Friday, December 27, 2019

Electroplating Definition and Uses

Electroplating is a process where a coating of metal is added to a conductor using electricity via a reduction reaction. Electroplating is also known simply as plating or as electrodeposition.When a current is applied to the conductor to be coated, metal ions in solution are reduced onto the electrode to form a thin layer. Brief History of Electroplating Italian chemist Luigi Valentino Brugnatelli is credited as the inventor of modern electrochemistry in 1805. Brugnatelli used the voltaic pile invented by Alessandro Volta to perform the first electrodeposition. However, Brugnatellis work was suppressed. Russian and British scientists independently invented deposition methods that came into use by 1839 to copper plate printing press plates. In 1840, George and Henry Elkington were awarded patents for electroplating. Englishman John Wright discovered potassium cyanide could be used as an electrolyte to electroplate gold and silver. By the 1850s, commercial processes for electroplating brass, nickel, zinc, and tin were developed. The first modern electroplating plant to start production was the Norddeutsche Affinerie in Hamburg in 1867. Uses of Electroplating Electroplating is used to coat a metal object with a layer of a different metal. The plated metal offers some benefit that the original metal lacks, such as corrosion resistance or desired color. Electroplating is used in jewelry making to coat base metals with precious metals to make them more attractive and valuable and sometimes more durable. Chromium plating is done on vehicle wheel rims, gas burners, and bath fixtures to confer corrosion resistance, enhancing the life expectancy of the parts.

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Apple Inc. ( Business Insider ) - 1595 Words

Apple Inc. is a worldwide American organization that creates PC programming, phones, PCs and shopper electronic items. The extraordinary results of Apple include: the iPod, the iPhone, the Macintosh line of PCs and the iPad. 301 retail locations in 10 nations are worked by Apple in August 2010. The product of Apple comprise on the Mac OS X working framework, iWork suite of gainfulness programming, Final Cut Studio, Logic Studio a music creation device s suite, iOS; a portable working framework, the iTunes media program, the iLife suite of sight and sound and imagination s oftware, Aperture; an expert photography bundle, AirPlay, Airprint, and so forth (Business Insider, 2013). Macintosh Company was produced on April first , 1976 by the†¦show more content†¦Internal Analysis Financial Analysis As indicated by aftereffect of Apple s 2012 Q1 keeps on inspiring. The reason is expanded in income from $24,7 billion to $39,2 billion or by 59% as appeared differently in relation to 2011 Q1. Quarterly Net pay before devaluation increments from $6,4 billion to $12,4 billion which is likewise created by high income. By topographically organizations deals are enhanced, which is 1/third of offers are from Asia and 1/third is from US. These locales have most elevated anticipated that development as looked at would Europe who simply represented 22%. The business sector has become in Asia on the grounds that the deals from Asia have multiplied from 2011 and a large portion of the income originated from Apple iPhone which was 58%; it implies iPhone deals ha expanded by +85%. Also, the iPad development has expanded by 17% which implies the income has expanded by +132%. Then again, Mac and iPod were less in development as demonstrated in figure 5 (Financial Analysis, 2012). Shares of Apple in portable business and tablet business have expanded from 48% to 60 %, which is far superior than its rivals (Google Android). Google s offer has amplified quite recently from 15 to 19%. The outcome was sure by and large as indicated in figure 6 (Financial Analysis, 2012) Value level did not influence the exceptional yield which was 45% and without effecting it has expanded by 68%.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Business Strategy and Sustainability

Question: Discuss about the Business Strategy and Sustainability. Answer: Introduction The assignment will cover all the important aspect of the selected organization BHP. The ultimate point of the assignment is to cover all the critical areas, which includes an integral part of the company operations. The objective of the study is to conduct a CSR Report, which will conclude about the internal proceedings as well as about the corporate social responsibility of the organization (Reviews, 2013). The notion of the corporate social responsibility is one of the most crucial part as well as one of essential elements in every business operations. There are some standard rules and regulations, which a different organization follows towards maintaining a proper CSR in the business proceedings (Robinson, 2012). The idea of an internal audit is an independent, object assurance activity, which mainly designed towards adding value and improves an organizational operation. The process of monitoring the overall functioning of the organizational plans and procedures, which includes business structure, employee behaviors, and information system, is known as the idea of the internal audit (Weirich, Churyk, Pearson, 2012). With the help of organizing a proper auditing process, the organization will be very active towards maintaining all the business ethics in an efficient manner. Background of the company BHP Billiton is an Anglo-Australian mining company which, which mainly deals metals and petroleum, with its headquarters in Melbourne. Sustainability, integrity, and accountability are the key attributes of the enterprise. It is one of the largest producers of the majority commodities including iron ore, metallurgical coal, copper, and uranium. It is one of the oldest mining companies in the world and Australia (BHP Billiton, 2016). The company is always in a learning process and makes a proper advancement with the modern technology. The long-term nature of the company is to develop a sustainable as well as a good relationship with the host commodities where the organization BHP Billiton work to make a positive contribution both the business as well as in the society (BHP Billiton, 2016). The objective of the assignment is to cover all the important aspects, which will focus on what are the different kinds of factors, which this particular organization has done in the process of deve loping a proper corporate social responsibility. The business strategy of the organization based towards on operating assets, which will focus on commodity, geography, and market (Coombs Holladay, 2012). To achieve these three factors, the overall objective of the organization is to maintain a proper flow of work, which will simultaneously look for the diversity of the work and the organizational prospect (Gond Moon, 2012). Analysis of the study The purpose of the study is to highlight what are the different kinds of measures, which this particular organization has developed to build a proper corporate social responsibility. The notion of the corporate social responsibility will highlight the operations of the business in an appropriate manner, which will focus towards followings different ethics (Gonzalez-Perez Leonard, 2013). There are certain dimensions of corporate social responsibility. Some of the critical aspects, which this organization follows in the overall business operations, are highlighted in the following part of the study (Abramowicz, 2013). Ecological concerns, human rights, market relations, sustainability and corporate domination are some of the key dimensions of the corporate social responsibility. However, there are some advantages, which needs to emphasis in the overall process of maintaining a proper CSR model in the organization (AhÃÅ'Â £mad Crowther, 2013). Some of the main advantages of the corp orate social responsibility include employee loyalty and employee retention. It also helped the organization to increase reputation and brand image in the business operations. It acts as a mode of advertisement and promotion, which different groups develops irrespective of nature as well as the objective of the business proceedings (Haynes, Murray, Dillard, 2012). The strategy of the organization is to own as well as operate large, long-life, an expandable commodity in the market. The plans for the organization remained unchanged in the overall business operations. The overall concept of the CSR relates primarily towards achieving the outcome from the managerial decisions for concerning different kinds of specific problems as well as different kinds of specific issues (Amaeshi, Nnodim, Osuji, 2013). The impact of a companys action for the betterment of the society is very much crucial for the business. The study will cover all the important aspect of how this particular organization contributes as well as develops the overall CSR model in the business process (Haynes, Murray, Dillard, 2013). Previously, in the corporate world, the financial bottom line and the shareholder's return on investment have been the main drivers for the company towards measuring accomplishment (Boubaker Nguyen, 2012). The organization in the study maintains a high aspect in the overall decision-making policy for the society. This part of the study will cover the different advantages as well as aspects, which BHB Billiton is benefited while applying a high CSR model. Keeping social responsibility in front of the mind encourages the business to get morally and to consider the social and environmental impact of the firm (Coombs Holladay, 2012). In different cases, the organization will find ways towards changing the service or value chain, which will deliver benefits for the community. Scope of Engagement of CSR This part of the study will complete an overall audit process, which will conclude how BHP Billiton performs in the corporate social responsibility. There are six steps, which will complete an efficient as well as continuous audit process, which will concentrate on the key areas of the corporate social responsibility of the organization (Idowu, Capaldi, Zu, Das Gupta, 2013). Establishing priority areas and determining the process frequency are the major step, which different managers need to take into consideration before making the switch into a continuous auditing process. There are different kinds of organizational areas, which different auditors irrespective of the nature of the nature of the business integrate (Gattiker, 2013). By analyzing all the important factors, the activity of choosing the organizational is one of the key objectives of the auditors (Millichamp Taylor, 2012). The auditor is very much concerned about what are the key areas that the company focuses on while contributing towards the betterment of the society. The account has decided to implement six continuous processes towards determining the contribution of the CSR in the overall business model. The first step is to analyze the key priority areas, which are required by the organization to focus on the significant aspects of the corporate social responsibility. Then the auditor needs to identify proper monitoring and continuous audit rules. Determining the process of the review standards and the process of frequency is another significant which majority of the auditors performs in the overall auditing process (Gond Moon, 2012). There are different kinds of auditing parameters which different auditors irrespective of the nature of the performance adopts in the overall auditing process. The most crucial part of the verification process is to develop a proper following up process. With the help of the appropriate monitoring process, the auditor in the overall business process will be able to match the actual performance of the organization with the planned performance (Gonzalez-Perez Leonard, 2013). Communication the results will incorporate the both the positive impact as well as the negative consequences of the proceedings of the business. Results might be positive or negative. Positive results will boost the morale of the employees, and the managers need to perform as overall analyze the negative results in the overall organizational procedures (Haynes, Murray, Dillard, 2012). Analyzing the current Understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility As discussed in the previous section of the study, establishing the priority areas of the auditing plans and procedures is one of the key accountability of the auditing plans and procedures. The business process, which is identified in the operations, is the application of the CSR (Haynes, Murray, Dillard, 2013). Understanding the availability of the continuous audit process will bring different kinds of benefits in the proceedings. Different organization irrespective of the nature of the business follows different rules and regulations towards completing the notion of Corporate Social Responsibilities. Presently, it has become one of the compulsory in the firm towards contributing a part of the profit for the betterment of the society. BHPs Commitment to corporate social responsibility Based on the ministry of corporate affairs there are certain rules and regulations which majority of the companies in Australia follows in the operations of the business are highlighted in the following part of the analysis procedure (Idowu, Capaldi, Zu, Das Gupta, 2013). The organization follows all the rules and regulations developed by the governance body in an efficient manner. The following are the key areas, which this particular group in the study BHP Billiton focuses on while performing Corporate Social Responsibility. The company focuses on eradicating hunger, poverty, promoting preventive health care and making available for safe drinking water. Improving education in the economic background section of the country is one of the basic aims. It includes individual education and service enhancing vocation skills mainly among the children and in livelihood improvement projects. The application of the CSR is not restricted only towards benefiting students. The company also spends many funds towards developing old age homes and additional facilities to the senior citizens of the country. The company has done a brilliant job towards ensuring ecological sustainability, an biological balance that includes safety of flora and fauna, animal benefit, protection of natural resources and maintaining the excellence of soil, air, and water. Every country based on the demographical backgrounds has some cultural aspects. BHP Billiton enables the overall protection of the natural heritage of the country, which includes restoration of buildings, and sites historical importances are some of the key areas. Development of different kinds of traditional arts and handicrafts is another additional feature, which this particular organization focuses in the process of developing a proper as well as an active CSR. The company also believes towards promoting different kinds of sports events. Considering the increasingly vast as well as complex business environment, the move of different enterprises in the process of contributing to the betterment of the society is remarkable. The Australian ministry of corporate affairs developed certain rules and regulations to incorporate a proper CSR Models (Weirich, Churyk, Pearson, 2012). Recommendations for CSR for BHP Billiton Achieving increased level of cooperation between the different departs of the organization and regarding CSR that relates towards achieving CSR aims and objectives. The company needs to focus on the in the strategic use of the social investment budget. On the other hand, introducing the CSR aspect of the business in the initial stage of the project will integrate into the long-term aims and objectives of the organization. However, the most important points which BHP firmly believes in the process of development of long-term goals and objectives. Specifying the aims and objectives of the stakeholders includes the identification and engagement as a continuous process. Ensuring the existence of the CSR skill in all the employees of the organization is another key factor that needs to be incorporated in the overall proceedings of the CSR policies. Implementing an effective audit in the review system towards improving the quality of the CSR is another point, which the management of the or ganization needs to incorporate in the proceedings towards developing a proper CSR program in the analysis of BHP Billiton These are some of the important points, which the company needs to focus on the overall development and implementation of a proper CSR Model. The organization has done a brilliant job while developing an appropriate CSR Model in the business proceedings. With the application of the CSR model all, the operations of the organization are performed in an efficient manner by following all the relevant ethics developed by the corporate regulatory. Theoretical concepts of Corporate Social Responsibility There are certain theories and concepts of CSR which different organization irrespective of the nature of the business adopts in the overall business operations. With the application of the various kinds of CSR theories and models, the different organizations including BHP Billiton are benefited in particular ways, which includes following steps. Increasing in customer retention, winning new business, enhanced relationship with the stakeholders, funding opportunities, differentiating from the other companies are some of the key objectives of implementing proper CSR proceedings. Carroll Model Carroll model is one of the basic models, which certain companies irrespective of the nature of the business adopt in the process of developing a proper CSR model (Aras Crowther, 2012). There are four important factors, which will conclude about the application of the Carroll model in the overall business policy. Philanthropic responsibility and economic responsibility are some of the key elements, which are included in this particular business model (Ionescu, 2010). The overall pyramid is developed in such a manner, which will focus on the important responsibility to the lower level responsibility (Lindgreen, 2012). Philanthropic accountability and ethical responsibility are the primary two criteria, which need to focus while performing a complete Carroll Model in the CSR policy. On the other hand, legal responsibility and economic responsibility are the other two factors that will constitute the Carroll Model of the CSR. BHP Billiton gives top importance while performing this part icular business model of CSR and was benefited in certain ways while applying all the steps in a proper manner (LoÃÅ'ˆber, 2012). CSR Management Cycle The company strongly believes towards developing a CSR Management Cycle. Several steps need to follow in the development process of an appropriate CSR Model. All the necessary steps are followed in an appropriate manner, which includes the policies and midterm control, dissemination to group companies, compilation and sharing of status, internal and external evolution, and future improvement of publishing results are some of the key factors which are included in the overall CSR Management Cycle (Millichamp Taylor, 2012). BHP Billiton focuses on all the major factors, which are required by the organization to complete the CSR Management cycle. Conclusion The concluding part of the study will summarize all the important factors which will focus on how the organization gets benefited and what are the different models used by BHP Billiton to develop CSR in the business operations. The assignment is classified into several segments, which concludes the overall effectiveness of CSR in the business process and activities. With the help of organizing a proper audit process, the assignment completes what are the different kinds of factors, which BHP Billiton performs in the overall business process of CSR. Different significant theories, which this particular organization follows in the development process of a proper CSR Model, are highlighted in the overall study. The scope of engagement, current understanding of CSR and recommendation of appropriate steps towards the improvement of the CSR policy of the company are some specific areas, which the organization needs to focus on. The overall internal audit process was very much satisfied and the auditor has performed a remarkable job by highlighting the effectiveness of CSR. Reference List Abramowicz, W. (2013).Business information systems. Berlin: Springer. AhÃÅ'Â £mad, J. Crowther, D. (2013).Education and corporate social responsibility. Bingley, U.K.: Emerald. Amaeshi, K., Nnodim, P., Osuji, O. (2013).Corporate social responsibility, entrepreneurship, and innovation. New York: Routledge. Aras, G. Crowther, D. (2012).Business strategy and sustainability. Bingley, U.K.: Emerald. BHP Billiton,. (2016).BHP Billiton | A leading global resources company.Bhpbilliton.com. Retrieved 19 August 2016, from https://www.bhpbilliton.com/ Boubaker, S. Nguyen, D. (2012).Board directors and corporate social responsibility. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Coombs, W. Holladay, S. (2012).Managing corporate social responsibility. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell. Gattiker, U. (2013).Social media audit. New York: Springer. Gond, J. Moon, J. (2012).Corporate social responsibility. London: Routledge. Gonzalez-Perez, M. Leonard, L. (2013).International business, sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Bingley [England]: Emerald. Haynes, K., Murray, A., Dillard, J. (2012).Corporate social responsibility. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Haynes, K., Murray, A., Dillard, J. (2013).Corporate social responsibility. London: Routledge. Idowu, S., Capaldi, N., Zu, L., Das Gupta, A. (2013).Encyclopedia of corporate social responsibility. Berlin: Springer. Ionescu, L. (2010).Internal control and internal audit. New York: Addleton Academic Publishers. Lindgreen, A. (2012).A stakeholder approach to corporate social responsibility. Farnham, Surrey: Gower. LoÃÅ'ˆber, H. (2012).Corporate management, corporate social responsibility and customers. Hamburg: Diplomica Verlag. Millichamp, A. Taylor, J. (2012).Auditing. Andover, Hampshire: Cengage Learning EMEA. Reviews, C. (2013).Studyguide for audit process. [Place of publication not identified]: Academic Internet Publish. Robinson, Z. (2012).Sustainability. Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions. Weirich, T., Churyk, N., Pearson, T. (2012).Accounting auditing research and databases. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Knowledge Management Practices as Found in Contemporary American Business and Management

Introduction: Contemporary U.S. Management and Its Specifics The world of entrepreneurship is facing a new era, i.e., the epoch when the informational civilization is being born, with information quickly becoming the main and the most valuable article of trade, the necessity of being able to use this commodity the right way appears.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Knowledge Management: Practices as Found in Contemporary American Business and Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The vast amounts of information and the need to process them quickly have spawned the creation of a new type of management – knowledge management, with an appropriate theory to support it. However, even more striking changes have come, contributing to shaping the process of knowledge management. Because of the numerous factors that contribute to shaping the knowledge management system, as well as the availability of information combined with the need to distribute it fast and evenly, the modern knowledge management is currently facing a number of challenges that an efficient system of knowledge sharing can possibly help deal with. Knowledge Management Definitions: What Lurks Behind the Term Knowledge management might seem a very straightforward process that cannot be possibly misinterpreted. Since the KM process involves dealing with knowledge, it must presuppose the strategy of information disposal. The latter, however, involves a plethora of elements and factors, which shape the knowledge management strategy, dictating specific steps to be undertaken. Hence, knowledge management as a phenomenon can be considered from different points of view. Depending on what the focus is, the definition of knowledge management may vary. When the Focus Is on Knowledge Putting the emphasis on the significance of knowledge acquisition, the first and the most comprehensive definition of knowledge management sta tes the purpose of KM as the means to obtain information. However, the given approach towards understanding the principles of KM puts every single agent of the given process in its place, distributing responsibilities among the supposed staff of the supposed organization. KM can be defined as the process of organization management that is aimed at revealing the knowledge base of the given organization (Snyder Wilson, 2000, 527). Therefore, knowledge management can be considered as a means to promote a more efficient knowledge sharing system.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More When People Are in the Spotlight Weirdly enough, the definition of knowledge management does not necessarily put information into the spotlight. In some of the definitions, not knowledge, but the knowledge sender and receiver are focused on, which is rather reasonable. Thus, the key function of k nowledge management, which is the transfer of information, is stressed. With the help of such a definition, one can shed some light on the function of knowledge management as a means to establish trustworthy relationships between the employees instead of stating the obvious: â€Å"Knowledge management is about choosing the right practices or tools to efficiently enhance communications among the staff† (Batten, 2008, 86). Therefore, knowledge management can be understood as the set of rules on information sharing that will at the same time reflect the company hierarchy, organization ethics, and culture. Performing several additional functions, such as coordinating the relationships between employees, KM can also serve as a means to change the company’s climate. When the Process Is Important Apart from knowledge functions, the existing definitions of knowledge management also describe the specifics of the process itself. Therefore, KM can be viewed as a series of steps t hat have to be undertaken in order to achieve the goal and distribute information efficiently. Therefore, the following definition can be provided: knowledge management is a process that consists of a set of activities that lead to discovering, capturing, sharing and applying knowledge, so that the goal achievement of the organization could be enhanced in the most efficient way possible (Becerra-Fernandez Gabherval, 2009, 56). That being said, knowledge management could be viewed as a range of actions that must be performed in order to reach a specific goal. When the Goals Are Addressed As it has been shown in the example above, another way to interpret KM is to view it as a tool for achieving specific goals, as well as establishing them. On a basic level, knowledge management serves a purpose of improving the information distribution across the company; therefore, it can be defined as the means to hit a specific target.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Knowledge Management: Practices as Found in Contemporary American Business and Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Though the definition provided by Fernandez and Gabherval does mention the existence of the target in question, they still stress that learning the succession of actions is the key to understanding the principles of knowledge management. Thierauf, however, offers a slightly different approach that shifts the emphasis precisely on the goal of the organization. As Thierauf (1999) explains, knowledge management is not a process, but a system that allows to â€Å"provide competitive advantage by giving decision makers (from the highest level to the lowest level) the necessary insights into patterns and trends that affect their domain† (Thierauf, 1999, 5). In fact, the given statement also correlates with the idea that KM can be used as a means to regulate the relationships between the staff members. To be mo re exact, the given definition suggests that KM can be used as a tool that introduces a specific hierarchy into the organization. Knowledge Management and Competitive Advantage Finally, the effects of efficient knowledge management should be considered as the basis for knowledge management definition. Thus, one will be able to obtain an objective definition of what knowledge management actually is. That being said, knowledge management could be viewed as not only a process, but also a practice and even a culture of creating or gathering, analyzing, distributing and sharing organizational knowledge. In other words, KM can be viewed as a means to enhance the company’s competitive advantage by using the provided information efficiently. According to what Wallace (2007) says, knowledge management can be identified as the process that allows to capture, process and transfer knowledge so that the organization could achieve a greater competitive advantage (Wallace, 2007, 3). Therefo re, it is clear that the definition of knowledge management in a particular case depends on the priorities that a company sets and the goals that it wants to achieve. Modern U.S. Business Sphere and Knowledge Management Practices: An Overview Grown into a massive set of theories with an even greater number of ideas concerning its practical applications, knowledge management seems to have become a cult principle in the present-day business world. Hence a plethora of various types of knowledge management practices, as well as the interpretation of their effects and the discussion of their impact on the organizational ensued.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Taking a closer look at how knowledge management practices are implemented nowadays, one can possibly evaluate their effect, consider their limitations and come up with the suggestions for their possible improvement. Types of Knowledge Management Practices Knowledge management comes in different variations depending on the type of an organization, the specifics of the chosen leadership strategy, the organizational culture, etc. Therefore, one can distinguish a large variety of knowledge management types. However, it is worth noting that of all the possible types, five key knowledge management practices for organizations can be distinguished. According to Gray and Chan, there are typically four types of knowledge management practices distinguished. It is worth noting, however, that the classification below is based on considering a knowledge management practice as a tool for a problem-solving process. Encouraging Serendipity Though the given practice should be viewed as a means of wo rking with individual employees instead of a tool for shaping the knowledge processing stage within the entire team, encouraging serendipity is a crucial element of the knowledge management process nowadays. While it is important to provide a solid basis for the assumptions so that the company could make the right step, it is also necessary to encourage serendipity among the organization members. Often based on a small detail that passed unnoticed yet left an impact on a person, serendipity allows to consider all the existing options and sometimes even provide the option that has never been noticed before. Creating Knowledge Opposed to the process of informing the members of an organization on a specific issue, the process of knowledge creation can also be considered one of the most popular modern business practices. Another important knowledge management practice, creating knowledge is often confused with acquiring knowledge, mostly due to the meaning of the word â€Å"creatingâ⠂¬  as a synonym to â€Å"making.† Knowledge creation, however, does not mean that knowledge is somehow produced; in fact, knowledge creation is the process of transforming tacit knowledge into explicit one, as Nakamori (2012) explains, the entire process presupposes the transformation of individual tacit knowledge into group tacit knowledge, which is then shaped into an individual explicit knowledge and finally becomes an individual tacit knowledge. Raising Awareness The given type of knowledge management practice can also be considered the approach suitable for individuals rather than for shaping the relationships among the entire staff. Aimed at helping every single member of the team recognize a specific problem, the given practice aims at capturing and retaining knowledge rather than sharing and distributing it. At present, such types of knowledge management practices include the creation of databases, analysis of reviews and the lessons learned, etc. Therefore, the giv en approach can be considered as the means to improve the organization memory rather than the method to share a specific bit of information with the rest of the company members. Quiet an efficient tool, though, it should be used along with the rest of the practices mentioned in the given paper. Along, however, the given approach is unlikely to lead a company anywhere. Acquiring Knowledge In contrast to the previous two practices, knowledge creation concerns every single member of the company staff. It is crucial to realize that knowledge must be accessible for every single member of an organization; otherwise, the lack of information will inevitably lead an organization to failure. Therefore, the most important stage in the given process is to provide the access to the information since the very moment the knowledge was acquired. Consequently, it is required that every member of an organization should participate in the process of knowledge acquisition. The given practice is usually used to make the members of an organization closer, as well as increase their awareness of a specific issue. As it has already been mentioned, it would be worn to assume that the types of knowledge management listed above are the only possible options. The choice of a particular type of knowledge management or a combination of types is predetermined by a large number of factors, both interior and exterior ones, which means that, at the end of the day, the right choice of knowledge management strategy depends on a careful evaluation of these factors, as well as the organization’s current goals. Effects of Knowledge Management Practices Knowledge management practices are nowadays considered the key to an organization’s success – or, on the contrary, its complete failure, depending on whether the choice of a specific knowledge management practice was justified by the organization’s goals and assets or not. Apart from the direct influence on the company†™s performance, knowledge management practice also affects the relationships between the members of the staff, shapes the company’s strategy and has a tangible impact on the corporate values. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the extent to which knowledge management influences an organization. KM Practices and Organizational Culture As it has been mentioned above, knowledge management practice is related directly to the organizational culture; moreover, these two elements seem to have an effect on each other, becoming, therefore, mutually dependent. A specific KM practice can affect the organizational culture; in its turn, organizational culture predetermines the choice of a knowledge management practice. KM Nomenclature in Modern U.S. Business Needless to say, since the idea of knowledge management was introduced into the U.S. business, much has been changed, including the manner of classifying the existing types of knowledge management. At present, the following type s of knowledge management can be found in contemporary American business: Internal Knowledge Management Used to improve the organizational performance of the staff, internal knowledge management presupposes the efficient distribution of the information concerning the organization among its members. Knowledge Dissemination Knowledge dissemination involves creating knowledge in order to represent an organization and make it competitive. With the help of the transformations described above, tacit knowledge possessed by a group of people is turned into a tacit knowledge that an individual has concerning a specific issue. As Dalkir (2005) says, â€Å"Dissemination works best when it is an organized activity† (93). Knowledge Brokering Knowledge brokering demands tracking the source of information, evaluating its veracity and value. Hence, the idea of knowledge brokering can be summarized by saying that it means tracing the origin and source of specific information. Thus, an organiz ation can have a better control over the available information, which is another upgrade in the knowledge management practice development. Building Knowledge Capacity Building knowledge capacity means raising the members’ ability to operate the information that is currently at their disposal. Indeed, sometimes searching for the necessary information and the ability to process it fast and efficiently is not enough. It is also required to use the knowledge appropriately, which building knowledge capacity teaches. Knowledge Management in the Global Environment: An Analysis When analyzing the process of knowledge management in an organization, one must keep in mind that modern companies work in the environment on which globalization has taken its toll and, therefore, shapes the process of knowledge management greatly. On the one hand, the fact that information can be accessed much faster and in a much easier way is doubtlessly a benefit. On the other hand, such openness leaves an organization extremely vulnerable towards the external factors, competitors and hackers. Hence, the entire palette of opportunities and threats must be viewed. Capturing Organizational Knowledge: The Threats There is no doubt that the key stage in gathering information is the very start. At this point, such crucial questions as what sources are the most trustworthy, what kind of information is necessary for the given project, where exactly the given information can be found, etc. are solved. Since globalization has shaped the existing information sources considerably, the process of capturing information has become both easier and at the same time more challenging. Retaining Organizational Knowledge: The Challenges What might seem the easiest task often presupposes dealing with the greatest amount of issues, a case in point being the task of retaining information. While keeping organizational knowledge does not presuppose carrying out any specific actions compared to the process of getting information, it is still very painstaking, mostly because of the necessity to have clear links between every bit of information. Accessing Organizational Knowledge: The Methods As soon as the necessary information has been located, obtained and arranged, it is essential to thin through the methods of accessing the given data sets. While in the global environment, accessibility has become the key asset of most information, it is still important to keep in mind that the required data must be secured properly. Using Organizational Knowledge: Winning the Competition The last, but definitely not the least, the stage of putting the stored information to practice has become quite complicated in the realm of global economics and business. Because of high competition rates, it is important to know exactly how, when and where to use the information in question appropriately. The Future of Knowledge Management Though at present, theory of knowledge management seems rather innovative a nd offering brand-new approach, it is quite predictable that the Theory of Knowledge as people know it today is going to be very dated in the next few years. According to the latest information concerning the possible changes that the knowledge management is going to face in the future, it can be assumed that three major innovations are going to be implemented. Anticipatory Delivery of Knowledge Globalization has set the entire world to a completely different pace. Every single process has become times faster, therefore, demanding that organizational operations should also consume as little time as possible. Therefore, it is essential that the members of an organization should be able to develop their anticipatory skills. Anticipating the on-coming information is especially important because of its availability. With the progress of the Internet, information can be obtained within milliseconds, which means that the perceptual speed becomes the decisive point in the competition. Conn ection between People In the world where globalization has taken its toll on the realm of business, it is necessary to understand that members of a specific organization can be miles apart from each other. Therefore, the need to introduce efficient connection between people arises. With the help of the latest technological innovations, the given goal becomes quite attainable. In the light of stiff competition, which most companies face nowadays, the ability to transfer information quickly is worth its weight in gold. Connected Knowledge Being able to gather information and process it quickly is important, yet there is one more crucial element of the process, i.e., putting the pieces of the information together. Facts rarely come in a full package – often one has to search for scraps of data and only then collect them into a whole. Hence the new trend in knowledge management, connected knowledge, comes. Aimed at keeping all the available bits of information so that they could be easily re-arranged if one more bit reinvents the entire perception of the issue in question, the principle of connected knowledge is definitely worth developing further on as a guiding principle of knowledge management in modern U.S. business. Research Findings Summary and Interpretation Judging by the above-mentioned evidence, the key problem of modern knowledge management stems from the total availability of information, which leads to complexities of filtering and evaluating it. In addition, the research has shown that knowledge management practice must be considered in the context of the factors surrounding it. While the modern idea of knowledge management practice can be referred to as a people-focused, it still revolves around a number of other aspects, such as the type of organization, the specifics of the organizational culture, the leadership style of the head of the company, the size of the organization, etc. However, the focus of the knowledge management practice still seems to be on people rather than on anything else. Because of the influence that globalization has on organizations nowadays, it is important to make sure that every single member of the organization or its affiliate, no matter in what remote corner of the Earth it might be located, should know about the latest changes in the company information to deliver adequate performance. Therefore, the focus on people, which most present-day organizations prefer to the rest of the approaches, seems more than reasonable. It is noteworthy, however, that the current knowledge management practices display two diametrically opposite tendencies, i.e., the tendency to focus on an individual as opposed to the focus on the team. Logically, for the successful implementation of the company goals, both techniques must be applied; the priority, however, depends on the specifics of information distribution within a company. Conclusion: Paving the Road to Better Knowledge Management Although the theory of knowledge management is relatively new, it has already grown into a huge set of concepts, building up to the introduction of the KM concept in the globalized environment and providing the foil for the development of new theories. Incorporating the previous experience with the new ideas, one can possibly come up with a perfect strategy for knowledge management; however, the problem is that the given suggestion will only last for as long as the environment in which it was created will. Therefore, the basic goal for the knowledge management theorists at present is not to suggest a perfect knowledge management strategy, but to make sure that the current strategy is being constantly updated according to the latest changes in the data. Thus, one can rest assured that the organization will keep running for quite a while. Reference List Becerra-Fernandez, I. Gabherval, R. (2009). Knowledge management: Systems and processes. Armonk, NY: M. E. Sharpe. Dalkir, K. (2005). Knowledge management in theory and practice. Burlington, MA: Elsevier Butterworth–Heinemann. Nakamori, Y. (2012). Knowledge science: Modeling the knowledge creation process. Broken Sound Parkway, NW: CRC Press. Snyder, C. A. Wilson, L. T. (2000). Implementing knowledge management: Issues for managers. In Information Resources Management Association International Conference (Ed.), Challenges of information technology management in the 21st century: [Proceedings of The] 2000 Information Resources Management Association – International Conference, Anchorage, Alaska, USA, May 21-24, 2000. Hershey, PA: Idea Group Publishing. Thierauf, R. J. (1999). Knowledge management systems for business. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group. Wallace, D. P. (2007). Knowledge management: Historical and cross-disciplinary themes. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group. This research paper on Knowledge Management: Practices as Found in Contemporary American Business and Management was written and submitted by user Zackery Acosta to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

J.Edgar Hoover Essays (1476 words) - American Outlaws, FBI Agents

J.Edgar Hoover J. Edgar Hoover was a young 25-year-old when he became the acting director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations. His first federal job was as a clerk in the files division, and he quickly became one of the most respected and feared men in the free world. Even presidents knew better than to cross him. A consummate politician, Hoover was one of the first to ride the media train to power. He used the media as a tool and he knew that what people read and what they see and hear directly affect what they think. A brief biography, as an introduction to the man will aid us in the understanding of who he was, and through this we may gain incite into the reasons for why he did the things he did. Hoover was born New Years Day 1895 in Washington D.C. the youngest of three children. He had an older brother and sister that lived and an older sister that died as a baby. His mother, Annie Hoover had the greatest influence on him as a child. She was strong willed and militaristic in her approach to raising her children and running a family. She instilled in him a strong sense of right and wrong, and taught him the work ethic for which he would live by. Hoover was a winner, during his school years and beyond. As a boy Hoover was afflicted with a speech impediment. He was so determined to overcome this handicap that he read aloud for hours a day until he no longer stuttered. Hoover was short and slight in stature but he was athletic and quite agile. He was a member of his high school track team that went all-American. He was on the debate team and did quite well. This is probably where he got his combative nature. He was also the captain of his ROTC company in college. Giving him the leadership skills that he would need in later years. Hoover graduated near the top of his class from George Washington University with a bachelors degree in Law. (Powers, pp.48-52) With all of this going for him one might expect him to join the army as an officer as other men his age were being drafted to war, but as sole provider for his mother he was exempt from the draft. He also got his first taste of federal service when his uncle got him a position as a clerk in the files office of the Department of Justice. He quickly rose in the Dept. in part because of the void left by other men his age being drafted. After several successful posts he was finally made acting Chief of the General Bureau of Investigation in 1924. (Bardsley, Ch.2, pp.1-2) Media coverage came quickly for Hoover as he was involved in several high profile busts early in his career. In the early thirties a crime wave was hitting the mid-west. This gangster era was marked by names such as John Dillenger, Pretty Boy Floyd, Machine Gun Kelly, and Ma Barker. This was a time of depression and prohibition, a time when distrust of lawmen and the government was at an all time high. Newspapers and magazines celebrated the crimes and the criminals. (Bardsley, Ch.4, pp.1) Some of the criminals burned mortgages and loan papers as they robbed the banks, this turned them into modern day Robin Hoods and they were made into folk heroes. His first bust involved the capture of Machine Gun Kelly. Hoover made the arrest at Kellys farm without the firing of one bullet. The newspapers loved it. They praised Hoover and the articles made up ground in the public trust. The Bureau was taking on a whole new image with the American people. (Bardsley, Ch.4, pp.2) His future media attention would not be so clean. When John Dillenger, a convicted bank robber, and Public Enemy Number One, escapes from prison another Special Agent, Melvin Purvis, asks for Hoovers help. They set Dillenger up with the help of a local madam and Dillenger is gunned down in an alleyway as he leaves a theater. Again the media swarms over this real-life drama. This time they are not as generous to Hoover with their praise. Purvis

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Special Weapons And Tactics essays

Special Weapons And Tactics essays Alright boys were goin in. John you take out the guard on the right. Mike, take out the guard on the left. Me? I got the two in the center, and remember, dont shoot any of the big shots (businessmen) Greg said. We were just three guys looking for an easy way to make money. The plan was perfect, so perfect that it had to work. We decided to hold up the VISA (credit card) Tower. Just go in there, take the money and leave, but something went wrong. We entered the room with our guns loaded and ready. BOOM BOOM BOOM, three guards hit the floor before we knew it. But there was one more, the one we forgot about. We told them our demands, but they werent co-operating very well, so we showed them what happens to people who dont co-operate. We shot one of their executives in the head. Everything was perfect, until somehow they got the call. Yo you guys we got the call, some three terrorist are holding up the VISA building and we are going after them! Phil exclaimed with excitement. Jerry, Jake and Nick were ready for anything; they loaded up into the SWAT helicopter and were off to the building. The helicopter dropped them off at the 113th floor (helipad/roof). Apparently they didnt know which floor we were on so it took them a while to get to us. The time was 3:05 am and the Vice President of Income was transferring the money to each of our bank accounts. We would get our money, leave and pretend like nothing happened at all. Somewhere between 3:30 and 4:00 am, the guard that we forgot about, walked into the room. He ended up getting shot about three or four times. The bullets were loud enough to hear from the very top floor, so it gave our position away. The transaction to the bank accounts had been completed and we were just about ready to walk out when one of the executives pulled out a gun and shot John in the ribs. ...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

TOYOTA Motor Corporation. SWOT Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

TOYOTA Motor Corporation. SWOT Analysis - Essay Example Strengths refer to the advantages that a firm has over the others in the market. They are the firm’s personal strengths that will help it to bank on, and will help it to get the mover advantage in the presence of the other firms. Most firms and business organizations apply strengths in the form of marketing strategies. In the modern world of globalization, marketing strategies can be made use of in a very innovative manner with the help of electronic means as well as smart advertising and publicity. Weaknesses are the frail aspects of every business; not every businessman knows how to run an organization flawlessly. Thus, they are the demerits that each firm possesses, which gives others in the market and advantage over the firm. Every business firm also has certain opportunities. This is the third aspect of SWOT analysis. Opportunities are the chances that exist in the external environment; every entrepreneur must try and make use of these opportunities. Most of the times the y arise out of the problems that different people have in society; solutions to overcoming such problems and helping people out, introduction of new technology, change in the habits of the people, are some of the types of opportunities that exist in the external environment. ... They must be overcome by the use of turning them into opportunities so that they can be of an advantage to the business firm. If the threat is not managed properly, it attacks the weak aspects of the firm and may lead to losses or a lower turnover. A SWOT analysis for a business firm should be made once the project or preliminary report has been made. The feasibility plan of the business further helps to look into and measure the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that the organization might have to face. At this stage, it is imperative to form such an analysis because it helps to give the directors and entrepreneurs of the firm an in depth look into the workings of the business and whether or not it will be able to succeed in the future. This can only be decided once the weaknesses and threats have been laid down because they need to be combated strategically, while causing minimum possible harm to the business. Weaknesses and threats need to be either reduced or mitig ated by the business. Yet another option to use these to the firm’s advantage is to convert them into opportunities. As discussed above, many problems can be converted to form opportunities – this can be done if the entrepreneur is dynamic and has excellent knowledge regarding the external business environment as well as the needs of the people and target consumers. Despite this, many management gurus have argued that simply by making use of and implementing a SWOT analysis, a firm cannot succeed. Many firms fail to deliver performance because of not being able to indulge in reporting about the different aspects of the firm with regard to the proper use of financial ratios (to depict the firm’s actual position with respect to its

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Community Health Nusing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Community Health Nusing - Essay Example I learnt to design and implement health education campaigns and diseases prevention activities such as immunization, sex education, abstinence and screenings. To do this, I had to monitor health trends by looking at students’ past health records in order to identify heath risk factors that were unique to Cesar Chavez High School. I believe a person’s health is affected by factors like environmental changes, lifestyle and genetic composition. Effective prevention measures would include health care education, proper nutrition, efficient safety practices, and early detection of common diseases (Appleby et al, 2005). I learnt how to identify and respond to potential health issues. I also learnt about the importance of patient-doctor confidentiality; hence I was able to encourage the students to come for medication irrespective of their medical conditions. Admittedly, the students have changed substantially since I got to Cesar Chavez High School. Most of them have dropped their bad habits. Usually, high school students are curious and tend to pursue satisfaction of their curiosity by experimenting on new things. Some of them were into drugs while others were just naughty and would fake sickness in order to avoid exams. Teen pregnancies were also rampant. Most of them did not take their health seriously because those who were sick would take up to a week before seeking medical attention. This delay was making treatment difficult for me as a nurse. In addition, cleaning the environment was perceived as a punishment to students. I set out to address these issues on the grounds that prevention was better than cure by educating both the staff and the students on the importance of getting rid of health prejudice. In addition, I stressed the importance of disease prevention. For instance, maintaining high hygienic conditions would lower the chances of contacting diseases such as dysentery.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

McDonald's ethics Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

McDonald's ethics - Term Paper Example ald s code of ethics likewise promises to intention any private or open clash that may take the position of budgetary , political , social , monetary and natural stance (Mcdonald s Corporation , 2006 , Online ). Mcdonalds will likewise be transparent on the strategy that they use to determination such clash . For this situation , they will be looking to cultivate great association with all the stake holders . On the budgetary additions , Mcdonalds have the moral obligation of proclaiming the comes back to the shareholders in correctness , prompt , transparent and obliged profundity . The guarantee to maintain the US and non US organizations regulations . The guarantee to act without noxiousness , with sensible forethought and with transparent truths that wont be influenced by any second or outsider weight . The partnership esteems business autonomy that they might want to exhibit to any autonomous second gathering reviewers (Mcdonald s Corporation , 2006 , Online Mcdonalds guarantees to settle on the right choices and translations that are without subordination . The code of morals additionally ties the workers to keep up indispensable organization secrecy unless appropriately approved. They have a guarantee that all representatives will have great stream of correspondence. The will be customarily redesigning the shareholders of any monetary matter that effect on the business. Rewrapping the Big Mac McDonalds was provoked to settle on the sudden choice of changing from the clamshell polystyrene cheeseburger boxes wrap to wrap because of ecological concerns. There were purchaser worries that the polystyrene wraps were contaminating natures domain regardless of the possibility that the organization had the capacity to reuse them in the past. They were currently holding the presumption that the wraps were all the more ecologically sound. Today discharges its fourth Corporate Responsibility Report, themed "Dependable nourishment for a supportable future." The

Friday, November 15, 2019

Strategies to Increase Client Retention in Personal Training

Strategies to Increase Client Retention in Personal Training Devise and support a plan to increase long-term client retention and reduce turnover in a personal training context. INTRODUCTION Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of non-communicable diseases such as Conroy heart diseases, diabetes, and specific types of cancer (World Health Organisation (2010). Withthe development of advance technology, transportation, and household tasks that involves less exertion; this figure is expected to increase (World Health Organisation (2010).With and   an large amount of growing evidence suggesting a positive association between physical activity and physical well-being, less depression, increased cognitive function and slowing down in advancement of Alzheumeirs disease( Rolland et al, 2008).Physical activity is used to define any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that result in energy expenditure (Caspersen, et al 1985)which involves walking, jogging, and rock climbing for example. With physical activity being a vital determinant of energy balance, and is therefore important to weight-weight and obesity. Regular physical activity is associated with both enhanced social and economic capital (Cadilhac, et al 2011).With Society being faced by the rising health care and economic costs in part as a result of physical inactivity, individuals, business government have a mutual interest in the promotion of physical activity. The Majority of adults are aware of the benefits of engaging in regular exercise, with 70% of adults proposing that they would like to do more physical activity(Craig, et al 2009). Regardless of knowing the advantages associated with engaging in regular physical activity, most individuals do not take sufficient exercise to accrue the physical and psychological benefits of exercise. For example, the Health Survey for England (2008) pointed out that only 39% of men and 29% of aged 16 and over met the governments recommendations for physical activity, based the data.   In children aged 2 to 15 years, 32% per cent of boys and 24% of girls were classified as meeting the government recommendations. Most individuals in 2013 (90%) did not know the existing guidelines for the physical activity in the UK. Certainly awareness and knowledge about the benefits of physical are arguably not enough to influence changes in physical activity behaviour. An example being, an evaluation of the gov ernments Change for life campaign suggests an increased awareness, but little change in attitude and behaviour (Croker, et al 2012). Wide arrays of cognitive and psychological variables have been examined as potential links of physical activity adherence (Trost et al, 2002). Between these variables, previous studies have shown that the following are most consistently associated with greater physical activity levels such as fewer perceived barriers, greater enjoyment of physical activity, greater expected benefits, better psychological health, and greater self-efficacy for physical activity, greater self-motivation for physical activity, greater readiness to change and better perceived health for fitness (Sallis Owen 1999) Self-efficacy for physical activity, is described as an individuals confidence in their ability to be physically active on a regular basis, has been one of the strongest and most consistent cognitive correlates of activity level (Rhodes et al, 1999). Both adoption and maintenance is related to self-efficacy in physical activity(Sallis et al, 2007). It has been correlated with physical activity in a variety of settings, which includeslarge population based community samples, exercise groups healthy individuals, and solid exercise programs (Trost et al, 2002). Previous longitudinal studies on Self-efficacy have been shown to predict future physical activity levels (Sallis Owen 1999).In addition, self-efficacy may be improved through training and Morey feedback and therefore could be particularly a vital target for interventions. Perceived barriers also have relate strongly within physical activity. Lack of time is the most common reported barrier within psychical activity among UK sam ples (Dishman, 1994). Other common barriers include lack of facilities, bad weather, safety, lack of exercise partner fatigue or lack of energy, poor health, and being self-conscious about appearance (Trost et al, 2002).Perceived barriers may include subjective and objective components. Objective barriers such lack of exercise facilities may be modified by policy interventions and subjective barriers may be altered through cognitive interventions that disprove beliefs that hamper activity. Therefore the aim of this study is to encourage behaviour change and to increase participation in exercise in client retention. This will be achieved using the trans-theoretical model and to propose strategies to increase long-term client retention and reduce turnover in a personal training. THE TRANS-THEORETICAL MODEL The Trans-theoretical model has been defined as an integrative and comprehensive model of behaviour change that has drawn from all the important theories of psychotherapy (Prochaska Norcass, 1999).The TTM is made up of five stagesprecontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance. This Figure shows each stage of the changes of stage Model (Prochaska, 1992) STAGES OF CHANGE   Ã‚   Stage 1: Precontemplation stage Precontemplation is the stage in which an individual has no intention of adopting a physical activity program. Majority of the Bedford who are sedentary may not understand the value of introducing physical activity into their daily routine. When working with them at this stage, encourage them to consider thinking about change and the several benefits. This is a time to educate the individual about the health risks of inactivity and the value of being physically active. With a fitness professional, it is important for them to validate that fact that the Bedford citizens are not ready to make a change; however they should offer encouragement and information about the benefits of making positive changes to their lifestyle. Stage 2: Contemplation stage Contemplation is the stage where the individual who is currently not active but who have the intention of adopting a physical activity program. An individual in this stage is still sedentary, but has started to think about how a sedentary lifestyle is negatively affecting their health. This individual is not ready to make a change, but is starting to think about physical activity as an option. It is important f as the fitness professional to encourage the client to weigh the pros and cons of a healthy behavioural change, so they can start to understand the benefits and participate in physical activity and make other positive lifestyle modifications. Stage 3: Preparation stage The preparation stage is the stage where the clients are both mentally and physically preparing to adopt a physical activity program (Marcus Owen 1992). The individual is no longer sedentary. They now have begun to partake in some from physical activity (e.g. walking, going to the gym, however, there is no consistency or commitment in this stage (Prochaska et al, 1994). Its important for the fitness professionals to work with the client to create a plan for adopting healthy lifestyle changes and overcoming challenges. This plan may include how to fit physical activity into a busywork schedule, also making healthy food choices when eating out and identifying and creating a social support system. This stage is about creating plans adopt healthy behaviour changes that specific to the client. Stage 4: Action stage The action stage is where an individual has been engaging in regular activity for less than six months. This individual begins to carry out the plan created during the preparation stage. It is important for the fitness professional to offer continuous support and encouragement while helping the individual focus on the long-term advantages if making positive behaviour changes. This is stage goal setting particularly useful. It is also important to teach the client how to anticipate and overcome obstacles that could deter their motivation adherence. Stage 5: Maintenance stage The maintenance stage is where the citizens have been engaged in regular physical-activity program for over six months (Prochaska et al (1992).This client has progressed from the action stage into the maintenance stage, where they maintaining new healthy behaviour changes. It is important for the fitness professional to offer continued inspiration to the citizens so they can maintain the changed behaviour, and to identify those things that might cause a setback. The fitness professionals should take time to work with individual to identify things that could tempt or undermine the positive changes the individual decided on. Furthermore, helping the client to strategize how to prevent these recently identified causes for a setback. The goal of the fitness professional is to provide the citizens with the tools necessary for maintaining positive behaviour changes. Therefore, keeping in mind that citizens may hesitate back and forth between stages Prochaska et al (1992).The shift back and forth may be caused by internal such as changes in self-efficacy and external such as commitment to family, work factors. APPLYING THE SELF-EFFICACY THEORY TO INCREASE LONG TERM RETENTION Self-efficacy is defined as the strength of a persons conviction that they successfully execute those courses of behaviours necessary to bring about specific outcome (Bandura, 1979). According to(Bandura, 1989) self-efficacy affects thoughts patterns that can aid or hinder the individual. An individual with high-self efficacy within physical activity will feel better that they have the ability to be successful in exercise related activates. For example, Fitness professionals will help their clients be more successful if they can guide clients to higher levels of self-efficacy. Essentially, this theory is specific to individual tasks and situations, rather than general situations (Rhodes et al, 1999).The transferability of self-efficacy from one area to another depending comparable two domains is. (Maddux, 1995). For example, if a client has high self-efficacy in the area of sport, it is likely that they will high-efficacy within a similar domain, such as exercise, However, there clearly be less transfer of efficacy to domain that is less similar , such speaking to large group of people. The issue of the transferability is one that fitness professionals should consider when aiming to improve a clients sell-efficacy. Referring back to (Bandura, 2000),self-efficacy influences activity choices, effort of intensity  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   at a task, and persistence when facing obstacles. For example, is the client has low self-efficacy within exercise, they are more likely to avoid exercise. If they do exercise, they be more likely to pic forms of exercise that do not seem challenging, also when obstacles do occur, the client will lower self-efficacy will give up before the client with higher self-efficacy, moreover a client with high efficacy will put more effort into an exercise and be more determined when obstacles occur Bandura, 1990).This difference between clients who have low self-efficacy within exercise and high self-efficacy within exercise is an important distinction personal trainers should contemplate constructing exercise programs and coaching clients. HOW SELF-EFFICACY IMPACTS EXERCISE BEHAVIOR Self-efficacy has been established to have a strong correlation with intense [physical activity. In a survey of 2,053 randomly tested Adults, self-efficacy was found to be the strongest relation to vigorous exercise  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   (Sallis et al, 1989).Poag McAuley, (1992)found that at any exercise intensity, individuals with higher self-efficacy had a lower perceived exertion during exercise in their study that included 67 adult women, exercise efficacy accounted for 11.1% of variance in womens perceived exertion.   This research has direct consequences for health and fitness professionals trying to promote physical fitness and exercise adherence because effort and persistence are two relevant factors in devising a successful exercise program. HOW EXERCISE IMPACTS SELF-EFFICACY Remarkably, self-efficacy and exercise have a mutual relationship. Even though self-efficacy is a determinant of exercise behaviour, exercise is also a source of self-efficacy (McAuley, 1991). This creates situations because people who need the most encouragement to exercise work out the least, due to low efficacy. However, one of the best ways to increase self-efficacy is through exercise, this will also allow clients to maintain long-term exercise program. For example, in a study conducted by (Mihalko McAuley, 1996)94 middle aged participants who previously did not exercise completed a 20-week aerobic exercise program.   Feelings of self-efficacy during a graded exercise test significantly increased pre-program and post program. Self-efficacy and also be improved during the exercise session.   Moderate exercise can increase self-efficacy in clients when evaluated after a gym session (Treasure Newbery, 1998). A study conducted by (Rudolph and Butki, 1998) found that as little as 10 minutes of aerobic exercise could increase moods of self-efficacy. This has implications for fitness professionals who may deal with a hesitant new client during their first apportionment. If the fitness professional can a get a client to begin exercises that they are comfortable with, this will lead to increases self-efficacy and more willingness to try more challenging exercises later in that session or future sessions. RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES TO INCREASE SELF-EFFICACY WITHIN EXPRESS Fitness professionals and fitness clubs can use several psychological techniques to aid in the development of high self-efficacy with their clients. Because self-efficacy is impacted by mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion, and physiological state, it is logical to develop individual and group strategies aimed at increasing self-efficacy through each of these factors. INCREASING SELF-EFFICACY THROUGH SELF PERSUASION Verbal and social persuasion from respected individuals or from positive self-talk is the third source of self-efficacy (McAuley et al, 1994). As proven through in the studies of Weinberg et al, (1994).Verbal persuasioncan is a powerful way to influence self-efficacy. Exercise professionals should actively look for health promoting behaviours that beginners in exercise are performing and then verbally recognise that behaviour. Personal trainers can also provide behavioural contract that exercise can sign. For example, an individual may sign a contract that they will exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 times per week. Finally, self-talk has recently been shown to increase self-efficacy, decrease anxiety, and increase performance during completion of an athletic skill (Mcauley et al, 1994). Personal trainers can educate their clients on positive self-talk routines to help improve exercise performance. Teaching clients use of affirmation statements such as I can do this and Ive done this before and I can do it again can help the client stay focused on a positive result of their routine. INCREASING SELF-EFFICACY THROUGH VICARIOUS EXPERIENCE Vicarious experience is the second source of self-efficacy, can be targeted through important strategies such ad modelling and imagery (McAuley, et al 1991).Using the idea of modelling, a person trainer could share success stories of people similar to their clients have successfully adopted an active lifestyle.   This would help encourage my clients to implant the idea of I can do it too their minds.   Beginning exercises can analyse the habits of successful exercisers to understand how they reach that level.   Personal trainers, whether recognising it or not, regularly use modelling to increase efficacy within clients. For example, a trainer may use a number of modelling techniques to teach an exercise.   When, discussing an exercise, a trainer may point out another exerciser that is performing the exercise properly, then, the personal trainer demonstrates the exercise (vicarious experience) , finally, the trainer may have the client perform the exerciseà ƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   properly in front of a mirror (mastery experience. If the fitness professional finds that the client has family members or a friend who have adopted exercise into the daily routine, this may good model to use to access vicarious experience. It should be noted that the more similar the client is to model, the greater impact that this model should have on the clients Fitzsimmons et al, (1991). INCREASING SELF-EFFICACY THROUGH MASTERY EXPERIENCE The mastery experience stage is the most powerful source of self-efficacy, it is very important to focus on developing the mastery experiences within a clients exercise program. Using past personal successes, goal setting, appropriate exercise program design, and exercise logs are sources of mastery experiences that can increase self-efficacy. Past mastery experiences within domains should be emphasized when increasing a clients self-efficacy for exercise.  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   Having the mentally of Ive done it once, I can do it again is powerful thought process that should be used. If the person has not experienced many mastery experiences in an exercise-related environment, it is essential use to effective goal setting during the beginning of their exercise program to create mastery experiences. Proper goal setting is widely recognised as a powerful source of improved task, which is critical the first phase of an exercise program (Gould, 2001).Developing realistic short-term goals lea d to early exercise success can have effect on increase exercise efficacy throughout the mastery experience stage Fitzsimmons et al, (1991) INCREASING SELF-EFFICACY THROUGH PHYSIOLOGICAL STATE Educating clients about what is going on inside their bodies and the physical sensations to expect during exercise can help them decrease anxiety that they may be feeling about the gym session. Once the clients understand that the feelings as muscular fatigue, as well as reaching and maintaining a high heart rate, are involved in exercise, they more likely to cope with physiological states more effectively.   If a client doesnt point out that they are highly anxious while thinking of exercise, a personal trainer can teach them to use relaxation methods such as deep breathing and positive self-talk to ease anxiety (Gould Udry 1994). CONCLUSION Self-efficacy is an important factor within exercise behaviour for gym members. It can help beginners keep going in the face adversity. Furthermore, it can help the middle aged push to another level of fitness. Also help advanced gym members overcome dramatic relapses such as injuries. Due to the fact self-efficacy are both a predictor and an outcome of exercise, personal trainers and strength and conditioning coaches should understand the role that self-efficacy plays in behaviour and decision making. In addition, they should implement several research based strategies as discussed in this study. Finally, in effort to get the most effect from way to increase self-efficacy in gym clients, fitness professionals main focus in this regards should be creating mastery experiences that will create the foundation for positive exercise behaviour with their clients which also increase long-term client retention and reduce turnover. REFERENCES Bandura A. Human agency in social cognitive theory. Am Psychol 44: 1175-1184, 1989 Cadilhac, D.A., Cumming, T.B., Sheppard, L., Pearce, D.C., Carter, R. Magnus, A. (2011). The economic benefits of reducing physical inactivity: an Australian example. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 8, 99. doi:10.1186/1479-5868-8-99 Caspersen, C.J., Powell, K.E. Christenson, G.M. (1985). Physical activity, exercise and physical fitness: Definitions and distinctions for health-related research. Public Health Reports, 100, 126-31. Craig, R., Mindell, J. Hirani, V. (2009). Health survey for England 2008: Physical activity and fitness. London: The Information Centre. Croker, H., Lucas, R., Wardle, J. (2012). Cluster-randomised trial to evaluate the Change for Life mass media/social marketing campaign in the UK. BMC Public Health, 12, 404. http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/12/404 Dishman, Rod K. Advances in exercise adherence. Human Kinetics Publishers, 1994. Fitzsimmons PA, Landers DM, Thomas JR, and Van der Mars H. Does self-efficacy predict performance in experienced weightlifters. Res Q Sport Exerc 62: 424-431, 1991. Gould D and Udry E. Pyschological skills for enhancing performance: Arousal regulation strategies. Med Sci Sports Exerc 26: 478-485, 1994. Gould DG. Goal setting for peak performance. In: Applied Sport Psychology. William JM, ed. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield, 2001. pp. 190-205. Maddux JE. Self-efficacy theory: An introduction. In: Self- Efficacy, Adaptation, and adjustment: Theory, research, and application. Maddux, JE, ed. New York, NY: Plenum Press, 1995. pp. 3-33. Marcus, B.H. and Owen, N., 1992. Motivational Readiness, Selfà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Efficacy and Decisionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Making for Exercise1. Journal of applied social psychology, 22(1), pp.3-16. McAuley E, Courneya K, and Lettunich J. Effects of acute and long-term exercise on self-efficacy responses in sedentary, middle-aged males and females. Gerontologist 31: 534-542, 1991 McAuley E, Courneya KS, Rudolph DL, and Lox CL. Enhancing exercise adherence in middle-aged males and females. Prev Med 23: 498-506, 1994. Mihalko SL and McAuley E. Self-efficacy and affective responses to acute exercise in middle-aged adults. J Soc Behav Pers 11: 216-223, 1996. Poag KG and McAuley E. Goal setting, self-efficacy, and exercise behavior. J Sport Exerc Psychol 14: 352-360, 1992. Prochaska, J.O. and Norcross, J.C., 1999. Comparative conclusions: toward a transtheoretical therapy. Systems of psychotherapy: A transtheoretical analysis, pp.487-528. Prochaska, J.O., DiClemente, C.C. and Norcross, J.C., 1992. In search of how people change: applications to addictive behaviors. American psychologist, 47(9), p.1102. Prochaska, J.O., Velicer, W.F., Rossi, J.S., Goldstein, M.G., Marcus, B.H., Rakowski, W., Fiore, C., Harlow, L.L., Redding, C.A., Rosenbloom, D. and Rossi, S.R., 1994. Stages of change and decisional balance for 12 problem behaviors. Health psychology, 13(1), p.39. Rhodes RE, Martin AD, Taunton JE, Rhodes EC, Donnelly M, and Elliot J. Factors associated with exercise adherence among older adults: An individual perspective. Sports Med 28: 397-411, 1999. Rhodes RE, Martin AD, Taunton JE, Rhodes EC, Donnelly M, and Elliot J. Factors associated with exercise adherence among older adults: An individual perspective. Sports Med 28: 397-411, 1999. Rolland, Y., Abellan van Kan, G. Vellas, B. (2008). Physical activity and Alzheimers disease: From prevention to therapeutic perspectives. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 9, 390-405. Rudolph D and Butki B. Self-efficacy and affective responses to short bouts of exercise. J Appl Sport Psychol 10: 268-280, 1998 Sallis JF, Hovell MF, Hofstetter CR, Faucher P, Elder JP, Blanchard J, Casperen CJ, Powell KE, and Christenson GM. A multivariate study of determinants of vigorous exercise in a community sample. Prev Med 18: 20-34, 1989. Sallis JF, Kerr J. Built Environment and Physical Activity. PCPFS (Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports) Research Digest. 2006;7(4):1-8. Treasure D and Newbery DM. Relationship between self-efficacy, exercise intensity, and feeling stages in a sedentary population during and following an acute bout of exercise. J Sport Exerc Psychol 20: 1-11, 1998. Trost, Stewart G., Russell R. Pate, James F. Sallis, Patty S. Freedson, Wendell C. Taylor, Marsha Dowda, and John Sirard. Age and gender differences in objectively measured physical activity in youth. Medicine and science in sports and exercise 34, no. 2 (2002): 350-355. Weinberg RS, Hughes HH, Critelli JW, England R, and Jackson A. Effects of preexisting and manipulated self-efficacy on weight loss in a self-control group. J Res Pers 18: 352-358, 1994. World Health Organization. Global recommendations on physical activity for health. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO Press; 2010.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

My Philosophy of Education :: Educational Teaching Teachers Essays

My Philosophy of Education â€Å"In modern times there are opposing views about the practice of education. There is no general agreement about what the young should learn either in relation to virtue or in relation to the best life; nor is it clear whether their education ought to be directed more towards the intellect than towards the character of the soul†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Although Aristotle wrote that passage more than 2,300 years ago; this is still the argument today. Philosophers, teachers, and educators alike, can create as many methods of teaching as they want. It will always come down to the fact of, which is more important or appropriate and is there a better one. There is never going to be that one perfect method of teaching. This is because each student learns differently. The varieties of methods available are there to suit each individual child. There are those students who need more hands on attention, those who do better with independent study, and those who learn things so quickly and thoroughly they’ll only need to hear a theory once and remember it for the rest of their lives. With all of this in mind, I wish we could stop arguing about which is the best theory or method and utilize them all. I think we should focus on what the children need. We should accept and embrace every method available and use them to the fullest capacity. By exposing a child to several methods of teaching, you could discover which method works best for what children. By accomplishing that discovery, you would then know how to help that child get the most out of his or her education. I am a firm believer that as long as an educator believes that every child has the potential to learn and do something great with his or her life, it’s possible. The greater expectations a teacher has the higher achievement they’ll see. There will always be obstacles and problems preventing children from reaching their potential. It’s an educator’s job to learn how to rise above that and demand excellence. For as long as I can remember it has been a passion of mine to influence people in a good way. Causing someone to smile, if even for just a second, has the ability to make my day ten times better.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Judas at the Jockey Club

As an American in the late 1800's, owning a farm was not too uncommon, especially if that farm was located in Mexico. At this time, though, Mexico was in the Porfirian Era (1876-1911). In this certain era, Mexico was being encountered by two very different cultures at the same time: the industrial, and the traditional. These distinctively separate cultures impacting Mexico made it as what can be described as â€Å"backwards† in a sense, as Mexico was practically regressing as the world around it was moving on to bigger and better things.Mexico was so behind that â€Å"many had concluded that Mexico had yet to advance beyond chipped rocks as utensils. † (p. 67). Mexico at this time had locked itself in a stagnancy of its own traditions. The people were simply too anxious towards newer technology to move ahead and replace what they had known for so long. In Mexico at this time, stones were used for nearly every operation executed by the natives. Women that would hand-grin d the meal for tortillas still used a stone roller and slab for the job.They would then take the tortillas and place them upon a hot rock, as stoves were unheard-of at this time. The houses that they lived in also represented the backwardness of the era, as they seemed to replicate that of an Aztec or early Spanish hut with its flat top and adobe construction. In these houses, the Mexicans lacked all types of furniture, even a bed. For sleep, they used what were called petates, which were simple mats to sleep on. They also did not possess any means of heating or cooling, so all resources that they had were to be utilized in many ways.As far as the implementation of new technology goes, Mexico was very stubborn to say the least. As written in the book, â€Å"In near disbelief, a New York Times reporter wrote that Mexicans scarcely understood the use of the wheel. † (p. 72), so it is not entirely difficult to believe that Mexico was still in an ancient lifestyle. Because of thi s lack of transportation technology, many Mexicans at the time would use mules as well as men to transport freight across distances.This was a huge representation of the stunted technological growth that Porfirian Mexico possessed. Another great vision of Mexico's poorly adaptive society was the plow. This plow was described as being â€Å"a long tree branch, with a crook, sometimes faced with an iron, serving as the plowshare. † (p. 72). It also is told to be ox-powered, hooked up to its horns, making it unreliable and at most times inefficient. It was also awfully bad for the ox, as it made the creature push and strain on its neck muscles.On the ranches that did however import plows from the United States, one handle would be removed to replicate the traditional tool that was still used, rather than learning to use the newer and better improved one. Other Agricultural tools were not used in Mexico either, further representing the stubbornness Mexicans possessed toward chang e. Wheat was still harvested by a sickle, rather than a smooth blade. The wheat was not caught by a cradle either, virtually creating more work for the Mexicans overall. No tools were used to thresh the wheat either.Instead, â€Å"the grain was threshed by spreading it in a corral and allowing the animals to trample it for two or three days. † (p. 73). By the time the process was complete, dirt and animal filth was mixed in with the product, making it very much unsanitary. Not only were these Mexicans stubborn to adapting the new technologies, they were hostile as well. After one hacendado had learned that the thresher machine was much more effective and practical, the village priest had declared that it was â€Å"possessed by the devil and forbade the peons to work with it.† (p. 73); the American owner of this machine had to have it exported out of the area to prevent it from being destroyed. Despite the unholy declarations of priests, many villagers naturally opposed using the machines because they left the straw â€Å"whole†. On top of this resistibility to change, the farmers who grew such crops were ignorant to the fact of rotating and resting the fields. They just did not understand the scientific ways that were upon them.One of the next biggest appearances of the ignorance and stubborn acts of Mexican workers at this time was the views they held on the basic tools of the Yankees. As the new technologies of shovels and wheelbarrows were being brought into Mexico, they were being completely disregarded. When Mexicans needed to transfer or transport the earth, they would use what was called a horn scoop, and dump their collected dirt into a leather bag for transportation rather than throwing shovelfuls into a wheelbarrow.An example of wheelbarrow use is told as the following: â€Å"one laborer working on the church loaded his wheelbarrow with bricks, lifted it onto his head, and trudged over to the masons. After emptying it, he replac ed the wheelbarrow on his head and returned to the brick pile for another load. † (p. 74). All means of irrigation were done by transferring the water by means of a pot or bucket. Sometimes other ways were implemented as well, but nonetheless, these was were too known to be dated back to ancient times.The simplicity of it was so neanderthal in style that its told that these methods of irrigation were derived from those used on the Nile hundreds of years before, and not improved on since. Mining as well was un-influenced by the evolving technologies, as the mines hardly differed from what they had been over past years. The workers would dig into the hillside, and use long poles, generally 8-10 feet in length, to escape in and out of the mine. The tools the actual miners utilized was a steel-tipped iron rod, rather than the contemporary pick of the modern age.These drillers, or barrateros, were known as the elite society of the underground, also being paid much better than other s. As far as the ore-transferring process went, it was very dangerous, in the fact of ascending up these wooden poles to the surface. Its said that the workers would rest the bag filled with ore, usually around 150-200 pounds, on his back and begin the ascent. It's also said that the carrier would often have to hold the bag steady with one hand to prevent it from falling, climbing and retaining balance with the other.The process Mexicans used for processing the ore was also deemed very inefficient and mediocre, as â€Å"one engineer estimated that using these techniques Mexican miners took away about 60 percent of the metal contained in the raw ore. † (p. 76). Mexicans also sported yet another downfall, as they relied on rawhide as a crutch for and any all repairs. â€Å"Thongs yoked the plow to the ox, bound cargoes on the backs of mules, stitched together everything that could be laced, tied rails to fence posts, and held rafters in place.† (p. 76).That previous sent ence pretty much sums it up- the idea that â€Å"what a Mexican could not do with rawhide was not worth doing. † (p. 76). Mexicans had virtually eliminated the need for any sort of pins or nails in their society. However, though this rawhide-repairing technique was useful on many things, it would not be accepted let alone effective on machinery. Their means of repair through rawhide put them at a handicap had a repair been needed for any sort of machine, especially one made from cast iron.When a problem like this would emerge, the Mexicans would simply toss that machine aside and no longer worry about it. This furthermore reinforced the ignorance to technology that Mexicans sported. Mexico in this period of time was very much behind technologically. They did not induce change, nor did they embrace it if it was placed in front of them. They faced many disadvantages in the Porfirian Era because of this, but yet, they were not stagnant in their duties. The Mexicans, still using the ancient practices that have been long used by their ancestors, would get the job done.Their work ethic was definitely an admirable one, but the shame of it overall is to think that they could've gotten so much more done had they not been so single-minded toward new technologies. This obvious stubbornness sent them into the regression, or â€Å"backwardness† that they were known for at the time, strongly reinforced by the idea that â€Å"if it's not broken, don't fix it. † Eventually, though, Mexico at this time would be attacked by the Porfirian Liberals, who posted restrictions upon the church and seized lands in attempt to â€Å"modernize† the so very far-behind Mexicans.In response to the attacks, â€Å"these Mexicans under siege confronted modern life in the countryside and the city, and fought to preserve their customs†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (p. 88). Mexicans of this time were just not going to cave in to any foreign force, whether it be a change in technologie s, or a change in customs. They were very stubborn and strong-willed with their beliefs, regardless of who or what was threatening them. That clearly demonstrates why Mexico is not necessarily a place to implant new technologies, especially ones that attempt to improve on their own previous traditions.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Commentary on On Sitting Down to Read King Lear Once Again by John Keats

Commentary on On Sitting Down to Read King Lear Once Again by John Keats POEM : On Sitting Down to Read King Lear Once AgainO golden-tongued Romance with serene lute!Fair plumed Syren! Queen of far away!Leave melodizing on this wintry day,Shut up thine olden pages, and be mute:Adieu! for once again the fierce dispute,Betwixt damnation and impassion'd clayMust I burn through; once more humbly assayThe bitter-sweet of this Shakespearian fruit.Chief Poet! and ye clouds of Albion,Begetters of our deep eternal theme,When through the old oak forest I am gone,Let me not wander in a barren dream,But when I am consumed in the fire,Give me new Phoenix wings to fly at my desire.COMMENTARY :The poem under study was written in 1818 after the completion of John Keats's 4,000-line poem Endymion. We are facing a traditional and fixed form of poem as "Sitting Down to Read King Lear Once Again" is an Elizabethan sonnet composed of fourteen lines which are divided up into three quatrains, that is four-line stanzas, and a final couplet -or two lines of verse.18th-century dep iction of King Lear mourning over ...The rhyming pattern is abba, cddc, efef, gg as, notably "Lute" (l.1) rhymes with "mute" (l.4), "far-away" (l.2) with "day" (l.3) and "dispute" (l.5) with "fruit" (l.8). Moreover, the lines are iambic pentameters since they contain five iambic feet for instance :_ / _ / _ / _ / _ /"O Gol/den-tongued /Romance, /with se/rene Lute!"Like most of Keats's poems, this text deals with the speaker's encounter with something which incites him to meditate and alters significantly his vision of life. It is the perusal of King Lear written by William Shakespeare in 1605 which affects him this time and this is not a first reading judging by the presence of "Once Again" in the title. Keats was a...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Free Essays on Theory

Howard Zinn is a remarkable man. His diligence and ambition towards social change is very admirable. His book, You Can’t Be Neutral on an Moving Train, is an autobiography about his experiences in several social movements and his intricate part in fighting for his beliefs. He chronicles his experiences beginning with his working class background from his tour of duty in World War I, to tenure at Spelman College, and to his disposition of the Vietnam War. Going south to Atlanta was an eye opener to the oppression and Jim Crow south were he was not in his environment of the north in New York City. He was not concerned that he would be working at a Negro school, but it was just another job that paid the bills. He did not go there expecting to play a role in the beginnings of the Civil Rights Movements. His presence at Spelman brought a new spirit to the women that urged them to fight for what was right and that was their basic human rights as a citizen in this country. His first encounter he writes on was a trip to a Georgia State Legislature session where he and his students were forced to sit in the colored section in the balcony when they purposely sat on the area reserved for whites on the main floor. They reluctantly moved, but this bold action would be followed by more and more resistance to express their confidence in fighting for change. They proceeded to fight the segregated public library system where the whites had access to many more resources than blacks. The students did it non-violently by many of them walking in one at a time insisting that some historical documents that shaped our country on democracy like An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, On Liberty, and Common Sense, be available to them. They did this for a period of time as the pressure on the libraries built up and a lawsuit was in question. This small but huge action desegregated the Atlanta public library system. During his time at Spelman he help... Free Essays on Theory Free Essays on Theory Howard Zinn is a remarkable man. His diligence and ambition towards social change is very admirable. His book, You Can’t Be Neutral on an Moving Train, is an autobiography about his experiences in several social movements and his intricate part in fighting for his beliefs. He chronicles his experiences beginning with his working class background from his tour of duty in World War I, to tenure at Spelman College, and to his disposition of the Vietnam War. Going south to Atlanta was an eye opener to the oppression and Jim Crow south were he was not in his environment of the north in New York City. He was not concerned that he would be working at a Negro school, but it was just another job that paid the bills. He did not go there expecting to play a role in the beginnings of the Civil Rights Movements. His presence at Spelman brought a new spirit to the women that urged them to fight for what was right and that was their basic human rights as a citizen in this country. His first encounter he writes on was a trip to a Georgia State Legislature session where he and his students were forced to sit in the colored section in the balcony when they purposely sat on the area reserved for whites on the main floor. They reluctantly moved, but this bold action would be followed by more and more resistance to express their confidence in fighting for change. They proceeded to fight the segregated public library system where the whites had access to many more resources than blacks. The students did it non-violently by many of them walking in one at a time insisting that some historical documents that shaped our country on democracy like An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, On Liberty, and Common Sense, be available to them. They did this for a period of time as the pressure on the libraries built up and a lawsuit was in question. This small but huge action desegregated the Atlanta public library system. During his time at Spelman he help...