therefore self-organizing: Team members decide how to break work into tasks, and how to allocate tasks to individuals, throughout the Sprint. The Team size should be kept in the range from five to nine people, if possible. (A larger number make communication difficult, while a smaller number leads to low productivity and fragility.) Note: A very similar term, â€Å"Scrum Team,† refers to the Team plus the ScrumMaster and Product Owner. Scrum pros:- Scrum can help teams complete project deliverables quickly and efficiently: Scrum ensures effective use of time and money Large projects are divided into easily manageable sprints Developments are coded and tested during the sprint review Works well for fast-moving development projects The team gets clear visibility through scrum meetings Scrum, being agile, adopts feedback from customers and stakeholders Short sprints enable changes based on feedback a lot more easily The individual effort of each team member is visible during daily scrum meetings Scrum cons:-Nothing is perfect, and the Scrum methodology is no exception. In some cases, Scrum is combined with other project management techniques that can help resolve some of these drawbacks: Scrum often leads to scope creep, due to the lack of a definite end-date The chances of project failure are high if individuals arent very committed or cooperative Adopting the Scrum framework in large teams is challenging The framework can be successful only with experienced team members Daily meetings sometimes frustrate team members If any team member leaves in the middle of a project, it can have a huge negative impact on the project Quality is hard to implement until the team goes through the aggressive testing process Scrum process:- Needless to say, proper planning and smart decision making can help you get past these disadvantages with the Scrum methodology. For example, in larger teams, each member needs to have defined roles and responsibilities with definite goals, so that there is no compromise on quality and no excuse for failure. This will keep the team focused to project goals. Plus, the ScrumMaster needs to guide the team effectively to avoid pitfalls and ensure 100% project success.

Culture and public policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Culture and public policy - Essay Example rld, Russia and western powers, India and China have strengthen the claim of Samuel Huntington about a clash of civilizations in today’s world (Neumayer & Plà ¼mper 2009, p. 712). On the basis of scholarly research and available data, the paper will prove the existence of clash of civilizations in today’s world. In order to prove the thesis, the paper will analyze the Huntington’s theory of clash of civilizations. Also, by analyzing the religious and political aspects, paper will show that the catastrophe of civilization conflicts is mainly based on the political factors like, the US’ excessive dominance, emerging multipolar power system and religious factors like, Islamic radicalism, Islamophobia etc. Samuel Huntington’s book, The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, triggered widespread debate in the field of political and public affairs. Also, the Huntington’s article about the clash of civilizations, which was written in 1993 in Foreign Affairs, raised massive controversy than any other article that was published in Foreign Affairs since the 1950s (Chiozza 2002, p. 711). Consequently, Samuel Huntington is considered as the most critical and thought-provoking author in the field of global affairs in last few decades (Chiozza 2002, p. 712). According to the Huntington’s point of view, interstate relationships in the post-Cold War era will be mainly influenced by the factors of civilizations. As the nation remains the main actor on a global level, its interests, behaviour, and integrity will be based on its civilizational background (Huntington 1993). In other words, potential corporations and conflicts will exist within civilizations is th e major speculation of Huntington about the future of global politics. Huntington claimed that in the new world, the most lethal, dangerous, and extensive conflicts won’t be between economic or social classes, but between people from different cultural backgrounds. According to the

Health care issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

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Advanced management accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Advanced management accounting - Essay Example This will help the management in adopting corrective measure. This also includes administrative control which involves laws, regulations, norms, standard procedures. The second category deals with personal control, social control and behavioural control. Management control system serves as language and helps in communication system. Management control system also plays the role of transfer pricing for performing the strategic functions of the organization. Management control system can be effectively designed and implemented if there is dedication and commitment in the top level executives (Giraud, Zarlowski, Saulpic, Lorain, Fourcade and Morales, 2007). The less involvement, less initiative and also less interest in the activities among the top level executives will lead the top management in diverting its attention to other areas, which is not suitable for the smooth running of the organization. The Organization’s which completes there project in time establishes its budget and fulfilment of the maintenance of quality is considered as a successful company or organization (NOEVERMAN, 2007). Therefore if the organization is not able to complete its project in time can lead or act as a challenge for delivery of project in time. Lack of cross – functional communication Effective communication is a main function for exchanging of information between the people in the organization. It serves as a source for exchanging of ideas (Arsh, 2010). The changes that are adopted in the organization have to be clearly communicated among the persons in the organization and also provide the rationale for the changes undergone by the organization (Neale & McElroy, 2004). The organization must clearly define the benefits that the organization expects from the project and the challenges or obstacles towards receiving those benefits (Malmi &

The Second Taiwan Strait Crisis and the Sino-Soviet Split Essay

The Second Taiwan Strait Crisis and the Sino-Soviet Split - Essay Example The present research has identified that during the period from 1924-1927, China and the USSR suffered under poorly managed governments. After 1945, Stalin demonstrated a residual resistance to lending aid to the Chinese Communists.   However, with China’s establishment of the Chinese People’s Republic and the rise of Communism in China, both nations found a way to iron out their differences and to work together in solidarity. By the 1950s the common belief among the international community was that communist China and the USSR were impenetrable allies engaged in a common goal to ensure that Communism was a major influence on the world. There was more than enough evidence to support this perception. Under Mao Tse-tung’s leadership, China formally aligned itself with the USSR. When the Communist in North Korea invaded the Republic of Korea, China intervened and the USSR lent military aid. Regardless, by the 1960s, the Sino-Soviet Alliance was practically shatter ed as their respective ideologies and policies were increasingly at odds. The office of the US Central Intelligence Agency reported to the US’s administrators in February 1962 that: Sino-Soviet relations are in a critical phase just short of an acknowledged and definitive split. There is no longer much of a fundamental resolution of differences. In our view, the chances that such a split can be avoided in 1962 are no better than ever. There are a number of theories put forth by historians and political scientists attempting to understand the driving force splitting the union between the world’s two largest Communist states. Athwal argues that the US’ â€Å"nuclear superiority† put increasing pressures on Sino-Soviet relations and policies by first influencing China to obtain nuclear weapons and by forcing the Soviets to look to the West in a more amicable way. Moreover, both China and the Soviet Union had different perceptions of the US threat which creat ed additional tensions between the USSR and China. In addition, the US policies toward the Chinese Communist Party and the US sponsorship of CENTO and SEATO and its presence in South Asia placed continuing pressure on Sino-Soviet relations contributing to the split.

Economic Forces And Effects Of Globalization In Tourism Industry Essay

Economic Forces And Effects Of Globalization In Tourism Industry - Essay Example The major factor in the tourism industry is the â€Å"tourist,† who by some is defined as a person, or people who travel, and stay in places outside their usual areas of residence for a period of more than twenty-four hours. The tourism industry comprises of the different types of facilities and services offered to tourists within a destination, or country for those â€Å"tourists.† For example, air transportation, hotels, and accommodation, restaurants, bars, cafes just to mention a few all of which are used in boosting the level of tourism within a country or destination. Therefore, the international tourism involves movements across borders for at least one stay in the foreign country for different purposes. These include business, leisure, visiting friends and relatives, international conferences, or seminars, and other purposes. This report deals with short-term movement of international tourists across borders for the reasons mentioned herein. The international to urism industry is worth an estimate of $856 billion in 2011, representing a growth of 1.7% per year over the past five years. However, the growth shadows a strong declined of 3.6% experienced in 2009 as the global economy succumbed to recession leading to a sharp fall in tourism in international tourism numbers.... This massive economic development resulting from tourism has both positive and negative consequences. Economic forces and effects of globalization play a significant role in shaping trends in the tourism industry. Economic forces refer to factors such as nature of the economic system in a country, demographic changes, employment, fiscal and monetary policies, rate of inflation, and interest rates which determines the state of the competitive environment in which a firm or industry operates. These factors affect the outcomes of a firm’s marketing activities, by determining the strength and volume of demand for its products and services. For example, increase in employment rates in a destination results into increased demand products and services. Globalization is the process of development toward an increasingly integrated global economy and characterized by free low of capital, free trade, and the tapping of cheap labor from foreign markets. Globalization also entails improvem ent of labor standards and practices resulting into quality services within the tourism and hospitality industry. With the ever increasing trend toward open and free economies, hospitality organizations such as Hilton Hotels has been able to gain from globalization that has created less trade regulations allowing the hotel to open and operate more chains globally. In addition, Hilton can acquire its supplies from all over the world without incurring more expenses resulting from trade barriers. Globalization has spread the materialistic culture common with the Westernized world and implementing values previously associated with the western culture. This has enabled the hotel chain to benefit economically from its chains established

Advanced management accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Advanced management accounting - Essay Example This will help the management in adopting corrective measure. This also includes administrative control which involves laws, regulations, norms, standard procedures. The second category deals with personal control, social control and behavioural control. Management control system serves as language and helps in communication system. Management control system also plays the role of transfer pricing for performing the strategic functions of the organization. Management control system can be effectively designed and implemented if there is dedication and commitment in the top level executives (Giraud, Zarlowski, Saulpic, Lorain, Fourcade and Morales, 2007). The less involvement, less initiative and also less interest in the activities among the top level executives will lead the top management in diverting its attention to other areas, which is not suitable for the smooth running of the organization. The Organization’s which completes there project in time establishes its budget and fulfilment of the maintenance of quality is considered as a successful company or organization (NOEVERMAN, 2007). Therefore if the organization is not able to complete its project in time can lead or act as a challenge for delivery of project in time. Lack of cross – functional communication Effective communication is a main function for exchanging of information between the people in the organization. It serves as a source for exchanging of ideas (Arsh, 2010). The changes that are adopted in the organization have to be clearly communicated among the persons in the organization and also provide the rationale for the changes undergone by the organization (Neale & McElroy, 2004). The organization must clearly define the benefits that the organization expects from the project and the challenges or obstacles towards receiving those benefits (Malmi &

Economic Forces And Effects Of Globalization In Tourism Industry Essay

Economic Forces And Effects Of Globalization In Tourism Industry - Essay Example The major factor in the tourism industry is the â€Å"tourist,† who by some is defined as a person, or people who travel, and stay in places outside their usual areas of residence for a period of more than twenty-four hours. The tourism industry comprises of the different types of facilities and services offered to tourists within a destination, or country for those â€Å"tourists.† For example, air transportation, hotels, and accommodation, restaurants, bars, cafes just to mention a few all of which are used in boosting the level of tourism within a country or destination. Therefore, the international tourism involves movements across borders for at least one stay in the foreign country for different purposes. These include business, leisure, visiting friends and relatives, international conferences, or seminars, and other purposes. This report deals with short-term movement of international tourists across borders for the reasons mentioned herein. The international to urism industry is worth an estimate of $856 billion in 2011, representing a growth of 1.7% per year over the past five years. However, the growth shadows a strong declined of 3.6% experienced in 2009 as the global economy succumbed to recession leading to a sharp fall in tourism in international tourism numbers.... This massive economic development resulting from tourism has both positive and negative consequences. Economic forces and effects of globalization play a significant role in shaping trends in the tourism industry. Economic forces refer to factors such as nature of the economic system in a country, demographic changes, employment, fiscal and monetary policies, rate of inflation, and interest rates which determines the state of the competitive environment in which a firm or industry operates. These factors affect the outcomes of a firm’s marketing activities, by determining the strength and volume of demand for its products and services. For example, increase in employment rates in a destination results into increased demand products and services. Globalization is the process of development toward an increasingly integrated global economy and characterized by free low of capital, free trade, and the tapping of cheap labor from foreign markets. Globalization also entails improvem ent of labor standards and practices resulting into quality services within the tourism and hospitality industry. With the ever increasing trend toward open and free economies, hospitality organizations such as Hilton Hotels has been able to gain from globalization that has created less trade regulations allowing the hotel to open and operate more chains globally. In addition, Hilton can acquire its supplies from all over the world without incurring more expenses resulting from trade barriers. Globalization has spread the materialistic culture common with the Westernized world and implementing values previously associated with the western culture. This has enabled the hotel chain to benefit economically from its chains established

Sports equipment Essay Example for Free

Sports equipment Essay In this paper I argue that the globalisation of sport by international sports corporations, the media and sporting celebrities have through advertising altered the sporting landscape by imparting predefined and specific cultural and social meanings to the sports consumer. Abstract: Highly successful professional sports teams attract heavyweight corporate sponsorship deals and wide ranging media coverage that further broadens their supporter base. The subsequent globalisation of sporting clubs allows sports marketers to target sports consumers through media advertising to convey commercial messages and specific cultural meanings. Particular attention is focused on Nike and Manchester United and the precise use of sports celebrities to promote and endorse sporting goods/apparel. The transfer of meaning from the constituted world and sports celebrity to consumer goods and then to the individual consumer is analysed and discussed. Moreover, the social importance and cultural identities given to the consumer by the iconic celebrity sports star constitutes an attractive culture the sports consumer wants to be in possession of. This paper further explores and discusses the role of corporations and their association with advertising in a commercial-cultural nexus and how they are able to sell a way of life to the sports fan. Additionally, the advertising techniques used by corporations to create iconic sports stars and global brands are discussed as to how this effects the consumer and the traditional sporting landscape. Essay: In a culture preoccupied world, people from all walks of life are obsessed with the celebrity. In particular, the celebrity sportsman and sportswoman are amongst the highest profile individuals. Collectively, we are captivated by sport stars’ lifestyles, love lives, earning power and skill. It is from these characteristics that people want to have some form of connection with the sporting celebrity. The globalisation of sport by international sports corporations, advertising corporations, the media and sporting celebrities have created an environment for sports advertising to  flourish as an industry that is intent to monopolise the market with sporting goods and apparel. The direct relationship between the way sports organisations market their goods and how people consume goods is often considered by many commentators to be symbolic sports branding that shapes the desires and actions of consumers. Holt contends that for advertising to work properly a ‘symbiotic relationship’ is essential between the ‘market prerogatives’ and the ‘cultural frameworks’ that consumers acquaint, understand and interact with market offerings (2002, p. 71). With the main focus of globalisation and increased industry profit, sports corporations seek to become ‘cultural engineers’ to organise how people think and feel through celebrity endorsed consumer sports goods (Holt 2002, p. 71). In this paper I argue that all-powerful sports corporations such as Nike and Manchester United use endorsements by sports celebrities with sophisticated advertising techniques. Their objective is to seduce and manipulate consumers into participating in the accumulation of commodities that oversees the indoctrination of culture, values and social identity. Whats more, I will further contend that through the globalisation of sport and the mass production of sports merchandise, sport corporations develop specific meanings and a set of techniques that rationalises consumer culture as a commodity. Also, I assert that sports advertising agencies exploit sports stars and their ‘aura of authenticity’ so that they themselves and their products become cultural icons. The resultant increased role for the sports star into advertising moves the sporting field boundaries that effectively alters the sporting landscape. I further contend that the imbued cultural meaning from sports corporations to the sports consumer by way of celebrity endorsements leads to new variants of sport being played. Nike’s three-a-side soccer competition is used as evidence to support my claim that sports corporations combined with celebrity advertising effectively alters the way some sports are played. Therefore, modifying the cultural sporting landscape. In the end, the rapidly increasing entity of sports globalisation relies on the sports celebrity to sell a way of life to sports fan/consumer via a commercial-cultural nexus. This not only transfers organisational meaning and culture to the consumer but also creates immense wealth for sports corporations, advertising agencies and the sports star. With the realisation of the power associated with television as an advertising medium, it quickly went beyond radio, newspaper and cinema to be the most influential medium of mass communication. The television has provided a round-table for the sporting consumer to develop intimate, visually informed relationships with sporting celebrities (Andrews Jackson, 2001). Considering Andrews Jackson’s common but insightful cliche, ‘the medium is the message’, the television has come to the fore front of advertising with identifiable sports celebrities encouraging the audience (sports consumer) to develop a ‘faux intimacy’ (2001, p. 3). Consequently, advertising on television and in most media forums has become celebrity saturated (Andrews Jackson, 2001). The fostering of sports celebrities as maintained by Andrews Jackson has made it possible for sports corporations to link the culture of the celebrity with consumer capitalism to take advantage of the dual roles occupied by celebrities as both products (commodities) and processes (celebrity endorsement) (2001, p. 4). In doing this, advertising agencies and sports corporations are able to exploit sports consumers. Andrews Jackson (2001) agree with McCracken (1989, 1986) to assert that the optimum goal of advertising agencies and sports corporations is to ensure that celebrities pass on and orchestrate the various facets of a predefined sports culture to foster a ‘highly visible celebrity identity’ that the consumer can recognise and identify with. In a sense, these sports agencies and corporations have carefully coordinated plans of cultural procedures. The growing media technology such as satellite television and the internet has further accelerated the globalisation of sport and with it the growth and expansion of sports corporations. The ever expanding sports corporations are desperate to associate their brands and products with the unique ‘aura of authenticity’ that is found within the celebrity sports star, so that their products are endowed and visualised as cultural icons. Today, global sports events are indelibly associated with wide media coverage that sees the iconic sports celebrity be portrayed as role models and in high regard (Smart, 2007). Importantly, Smart points out the desires and aspirations of consumers to be similar if not the same as their sporting celebrity icons and also claims that global sport is now increasing important to the promotion of commodity consumption (2007, p. 130). As shown, the contemporary landscape of advertising plays an important role in cultural practices and the process of globalisation of sport. As a result, contemporary social life is determined by advertising moreover, it is defined by it (Jackson Andrews, 2004). Additionally, Jackson Andrews (2004) assert that advertising is a key process that connects meaning and language to culture, thereby constituting social identities in specific contexts (2004, p. 7). The significance of celebrity endorsers can be found in their salaries. Jackson Andrews (2004) highlight that sports stars earn more from endorsements that they do from their sporting profession. Studies have documented and as pointed out by Andrews Jackson (2001), endorsing sports celebrities were present in 11 percent of television advertisements during 1995 that received more than US$1 billion dollars. Throughout the second half of the twentieth century the uncontrollable clandestine relationship between television and sport grew to irresistibly influence the meaning and understanding of sport culture that left the end product of sport being media-driven by celebrities for entertainment (Andrews Jackson 2001, p. 7). Today, sports are constructed, mediated, advertised and seen as contests between identifiable and recognisable individuals or teams of individuals (Andrews Jackson, 2001). Andrews Jackson maintain that sports fans that watch and experience sport develop an intimate attachment with these sporting individuals (2001, p. 7). Sports corporations and advertising agencies intentionally take advantage of this developed intimacy to transform sporting events and the sports celebrity into stories with characters consisting of heroes and villains (Andrews Jackson, 2001). Moreover, Andrews Jackson recognise that the constructed personalities of the heroes and villains are integral to sports advertising that create a purposeful contemporary sporting culture (2001, p.7). The sports celebrity occupies and possesses many complex roles such as elite athletes, entertainers, marketable commodities and role models within the global cultural economy (Andrews Jackson 2001, p. 9). In addition, sport has become a highly commercialised and a capitalist culture. The sporting celebrity as described by Andrews Jackson is a commodity of commercial culture that is forcibly imbued with large corporate values and culture thattries to initiate and intensify sports consumers desires, identification and cultural awareness/development (2001, p. 9). As such, the sporting celebrity has become highly ‘systematized’ with expanded institutional boundaries that effectively increases their sporting fields that allows them to operate as ‘cultural and economic agents’ (Andrews Jackson 2001, p. 7). Accordingly, altering the sports field, equates to altering the sporting landscape through advertising and endorsement of products by celebrities. In understanding the importance of celebrities in the midst of sports globalisation, Andrews Jackson assert that celebrities are significant public entities who are responsible for the formation of meaning and ideologies that offer contextually grounded maps for the sports consumer as they endeavour to gain their individualism and identity (2001, p. 1). What’s more, Andrews Jackson note Marshall’s 1997 insightful understanding of the celebrity to be a descriptor incorporating various forms of public individuality including, hero, leader, famous and star from which the celebrity exercises within popular culture (2001, p. 2). Whats more, the dynamism of the complex celebrity indicates that individual celebrities can and frequently do move back and forth between these individual states making them all the more marketable to endorse sporting goods (2001, p. 2). Accordingly, the role of the media to promote sports stars to the status of celebrity is crucial for sports corporations when deciding on particular celebrities to convey their cultural message to the consumer (Andrews Jackson, 2001). In looking at and analysing Michael Jordan as an athlete and a sports celebrity, his greatness is not only confined to the wooden confines of the basketball court. Considered by McDonald Andrews (2001) as the first truly marketable sport celebrity, Jordan has amassed unimaginable marketing conquests. Jordan’s endorsement of Nike sport shoes and apparel have seen him earn unmatchable capital accumulation, US$45 million in 1998 (more money than he received for playing basketball) (McDonald Andrews, 2001). McDonald Andrews further highlight that Nike made in excess in of US$3 billion from sales on the back of Jordan while Gatorade more than doubled its revenue in 1991 to make an impressive US$1. 5 billion (McDonald Andrews, 2001). It can be noted from these statistics that contemporary cultures are constructed by sporting corporations and advertising agencies that allow the personalities, lifestyles and sporting cultures of sports celebrities to encourage sports consumers to ‘be like mike’. Consequently, McDonald Andrews point out that Gatorade increased its market domination of the nutritional sports drink to an 80 percent share (2001, p. 1). As can be seen, sports celebrities have referent power that enables them to influence and develop sporting cultures in consumers. Advertising agencies and sports corporations view this as a valuable advantage to increase the sports cultural economy (McDonald Andrews, 2001). Pointed out by McDonald Andrews, Bob Dorfman from the advertising agency Foote passed comments to suggest that ‘Jordan is such a superhuman talent that everybody aspires to his level of performance†¦Everybody wants to be that good and have that much success’ (2001, p. p24). With Jordan’s amazing skills and talent the Jordan name produced an amazing amount of ‘Jordan Wannabes’ all wearing Jordan branded shoes and apparel (McDonald Andrews 2001, p.24). These ‘Jordan Wannabes’ could be seen playing street basketball trying to ‘be like Mike’ and slam dunk the basketball. This form of street basketball differed in rules and in the way it was played from the original indoor game. Essentially, the street rules basketball transformed the sporting landscape. Consequently, sports consumers with altered and newly developed cultures and values are playing the sport differently on different sporting fields with newly acquired sports apparel to effectively change the sporting landscape. The transference of values from Nike to Jordan to the sports consumer not only imbues an altered culture, but it also allows the sports consumer to create their own individual identity (McCracken, 1989). As such, the consumer is viewed to adopt the values and culture of the sports celebrity to be more in line with Jordan’s own and that of Nike (McDonald Andrews, 2001). Smart (2005) maintains that sport stars are very visible to the public and potential consumers because of their on field skills and the associated media coverage for publicly demonstrating such a high level of talent. These sport stars are subsequently in the sights of advertising agencies and sporting corporations to endorse sporting goods and apparel (Smart, 2005). As a result, the so called sporting star is transformed into a sporting celebrity that at times may or may not be directly linked with their team or their sport. For example, the commercials of Michael Jordan endorsing the ‘Air Jordan’ shoe by jumping to the basket to the sound of jet engines, ‘constituted the beginning of his cultural ascent to iconic status’ (Smart 2005, p. 113). Although the advertisement made no mention of the ‘Air Jordan’ shoes, the image and the subsequent culture of Jordan in the air combined with his cultural on court athleticism, was enough to persuade and influence consumers to make the ‘Air Jordan’ line of shoes the all time best seeling (Smart 2005, p. 113). The globalisation of sport has always been associated with advertising and as highlighted by Jackson et al. (2004), advertising has been defined in many ways due the ever changing nature of advertising. However, Jackson et al.state that advertising has at all times been strategic within the culture and commodification of sports advertising (2004, p. 1). More to the point Jackson et al. (2004) claim that cultural commodities shape one’s experience and identities which parallels Smart’s (2005) claim that sports celebrities are able to influence and persuade consumers. Additionally, Jackson et al. (2004) argues that advertising is at the forefront of the global economy and post-modern promotional culture. Taking this into account, advertising plays a key role in consumer culture and within the culture of representation and identity formation (Jackson et al. 2004, p.2). Moreover, I put forward that advertising has altered the sporting landscape with predefined cultural meanings by way of celebrity endorsements. The eventual transference of cultural meaning from the advertising agency, endorsed by the sports celebrity and passed on to the consumer not only creates individualised identities and cultural meaning for consumers, but also changes the way sports consumers play sport. As highlighted by Ross, in 2002 Nike promoted a ‘three-a-side sudden-death’ soccer tournament ‘in a cage inside an abandoned tanker’ that highlighted the games elite branded player’s skills, talents and marketability (2004a, p.68). Nike exploited the games stars and consumers by focusing on the individual feats of the elite individual stars rather than on a team focus (Ross, 2004a). Additionally, Nike put into full swing three-a-side tournaments all over the world for teenagers. The immense popularity for this variant of the game altered the way the game was played, where the game was played and therefore changed the cultural sporting landscape. There was no mention of the clothing or footwear worn by the sports celebrities depicted in the commercials rather, Nike concentrated on the three-a-side game and its celebrities to transmit and instil Nike’s corporate cultural meanings on the sports fan and potential consumer to purchase Nike merchandise and construct an individual identity. During the globalisation of sport growth years of the early 1990’s, Manchester United in an effort to increase revenue of more than just gate receipts, tried to convert fans into customers thorough the selling of sports merchandise. The end result for Manchester United saw an increase of fans to more than 25 nations, television deals in 135, its own fashion label and three mega stores (Ross 2004b, p, 88). Consequently, the outcome of the globalisation of Manchester United saw it grow from a soccer club to a global brand. Evidence of being such a global brand is in 1992 when Manchester United and Nike decided to release new playing strips that were continually replaced almost every year. Although, the Nike ‘swoosh’ at this stage was indelibly associated with child labour, it did not stop the fans and consumers buying Manchester United sports appeal (Ross, 2004b). Nike and Manchester United through specific advertising with sports celebrities were able impart their morally and aesthetic pleasing culture onto the sports consumer combined with that of the sport celebrities own values and culture. Ross quite rightly points out that there was much public disgust and rage towards Nike for the use of child labour, however, he further claims that because of the silence and possibly even ignorance of the endorsing sports celebrity, Nike and other sports corporations were able to keep the entire celebrity/branding/sweatshop system of the sports goods industry from unravelling (2004b, p. 93). Fundamentally, it is the values and contemporary culture passed on by celebrities that are exploited by sports corporations such as Nike and Adidas that are transmitted and passed onto the consumer (Ross, 2004b). These imposed values and cultures that the sports consumer takes on allows for individual identities to be seen and heard along with their new culture. Smart formulates the globalisation of sport with consumer culture to suggest that ‘the development of modern sport is bound up with processes of economic and cultural transformation associated with the global diffusion of capitalist forms of consumption’ (2007, p.113). Similarly, the chairman of Nike parallels Smart’s assertions by stating that ‘sport was at the hart of contemporary culture and increasingly defined the culture of the world’ (Smart 2007, p. 114). It is not without reason to put forward that professional sport, the media and corporate sponsorship are all linked together to forge massive profit on the backs of sports celebrities and their endorsement of merchandise. More accurately, Smart refers to this as the ‘golden triangle’ that results with sport being directly coupled with advertising and celebrity endorsements (2007, p.114). Such a link between the sports celebrity, advertising and sport itself highlights the importance of globalisation of sport plays in the economy of the consumer, sports corporations, advertising agencies and the various forms of the media. To be more precise, the globalisation of sport is closely linked with the ‘economic interests and the promotion of consumer culture’ (Smart 2007, p. 114). Sport poses a popular culture appeal and a sense of realism that sporting corporations aim to exploit to increase consumer capital accumulation. The global brands of sports clubs and celebrities combined with global marketing and the promotion of sports merchandise with ‘iconic celebrity sporting figures’ only further contributes to the growth of the supporter and consumer cultures (Smart 2007, p. 114). One of the main purposes for making certain sports and sports organisations global is to make and increase profits. The increased level in spectators and consumers attracts media and advertising interest that further increases the demand for sports equipment and specialised sports clothing that is unashamedly endorsed by sporting celebrities. The large economic growth experienced by sporting corporations innately constructs cultural global sports brands that the fanatical sports fan can identify with and desires (Smart, 2007). For example, Nike’s ‘Air Jordan’ line of shoes endorsed by Jordan himself transformed Nike’s profile, basketball itself and the nature of sports representation that consequently altered the culture of the consumer and the sporting landscape (Smart 2007; McCracken 1989). Smart (2007) points out that sports corporations predicted and understood the effects of globalising sport and the endorsement by sporting celebrities would only increase their revenue. Therefore, is easy to make the assumption that this understanding can be equated to McCracken’s (1986, 1989) theories that symbolic properties and cultural meanings possessed by the celebrity endorser and those of the constituted world are transferred to the consumer goods and then passed onto the consumer. This results in new identities for consumers as well as new or modified cultures. Potentially, the newly formed cultures can change the sporting landscape and place by way of altering the attire worn by participants and also by changing the way the game is played. For instance, backyard or even beach cricket is not played on the traditional field nor do the participants wear traditional attire for cricket. It can be said that these participants are influenced by sporting corporations to buy specialised sporting equipment (plastic bats and stumps) and clothing (celebrity endorsed clothing) that is clearly an action of acculturation brought on by sporting corporations and advertising agencies. Rather than one singular cultural identity constructed from the globalisation of sport there are many and varied cultures. Similarly noted by Mitchell, the cultural sporting landscape becomes quite complex with the introduction of different cultures (2000, p. 28). Moreover, Mitchell adds that the ‘morphology of landscape’ constantly creates and recreates the places and landscapes where people play sport (2000, p. 28). This is echoed through the culture of consumer capitalism and the accumulation of sporting goods and apparel. Hence, the modified clothes and sporting equipment endorsed by the culturally endowed sporting celebrity permits the transfer of cultural meaning and symbolic properties to the consumer (McCracken, 1989). Bertilsson (2007) has the same opinion that sporting celebrities fashion culture and meaning to the consumer to emphasises the value and meaning channelled into brands (2007, p. 2). Pettigrew puts forward that, sport by its physical nature is a form of consumption that is able to provide ‘insight into the role of consumption in human social life’ such as sports advertising and the accumulation of sports consumer goods (2001, p. 1). What’s more, Pettigrew (2001) contests that the consumption of sport including sports advertising and consumer accumulation of sporting merchandise attributes to individual lifestyles and social networks. Moreover, the globalisation and ‘marketisation’ of sport has made sport extremely commercialised that places the sports consumer and fan at a disadvantage because of the over exposure of celebrity sporting endorsements that effectively mould and shape ones social life and culture (Pettigrew 2001, p. 2). Many commentators including Pettigrew (2001) consider sport to be vital to culture and as such, sport has been directly associated with the development of self-identity due to the active lifestyles of people following and participating in sport. For that reason, the promotion of sports merchandise by sports celebrities are able to create social interactions (aided by culturally effective advertising themes), with the sports consumer (Pettigrew, 2001). Such employment of sporting themes and sporting celebrities in advertisements facilitates social interaction that portrays an appropriate context for product consumption that allows for self awareness and identity development to take place for the sports consumer. Importantly, advertising agencies identify the potential social interactions and use sporting celebrities to convey precise emotions, values and culture that represent the needs and desires of sports consumers. For example, the Nike brand has become so trusted, consumers are willing to pay top money for what they believe and determine to be superior quality, style and reliability (East, 1998). Nike through its ‘Just Do It’ advertisements with their many celebrity endorsers was able to influence vast amounts of sporting and non-sporting consumers to purchase their footwear. East points out that 80 percent of the running shoes sold in the US were in fact never used for the intended sporting activities that they were designed to do, thus effectively changing the sporting landscape and sporting culture (1998, p. 2). The iconic status Nike was able to develop for itself tended to focus not on the products it was advertising but rather on the celebrity wearing the product (East, 1998). Through its celebrities, Nike was able to articulate to its consumers that Nike products were cool (East, p. 2). East (1998) suggests that the success of Nike’s campaign is attributable to portraying a culture of quality. Moreover, East states that Nike was able to reassure its customers on quality and perfection by using the following sport stars: Bo Jackson, John McEnroe and Michael Jordan (2001, p. 2). For instance, East suggests that celebrity endorsements appeal to consumers sense of belonging and ‘hipnes’ that led to the prophecy ‘if you want to be hip, wear Nike; if you are hip, you are probably wearing Nike’ (East 1998, p. 2). Nike’s sporting celebrities were able to impart desirability into owing Nike shoes that not only changed the sporting landscape but it also developed new cultures based on sports corporations and advertising agencies values. Advertising plays an integrating role in cultural practices and the process of globalisation (Jackson et al. , 2004). Advertisements of sport generally contain some form of sports setting, imagery and celebrities to promote sports clothing, sports video games and sports equipment that contributes to the development of the globalised culture of commodification and consumption (Hilliard, 2005). In addition, Hilliard (2005) asserts that sports’ advertising encompasses economy, politics and the media. Furthermore, he notes that sports corporations by way of their association with sport sell ‘a way of life based on consumption’ by means of sports celebrity endorsements (2005, p. 4). The use of sports imagery is essential for sports advertising to target specific product categories such as clothing lines and video games. Advertising agencies generally use specific techniques to persuade the intended meaning of sport to ‘rub off’ on their merchandise: Firstly, celebrity athletes are presented in ‘non-threatening’ relationships so as to connect with the intended audience; Secondly, advertisers represent ‘sport as a site for hedonistic consumption’; Thirdly, advertisers continually make reference to sports cliches and slogans that are generally disseminated broadly within the national or territorial culture; and lastly, sporting corporations sponsor sport so as to receive the ‘official sponsor’ tag that appears beside the actual sport logo (Hilliard 2005, p.33). Additionally, the recognition and star appeal of the virtual super-human athletic feats of sports celebrities are captured and transposed into the form of video and arcade games. As suggested by Hilliard, the advertising of sports video games may feed into the culture of sports fans of not participating in sport and thus, altering and transforming the sporting field/landscape from outdoors to the lounge room and subsequent TV (Hilliard, 2005). In conclusion, the globalisation of sport occupies an important part in the economy for the consumer, sports corporations, advertising agencies and the media. The ‘golden triangle’ as described by Smart (2007) illustrates the tactics sports corporations and advertising agencies use to exploit the consumer through intelligent marketing strategies and celebrity endorsements. The resultant symbolic sports branding not only shapes the desires and actions of the sports consumer but also transforms consumer culture and the sporting landscape. Furthermore, the globalisation of sport has seen it loose its playful character while its traditional playing field has been extended by the celebrity sports star to be a global media spectacle with a sizeable financial economy. Advertising as stated by McCracken, is the ‘conduit through which meaning constantly pours from the culturally constituted world to consumer goods’ that allows sports celebrities to become idolised and seen as role models (1989, p. 6). It is from these attributes that sport celebrities and advertising agencies are able promote sports merchandise using the sporting celebrity’s lifestyle and sporting culture to influence and develop sporting cultures in consumers. What’s more, the ‘golden triangle’ has altered the sporting landscape with predefined cultural meanings on the back of celebrity endorsements. The advertising technique of not mentioning the actual product but rather concentrating on the sports star and the actions of the sports star indelibly creates sporting icons and cultural meaning for the sports fan/consumer. Such exploitation by sports corporations allows them to focus on changing popular sports in both rules and the playing field so that the sports consumer will be subdued and manipulated into the capitalist consumption of sports goods that governs the indoctrination of culture, values and social identity. Moreover, the imbued culture and status of wearing and being seen in a particular sports brand combined with the endorsement by celebrities creates a level of trust for consumers. It is this built up trust that consumers are willing to pay top dollar for what they believe is superior quality and reliability, although, in some instances child labour may have been used. The ‘aura of authenticity’ of sports stars helps sporting corporations to achieve significant profit margins and significant wealth for themselves that further contributes to the globalised culture of commodification and consumption of sport. The immense wealth created by the globalisation of sport for sports corporations, advertising agencies and the sports star has seen sport become a highly capitalist culture. Noting this, sport and sports advertising is vital to the development of consumer identity, lifestyles and social acceptance from the accumulation of sports merchandise and also participating in sport. The unambiguous celebrity advertising techniques allow sports corporations such as Nike and Manchester United to create and sell a way of life based on consumer consumption to generate meaning, culture and identity for the consumer that can potentially change the sporting landscape at the same time. Bibliography: Andrews, DL Jackson, SJ 2001, ‘Sport Stars: The Cultural Politics of Sporting Celebrity’, in Andrews, DL Jackson, SJ (ed. ), Introduction: sport celebrities, public culture, and private experience, Routledge, London, pp. 1-19. Bertilsson, J 2007, The Enculturation of Young Consumers, Proceedings of the Nordic Consumer Policy Research Conference 2007, viewed 13 May 2008, . East, S 1998.