Reciprocity In All Its Forms Essay -- Essays Papers

Correspondence In All Its Forms Correspondence is representative of making, keeping up, or reinforcing social connections just as fulfilling the material needs and needs of somebody out of luck. It alludes to the trading of items without the utilization of cash or other media of trade. It can appear as sharing, friendliness, endowments, or dealing. Anthropologists recognize three types of correspondence. One structure is summed up correspondence, which is the giving of merchandise without desire for an arrival of equivalent incentive at any positive future time. Summed up correspondence happens essentially between people who are genuinely appended to each other and have an obligation to help each other based on need. In the United States, guardians who furnish their kids with cover, food, vehicles, school instructions, and intrigue free advances are rehearsing summed up correspondence. Giving without the desire for a snappy and proportionate return ought to likewise happen between certain different sorts of social relations, for example, spouses and husbands, kin, and some of the time dear companions. Among specific gatherings of individuals a larger number of merchandise are traded utilizing this structure than some other. For instance, most individuals from little chasing and assembling bunches are required to share food and be liberal with their assets. Summed up correspondence oc curs in every single human populace and is the prevailing method of trade in little gatherings where all or most individuals are family members. Another structure is adjusted correspondence, in which the items traded are relied upon to have generally equivalent worth. Besides, another trademark is that there is no bartering between the gatherings. The arrival might be normal quickly, or at whatever point the supplier requests it, or by some predetermined... ... correspondence into another can be utilized as a method of changing the idea of a social relationship. Since the type of correspondence rehearsed between two people is identified with the level of social separation between them, the social separation can be diminished or expanded by one gathering starting another type of trade. For instance, somebody can move someone else nearer by probably starting a relationship of adjusted correspondence. Taking everything into account, types of correspondence will in general be related with sorts of social relations, so the correspondence rehearsed between individuals changes as their relationship changes. Individuals can utilize correspondence to accomplish social objectives. For instance, individuals can send positive or negative messages by either responding or declining to respond endowments or solicitations. In conclusion, correspondence can be utilized as a method of shortening or extending social separation.

Native American Paper Essay

In the pre-Columbian time when the Europeans had not yet found the â€Å"New World† there lived numerous particular yet additionally comparative clans that controlled the whole way across. Numerous clans existed during this time of success for the Native Americans. A couple of its fundamental clans are the Cherokee, Iroquois, Navajo, and Sioux who were all extraordinary in their own particular manner. Right off the bat, the Cherokee were comprised of seven families with which each had an alternate reason and occupation. The names and employments of the considerable number of clans in English are Long Hair which sends the Peace Chief, Blue who is the most established; Wolf to ensure groups, Wild Potato is the attendant of the land (gatherers), Deer is the quickest sprinters and trackers, Bird sends errand people, and finally Paint are the medication individuals. The conviction framework for the Cherokee was that acceptable is compensated and fiendish is rebuffed. One fundamental item they utilized was waterway stick making and utilizing it for numerous reasons. The Trail of Tears was a significant piece of the Cherokee past since they utilized it to move to an alternate region. (Data for the Cherokee Paragraph: Secondly, the Iroquois were comprised up of a limited quantity of clans, for example, Cayuga, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora. The primary Iroquois believed themselves to be a prevalent people which brought down their numbers as time passed by. One more explanation the numbers went down was on the grounds that they joined the British during the Revolutionary War. The conviction of the Iroquois was that they ought not slaughter one another and a feeling of inner solidarity. The manner in which the Iroquois endure was through a political framework. (Data for the Iroquois Paragraph:? http://www. tolatsga. organization/iro. html).

Fluoxetine Side Effects and Controversies

Fluoxetine Side Effects and Controversies Phobias Types Print Fluoxetine Side Effects and Controversies By Lisa Fritscher Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer and editor with a deep interest in phobias and other mental health topics. Learn about our editorial policy Lisa Fritscher Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Claudia Chaves, MD on July 29, 2016 Claudia Chaves, MD, is board-certified in cerebrovascular disease and neurology with a subspecialty certification in vascular neurology. Learn about our Medical Review Board Claudia Chaves, MD Updated on August 13, 2019 Jonathan Nourok / The Image Bank / Getty Images More in Phobias Types Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment Prozac is the brand name of the drug fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).  SSRIs are second-generation antidepressants, which means they are newer than first-generation medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). As serotonin is involved in the regulation of anxiety as well as mood, clinicians sometimes prescribe SSRIs for phobia treatment, particularly social phobia. Serotonin Basics Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that carries signals  between neurons in the brain. SSRIs, including fluoxetine, slow the rate at which the brain reabsorbs serotonin, allowing it to spend more time in the space between neurons, known as the synaptic gap. This, in turn, allows the serotonin to transmit additional signals to the neurons. Taking Fluoxetine Fluoxetine is available by prescription only and in a variety of strengths. Clinicians prescribe it for daily or weekly use. Although you may begin to feel better right away, fluoxetine often takes a while to work and need to be in your system over time. If you have questions or concerns, call your physician for instructions. Never attempt to adjust your dosage or medication schedule without professional guidance. The Danger of Suicidality in Children and Young Adults Fluoxetine is one of the only antidepressants approved for clinically depressed youths. However, there is some controversy surrounding its use.  Speak to your doctor, or your childs doctor, about the risks and benefits of fluoxetine in order to make an informed decision. In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration began requiring all SSRIs, including fluoxetine, to carry a black box warning that stresses the increased risk for suicidality in children and adolescents. A black-box warning is the most stringent warning a drug can carry before the FDA pulls it from the shelves. In 2007, the FDA ordered a review, expanded the directive to include anyone 24 years old or younger and added warnings to the black box about the higher risk of suicidality during the first 1 to 2 months of treatment. The review examined data from a group of more than 2,1000 children taking SSRI medications, about 4 percent experienced suicidal thoughts, including suicide attempts, but none of the children were successful at taking their own life.   More recent reviews suggest that the benefits of antidepressant medications likely outweigh their potential risks to children and adolescents with major depression and anxiety disorders. Drug Interactions According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, fluoxetine can interact with a long list of other medications. As a special precaution for fluoxetine, do not take it if you have taken any monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, and do not begin an MAOI within five weeks after discontinuing fluoxetine or any other SSRI. Other medications that could interact with fluoxetine include: A variety of mood disorder treatmentsSeizure medicationsNSAID pain relieversMigraine treatments Natural remedies such as St. Johns wort also interact with fluoxetine and other SSRIs. Make sure your doctor is aware of all prescription, over-the-counter, and natural remedies you use. Always seek professional advice before taking anything new while taking fluoxetine. Avoid alcohol and sedatives. Side Effects of Fluoxetine Drowsiness or nervousness may occur, particularly when you first start taking it fluoxetine. If youre having side effects from your medication, contact your doctor immediately. Avoid driving and operating heavy machinery until you know how you react to the medication Fluoxetine can cause a variety of side effects, including, but not limited to: NauseaTremorSexual side effectsExcessive sweating

Hegemonic Masculinity in the Media - 1080 Words

Hegemonic masculinity can be defined as â€Å"the cultural idealized form of masculine character, which emphasizes the connecting of masculinity to toughness and competitiveness as well as the subordination of women and the marginalization of gay men† (Trujillo, 1991, p. 290). We live society were male dominance is the order of the day, from the family arena to the workplace, and in sports in which individuals with certain characteristics and attributes as seen as normal and the rest are termed as the â€Å"other†. This paper will focus on how hegemonic masculinity has been mediated through the media, by creating gender gaps. Furthermore, it is important to note that the media is important sources that orchestrate the perception of individuals in†¦show more content†¦Cooky, Messner, Hextrum indicated that the coverage of women’s sports is the lowest ever irrespective of the increased participation of girls and women in sports at high school collegiate a nd professional level (240). For instance KABC a Los Angeles televise new sports, spent less than 30secs of their sports segment covering the women’s U.S golf Opening on the LGPGA tour (240). Also the rare moments when women’s’ sports receives coverage from mainstream news media, the media trivializes women athleticism or reproduces a narrow stereotypical representation of female athleticism that draws sexist and/or racist ideologies (206). In their examination of print media they found that men were overrepresented in the sports newsroom (Cooky, Messner, Hextrum, 207). For instance, 94% of sports editors, 89% of copy editors, 89% of assistant sports editors, 87% of sports reporters and 88% of columnist are all male, the majority are white (207). However, this conveys the message that sports is for, by and about men. Trujillo, on the other hand, gave five features that depict hegemonic masculinity: physical force and control, occupational achievement, family hi erarchy, frontiermanship and heterosexuality (291). He proposed that history and dominant groups have successfully persuaded many Americans to believe that sports builds manly character and develop physical fitness, realizes justice and prepare young men for war (Trujillo,Show MoreRelatedHegemonic Masculinity Essay1114 Words   |  5 Pagesthan not people get their ideas of masculinity from the shows and movies they watch throughout their lives. In the article Hegemonic masculinity in media contents, by Peter J. Kareithi, he focuses much more specifically on how the media has presented it to the public, and less of the why, and how it started. The paper by Connell and Messerschmidt, Hegemonic Masculinity: Rethinking the Concept, does a much better job at explaining the history of hegemonic masculinity and how it came to be. Though togetherRead MoreThe Theory Of The Glass Ceiling Metaphor Essay1628 Words   |  7 Pagesof research was hegemonic masculinity theory. Hegemonic masculinity began as a field study that sought to discuss masculinity and the experience of men’s bodies (Connell Messerschmidt, 2005). The theory developed from the premise of cultural hegemony that analyzes power relations among the social classes in a society (Connell Messerschmidt, 2005). The term hegemonic defines cultural dynamics of a social group that dominant position in a social hierarchy. Hegemonic masculinity theory is used acrossRead MoreMasculinity and Gender Roles1232 Words   |  5 Pagesdeveloped by and represented through popular cultural media such as advertisements, music, sports, and entertainment television (Soulliere 2006). The article â€Å"Wrestling with Masculinity: Messages about Manhood in the WWE† by Danielle M. Soulliere (2006), examines messages about manhood revealed by televised professional wrestling (Soulliere 1). Messages concerning masculinity and manhood were investigated and compared to the cultural version of masculin ity (Soulliere 2006). Soulliere’s research proves thatRead MoreHegemonic Masculinity : Characters And Plot Of The Popular Sitcom Two And A Half Men1720 Words   |  7 Pageshow the production of hegemonic masculinity and subordinate masculinity in the show reinforce the idea of hegemonic masculinity as the only real form of manliness accepted by society’s standards of an â€Å"ideal man.† Effeminate masculinity, a subordinate form of masculinity, is not represented in the show in a positive light rather, it is mocked. The characters that play these roles are Charlie, who plays the hyper masculine role, and Alan, who plays the effeminate masculinity role. Alan’s role is inferiorRead MoreSexuality, Identity And Media Audiences Essay1567 Words   |  7 PagesMDIA 208 Media Audiences Faith Holloway 300314105 Sexuality, Identity and Media Audiences Drawing upon qualitative audience studies, this essay aims to discuss the extent to which sexuality plays a role in media audience’s identity construction. Furthermore, this essay argues that sexuality is significantly influenced by hegemonic discourse surrounding masculinity and heteronormativity. Foucault eludes to this idea nothing that both â€Å"†¦ the formation of identities and practices are related to, orRead MoreCriminalization Vs Criminalization982 Words   |  4 Pagespeople outside of the dominant social norms is labeled as a criminal, and is influenced by racism, sexism, and nationalism ideologies. In criminalization, laws are made to make certain bodies and acts criminal, and is a multi-step practice in which media representation helps shape popular views of criminal behavior and criminals. Examples are laws forbidding homosexuality and minimum sentencing for possession of drugs. A person can be criminalized for same-sex loving because it falls out of domi nantRead MoreMasculinity, Masculinity And Violence1728 Words   |  7 Pagesmany gender systems, masculinity is an expression of male gender that can vary based upon culture and society. Many cultures uphold a set of standards and expectations that an individual must maintain in order to be considered masculine. Several of these expectations can often be dangerous, violent, or even abusive. In particular with a focus on the two-sex, two-gender system of Western, patriarchal society, this paper will investigate the correlation between enforced masculinity and violence. AccordingRead MoreMasculinity Essay1321 Words   |  6 PagesConstruction of Masculinity According to Connell, there are four masculinities present in our society: hegemonic, complicit, marginalized, and subordinate. Hegemonic masculinity is the dominant form of masculinity in society. It is culturally valued as the most type of masculinity. Connell states that the qualities of hegemonic masculinity include heterosexuality, whiteness, physical strength, and suppression of emotions. When men do not fit the characteristics of hegemonic masculinity but they do notRead MoreThe Representation Of Gender Masculinity1729 Words   |  7 Pagesthrough hegemonic constructions formed through colonisation. Due to being constructed by this dominant ideology, which in terms of a New Zealand context is Pakeha and male (Hegemony), the construction of masculinity appears natural. This hegemonic masculinity is so naturalised it becomes invisible and we don’t see or think about it. Law, R (1997) states that â€Å"The concept of hegemonic masculinity allows for us to theorise the s imultaneous existence of different constructions of masculinity, the socialRead MoreGender As A Primary Cultural Frame1517 Words   |  7 Pagesbetween women and men and placement in sex category is both relevant and enforced, doing gender is unavoidable† (West and Zimmerman 1987:137). By analyzing social media, we can see how pervasive gender identities are outside of physical social interactions. For my analysis, I decided to gather my data from one of the popular forms of social media, Facebook. One of the patterns found in the collected data was of the â€Å"fag discourse† in which homophobia is central to constructing masculine identity (Pascoe

The Corruption Of The World - 1098 Words

Corruption in society often stems from unbalanced power. Greek dramatist, Euripides uses his plays as ways to suggest that power is a large component in the corruption of man. In Euripidean tragedies, those who have the most to lose are often the ones that suffer the most. Such is the case in his plays, Trojan Women, Medea, and the Bacchae. Trojan Women begins with Athena and Poseidon discussing the Trojan War and Troy in its post-war state. Troy has been destroyed, the women and children enslaved, and the gods are not happy, despite Athena’s original support for the Greeks throughout the war. In their victory, the Greeks have managed to disgrace temples and corrupt sacred people. Athena, who was a major factor in the Greeks’ victory, is so outrage by the corruption and disrespect shown by the Greeks that she has now decided to ask Poseidon (who aided the Trojans) to help her â€Å"†¦do some evil to them† (73). This reconciliation between Athena and Poseidon shows the extent of the victors’ havoc. The Greeks are so proud of the power that they have acquired that they no longer feel the need to respect and fear the gods who helped them. Through this victory and discussion between the gods, Euripides can be understood as commenting on the Athenian victory at Melos, and the slaughter of its people that happened before the production of this play. The fate that Poseidon agrees to inflict upon the Greeks, â€Å"That mortal who sacks fallen cities is a fool if he gives the temples and theShow MoreRelatedIs Corruption A World Issue?1397 Words   |  6 Pagesresearch a global issue which, from our opinion was affecting the world and divulge as much of that information as possible to be able to share with the class as well as make an informed monologue about said topic. My topic of choice is corruption. â€Å"A world Issue can be defined as a situation or problem that occurs on a global scale that has long lasting impacts and requires a complex solution† (World Issues class 2015-2016). Corruption definitely occurs on a global scale. Not all of these instancesRead MoreTheme Of Corruption In Brave New World794 Words   |  4 PagesIn Brave New World, Aldous Huxley uses diction and specific details in order to convey a theme of a corrupt, brainwashed society that reflects the community during the era of the 1930s. During the 1930s, people were beginning to be taught to do what is â€Å"needed† in order to have a happy life. The individuals in Huxley’s Brave New World are â€Å"conditioned† to do the same thing. Whether these actions include using drugs, being sexually active, or providing a predestined life for each individual. The societyRead MoreThe World Bank s Anti Corruption Policy Essay1330 Words   |  6 Pagesquestion of whether the World Bank’s Anti-Corruption policy can be improved through the adaption of a Political Economy Analysis (PEA) framework. Since John Wolfensohn, then President of the World Bank, addressed the ‘cancer of corruption’ as a major impediment to growth in 1996 the World Bank has adopted a mounting concern over corruption. Today, the Bank’s fixation on corruption incorporates concerns over ‘good governance’, particularly in underdeveloped countries. Corruption and governance are politicalRead MoreCorruption Of Somalia After World War II1817 Words   |  8 Pages CORRUPTION IN SOMALIA FINAL GRADUATE PAPER Mohammad mohammad Brief geography and history In the late 1800’s, European colonialism came to Somalia. Especially in areas away from the coast, they fought in a fierce way. In the end, most of Somalia came to be under the control of Britain, France or Italy. World War II brought about further fighting in the region, as Somalia’s ocean access is strategic. After World War IIRead MorePolice Corruption Is Very Common All Over The World934 Words   |  4 Pages Police corruption is very common all over the world. Although corruption exists in other professions it hardly is ever brought up in the spotlight. Police corruption is defined as the social contract being broken by police officers for personal and professional gains. Along with corruption come disloyalty, low morale, lies and toxic employees. There are numerous reports circulating as to why police corruption occurs. Corruption can also include brutality from police officers. There are two typesRead MoreEssay on Ethics and Corruption in Governments Around the World1384 Words   |  6 Pageswhich one can decide what actions are permissible and what actions are not. Government ethics constitutes the application of ethical rules and norms to the government. It covers issues of honesty and transparency in government, political corruption, police corruption, bribery, legislative ethics, regulatory ethics, conflict of interest, avoiding the appearance of impropriety, open government, and legal ethics. In India, bureaucracy is arranged in a way that people can move up the ladder only on theRead MoreCorruption Perception Index World Wide Ranking Map1561 Words   |  7 Pages Corruption Perception Index world wide ranking map Figure 1 : CPI, Corruption Perception Index Figure 2 : Countries 1 to 95 Rank Figure 3 : Countries 95 to 182 Rank As shown in the Corruption perception Index ranking China ranks at 75 vs Mexico 100 Mexico Employment Mexican work law perceives and ensures the fundamental unalienable privileges of Employees, controls manager worker relations, and sets up the working conditions for workers. The Federal Labor Law (FLL) characterizes aRead MoreHow Corruption Affects The Public And Private Sectors Of Our World1306 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Corruption is a multidimensional phenomenon with numerous causes and effects in the public and private sectors of our world. This dark trend has no boundaries, it is found in every country ranging from the economic leaders down to the least developed nations. The official definition given for corruption by Transparency International is â€Å"the abuse of entrusted power for private gain† (TI). The problem of corruption has been seen either as a structural problem of politics and economicsRead MoreSocial Media Is Bad For The Teenager Aspect Of Life By Causing World Corruption1549 Words   |  7 PagesSocial media is bad for the teenager aspect of life by causing world corruption in many ways. Social media can change and become cyberbullying, social outcasting, lack of communication skills, and most of all, not being able to find whom you can become. This is not only through social media, but also video games, television, and self-reflection caused through these. Social media have progressed so far that communicating through face to face talks don’t seem as appealing anymore. There is Skype whereRead MoreThe Absolute Biggest Threat That Our World Faces Today Is Global Mass Corruption Essay1512 Words   |  7 PagesThe absolute biggest threat that our world faces today is global mass corruption. A comprehensive report suggests that Afghanistan, Somalia, and North Korea are among worst regions in terms of corruption. Transparency International is the firm in which has established the Corruption Perceptions Index. The index is based on the collaborated global professional opinion of many intellects in order to define the measured perceived levels of public sector corruption. The score a nation receives in the

Administration considerations for reliable and valid assessments Free Essays

Reliability and validity in assessment are of crucial importance.   Issues in administration can have a significant impact on the reliability and validity of assessment results and the inferences that are made about students’ performance based on these results. It is essential therefore that proper techniques of administration be adopted in ensuring that the integrity of assessments is preserved and that the inference made about students’ performance are indeed reliable and valid. We will write a custom essay sample on Administration considerations for reliable and valid assessments or any similar topic only for you Order Now Administration considerations will differ based on the nature of the assessment, whether it is formal or informal. For formal assessments there are usually pre-established guidelines for the examiner to oversee the administration of the assessment instrument. It is important that the examiner familiarize him/herself with the proper techniques of administering the specific test so that the reliability and validity of the test can be ensured and preserved. While the assessment may not require formal training to develop competence the test administrator must understand the protocols of the test, understand what is expected of the students, and follow correct and exact procedures during test administration to ensure that equal and fair conditions are provided for all students. McLoughlin and Lewis (2005) caution that â€Å"measures administered by untrained testers produce highly questionable results that must be considered invalid† ( p. 90). It is therefore essential that examiners are comfortable with all exam procedures and follow these explicitly to avoid invalidating the results produced from such tests. Additionally the tester must also be sensitive to the needs of the students during assessment. The examiner cannot â€Å"praise, prompt or give information† (McLoughlin Lewis, 2005, p. 94). Examiners must understand correct protocol during test administration. Certain practices should be avoided. The examiner should refrain from confirming or correcting (McLoughlin Lewis, 2005, p. 95) students’ responses during the test as well as they should avoid coaching students in order to elicit correct responses. Depending on the purpose and nature of the test the examiner may be permitted to repeat oral items for students. The examiner should also encourage students to complete or respond to all items on the test and may use questioning during tests to encourage students to respond to items. Evidently the ability of the tester to adequately preside over the test is a very critical issue in ensuring that test results are valid and reliable. The test administrator sets the pace and the outcome of the test pivots around his/her ability to ensure transparency. By ensuring that the tester is adequately prepared for the test the possibility of incorrect administration procedures will be avoided. The test environment should also be such as provides an atmosphere in which the students can work successfully. As McLoughlin and Lewis (2005) indicate, â€Å"this environment can influence test performance† (p. 90). The test environment should be as comfortable as possible for all students, with good ventilation, adequate and comfortable seating for each student where necessary, adequate space for writing, appropriate lighting, comfortable temperature, minimal external disruptions, minimal distractions such as a view through a window, passersby, other individuals passing freely in and out of the examination room or other visual distractions such as posters. Additionally the examiner has to ensure that all material required for the test are present including material students will need to complete test items. While it is ideal that the test environment is free of all these encumbrances, all these conditions do not have to be satisfied to ensure the validity and reliability of the test. In some instances some aspects of the environment, though they are not at their optimal levels, may not affect students’ performance. However, it is difficult to determine how students’ performance will be affected by the environment and thus the examiner should attempt to ensure that the setting is as close to ideal as possible. The examiner could also exercise discretion during test administration to determine if the location of the exam needs to be changed or the exam discontinued completely because of environment. It is not far fetched that a well-prepared environment becomes inappropriate at some point during the exam. Based on the reaction of the students the examiner could determine if the distractions or disruptions are sufficient enough to affect student performance. These provisions ensure that, as far as possible, no external factors negatively impact student performance and that students are adequately provided with the right tools with which to reap success. Another consideration is the preparation of the students for the test. Students should be adequately informed of the time, date, location and purpose of the test as well as be aware of what exactly is required of them. The time of day is of extreme importance. Researches have been conducted to determine the time of day that will produce the optimal results for students. Recently Hansen, Janssen, Schiff, Zee and Dubocovich (2005) found that students were more vigorous during the evening than in the morning and thus were in a better frame of mind to complete tests. It is difficult, however, for examiners of standardized test to have any impact on the time of administration since often the examining body has a preset time for completion. Another administration consideration is the rapport between the students and the examiner. McLoughlin and Lewis (2005) recommend that the examiner familiarizes him/herself with the students and help them   feel at ease with the examiner. The examiner should also explain the purpose of and orient them towards the test. This includes describing test activities, length and difficulty of the test. The examiner should also inform students of proper exam protocol, informing them how to ask for assistance during the test as well as explain to them any timing signals that may be given. The examiner should encourage students to ask questions about aspects of the test administration that they are uncertain about. Adequate provisions should be made for students to have a break, if possible, during a lengthy test so as to â€Å"ward off fatigue† (McLoughlin Lewis, 2005, p. 99). These practices would ensure that students know what is expected of them before the test begins so that no time is wasted during the test. The procedures for administering informal classroom assessment are much the same. The classroom teacher should ensure that students are adequately prepared for the test, are aware of the test objectives, are given adequate time to complete it and that no unfair assistance is provided to any student. Also the teacher should make sure the environment is conducive to testing with convenient seating and minimal opportunity for cheating. Additionally in administrating certain types of assessment such as observations and interviews, the teacher has to ensure that the objectives to be tested are clearly laid out, with clearly outlined criteria for scoring so that bias is avoided and each student is scored fairly. The use of rating scales, rubrics and checklists help to ensure that assessment is focused and that the correct behaviors are being observed. However at times a teacher may later find that these instruments do not adequately measure all the attributes and that certain key attitudes are not catered for. This is one disadvantage with rating scales and checklists, if a student displays a positive behavior that is not outlined in the rating scale no provision is made for it and the child is disadvantaged. The purpose of assessment is to ensure that each students has an equal chance of performing at their best in the test and thereby demonstrate to the examiner whether or not they possess certain skills, knowledge or attitudes. Therefore once the examiner adopts these administration considerations the possibilities of measurement error are diminished and test administration conditions will have minimal, if any, negative effect, on student outcome. Students will therefore be able to meaningfully demonstrate their knowledge, skills and attitudes to the teacher. References Hansen, M., Janssen, I., Schiff, A., Zee, P. C. Dubocovich, M. L. (2005). The impact of school daily schedule on adolescent sleep. Pediatrics, 115, 1555–1561. McLoughlin, J. A. Lewis, R. B. (2005). Assessing students with special needs. (6th ed.). NJ: Prentice-Hall/Merrill. How to cite Administration considerations for reliable and valid assessments, Papers

Lovely People Do Stupid Things Essays - Their Eyes Were Watching God

Lovely People Do Stupid Things Lovely People Do Stupid Things How is love to influence our lives? Love-struck people do crazy things to express how they care for that particular person yet it is a long and windy road to these actions. It is down this path that experience spawns and trouble and happiness are felt. Janie Crawford of Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God, shows the road through the steps of her three relationships. These relationships, though not fulfilling ones, conclude in bettering Janie's search and understanding of life. Johnny Taylor, Janie's first kiss and gatekeeper to her future, When Janie was sixteen, she embarked on a sexual awakening. Johnny Taylor was a poor young man who lived in the Florida area. Janie allowed him to kiss her over the fence. Unfortunately, Nanny saw everything. With Nanny's horrendous background of sinful deeds done to her, she wanted the best for Janie. As she saw the kiss, the doors of life opened for Janie and Nanny wasn't going to have her make the same mistakes that she had. Yet, Nanny had been impregnated under the circumstances of being a slave and this was not the case for Janie. Nanny stated that ?black women were the mules of the world?, but she didn't want Janie to be a mule. She wanted to see Janie in a secure situation before she died, and Logan Killicks could provide that. Janie did not want to marry Logan, but she did so because Nanny told her ?that she would eventually come to love him.? Ironically, Logan wanted to force Janie into the servitude that Nanny feared. Also, he was disappointed that Janie never returned his affection and attraction. If he could not possess her through love, he would possess her by demanding her submission. At heart, his actions arose from the fear that Janie would leave him. Two months after her marriage to Logan, Janie visited Nanny to ask when she would start loving him. Nanny berated Janie for not appreciating Logan's wealth. Although Logan pampered Janie for a year, he began complaining that she was spoiled. That night, Logan criticized Janie for being spoiled and lazy. Janie voiced his deepest fears when she suggested that she might leave him. Logan reminded her of her family's reputation, hoping to hurt her feelings. Turning to these drastic of measures blew Janie into a frenzy and she left with a smooth-talking gen tleman that very next day. Janie chose to leave Logan for Jody because he revived her dreams of love in marriage. Her first marriage had taught her that marriage and love do not go hand in hand. However, she still believed that love was the best motivation for marriage. Jody promised that he would never turn Janie into a common pack mule. He promised her that she would reap all the benefits of his work. His words eerily echo Nanny's dream of respectability and financial security for Janie. However, Janie didn't marry Jody because of these promises. She married him because he inspired the feelings she had experienced while sitting under the blossoming peach tree when she was sixteen and the moment her womanhood became crystal clear. Ironically, Janie's marriage to Jody was the very embodiment of Nanny's dreams for her. Unlike Logan, he did not make her a pack mule. He gave her financial security and respectability. However, the marriage was largely an unhappy union. Janie could not be herself around Jody. Moreover, Jody still used Janie as a garbage even though he gave her wealth and respectability. So it seems that Nanny's worst fears and her highest hopes were realized in Janie's second marriage. It was until one afternoon in the store that she met a lofty yet handsome young man who went, strangely enough, by the name of Tea Cake. Tea Cake's courtship was different from that of Logan and Jody. Janie's first marriage was more of a contract of sale between Nanny and Logan than anything else. Janie's second marriage was an escape from the first one. Moreover, it was based on disappointed dreams. Jody courted her by talking about himself and his dreams. Tea Cake, on the other hand, pursued Janie with a more romantic flair.

Biography of Norma McCorvey, Roe in Roe v. Wade

Biography of Norma McCorvey, 'Roe' in Roe v. Wade Norma McCorvey (September 22, 1947–February 18, 2017) was a young pregnant woman in Texas in 1970 without the means or funds to have an abortion. She became the plaintiff known as Jane Roe in Roe v. Wade, which was decided in 1973 and became one of the most famous Supreme Court decisions of the 20th century. McCorveys identity was hidden for another decade but, during the 1980s, the public learned about the plaintiff whose lawsuit struck down most abortion laws in the United States. In 1995, McCorvey made news again when she declared she had changed to a pro-life stance, with newfound Christian beliefs. Fast Facts: Norma McCorvey Known For: She was Roe in the famous Supreme Court abortion case Roe. v. Wade.Also Known As: Norma Leah Nelson, Jane RoeBorn: Sept. 22, 1947 in Simmesport, LouisianaParents: Mary and Olin NelsonDied: Feb. 18, 2017 in Katy, TexasPublished Works: I Am Roe (1994), Won by Love (1997)Spouse: Elwood McCorvey (m.  1963–1965)Children: Melissa (Nothing is publicly known of the two children McCorvey gave up for adoption.)Notable Quote: â€Å"I wasn’t the wrong person to become Jane Roe. I wasn’t the right person to become Jane Roe. I was just the person who became Jane Roe, of Roe v. Wade. And my life story, warts and all, was a little piece of history.† Early Years McCorvey was born on Sept. 22, 1947, as Norma Nelson to Mary and Olin Nelson. McCorvey ran away from home at one point and, after returning, was sent to reform school. After the family moved to Houston, her parents divorced when she was 13. McCorvey suffered abuse, met and married Elwood McCorvey at age 16, and left Texas for California. When she returned, pregnant and frightened, her mother took her baby to raise. McCorveys second child was raised by the father of the baby with no contact from her. McCorvey initially said that her third pregnancy, the one in question at the time of Roe v. Wade, was the result of rape, but years later she said she had invented the rape story in an attempt to make a stronger case for an abortion. The rape story was of little consequence to her lawyers because they wanted to establish a right to abortion for all women, not just those who had been raped. Roe v. Wade Roe v. Wade was filed in Texas in March 1970 on behalf of the named plaintiff and all women similarly situated, typical wording for a class-action lawsuit. Jane Roe was the lead plaintiff of the class. Because of the time it took for the case to make its way through the courts, the decision did not come in time for McCorvey to have an abortion. She gave birth to her child, whom she put up for adoption. Sarah Weddington and Linda Coffee were the Roe v. Wade plaintiffs lawyers. They were looking for a woman who wanted an abortion but did not have the means to obtain one. An adoption attorney introduced the lawyers to McCorvey. They needed a plaintiff who would remain pregnant without traveling to another state or country where abortion was legal because they feared that if their plaintiff obtained an abortion outside of Texas, her case could be rendered moot and dropped. At various times, McCorvey has clarified that she did not consider herself an unwilling participant in the Roe v. Wade lawsuit. However, she felt that feminist activists treated her with disdain because she was a poor, blue-collar, drug-abusing woman instead of a polished, educated feminist. Activist Work After McCorvey revealed that she was Jane Roe, she encountered harassment and violence. People in Texas yelled at her in grocery stores and shot at her house. She aligned herself with the pro-choice movement, even speaking at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., She worked at several clinics where abortions were provided. In 1994, she wrote a book, with a ghostwriter, called I am Roe: My Life, Roe v. Wade, and Freedom of Choice. The Conversion In 1995, McCorvey was working at a clinic in Dallas when Operation Rescue moved in next door. She allegedly struck up a friendship over cigarettes with Operation Rescue preacher Philip Flip Benham. McCorvey said that Benham talked to her regularly and was kind to her. She became friends with him, attended church, and was baptized. She surprised the world by appearing on national television to say that she now believed abortion was wrong. McCorvey had been in a lesbian relationship for years, but she eventually denounced lesbianism as well after her conversion to Christianity. Within a few years of her first book, McCorvey wrote a second book, Won by Love: Norma McCorvey, Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade, Speaks Out for the Unborn as She Shares Her New Conviction for Life. Later Years and Death In her later years, McCorvey was nearly homeless, relying on â€Å"free room and board from strangers, says Joshua Prager, who wrote an extensive story about her published in Vanity Fair in February 2013. McCorvey eventually ended up in an assisted-living facility in Katy, Texas, where she died of heart failure on Feb. 17, 2017, at age 69, according to Prager, who was working on a book about her at the time of her death. Legacy Since the Roe v. Wade ruling, about 50 million legal abortions have been performed in the United States, although later court decisions and new state and federal laws have imposed restrictions, and abortions have declined with the wide use of contraceptives, according to McCorveys obituary published in The New York Times. Many of those who oppose abortions have called the Roe v. Wade lawyers immoral, saying that they took advantage of McCorvey. In fact, if she had not been Roe, someone else would likely have been the plaintiff. Feminists across the nation were working for abortion rights at the time. Perhaps something McCorvey herself said in a 1989 New York Times article best sums up her legacy: More and more, Im the issue. I dont know if I should be the issue. Abortion is the issue. I never even had an abortion. Sources Hersher, Rebecca. â€Å"Norma McCorvey Of Roe v. Wade Embodied The Complexity Of American Abortion Debate.†Ã‚  NPR, 18 Feb. 2017.Langer, Emily. â€Å"Norma McCorvey, Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade Decision Legalizing Abortion Nationwide, Dies at 69.†Ã‚  The Washington Post, 18 Feb. 2017.McFadden, Robert. â€Å"Norma McCorvey, Roe in Roe v. Wade, Is Dead at 69.†Ã‚  The New York Times, 18 Feb. 2017Prager, Joshua. â€Å"Tracing the Life of Norma McCorvey, ‘Jane Roe’ of Roe v. Wade, and Why Shed Favor an Abortion Ban.†Ã‚  The Hive, Vanity Fair, 30 Jan. 2015.

Biography of Norma McCorvey, Roe in Roe v. Wade

Biography of Norma McCorvey, 'Roe' in Roe v. Wade Norma McCorvey (September 22, 1947–February 18, 2017) was a young pregnant woman in Texas in 1970 without the means or funds to have an abortion. She became the plaintiff known as Jane Roe in Roe v. Wade, which was decided in 1973 and became one of the most famous Supreme Court decisions of the 20th century. McCorveys identity was hidden for another decade but, during the 1980s, the public learned about the plaintiff whose lawsuit struck down most abortion laws in the United States. In 1995, McCorvey made news again when she declared she had changed to a pro-life stance, with newfound Christian beliefs. Fast Facts: Norma McCorvey Known For: She was Roe in the famous Supreme Court abortion case Roe. v. Wade.Also Known As: Norma Leah Nelson, Jane RoeBorn: Sept. 22, 1947 in Simmesport, LouisianaParents: Mary and Olin NelsonDied: Feb. 18, 2017 in Katy, TexasPublished Works: I Am Roe (1994), Won by Love (1997)Spouse: Elwood McCorvey (m.  1963–1965)Children: Melissa (Nothing is publicly known of the two children McCorvey gave up for adoption.)Notable Quote: â€Å"I wasn’t the wrong person to become Jane Roe. I wasn’t the right person to become Jane Roe. I was just the person who became Jane Roe, of Roe v. Wade. And my life story, warts and all, was a little piece of history.† Early Years McCorvey was born on Sept. 22, 1947, as Norma Nelson to Mary and Olin Nelson. McCorvey ran away from home at one point and, after returning, was sent to reform school. After the family moved to Houston, her parents divorced when she was 13. McCorvey suffered abuse, met and married Elwood McCorvey at age 16, and left Texas for California. When she returned, pregnant and frightened, her mother took her baby to raise. McCorveys second child was raised by the father of the baby with no contact from her. McCorvey initially said that her third pregnancy, the one in question at the time of Roe v. Wade, was the result of rape, but years later she said she had invented the rape story in an attempt to make a stronger case for an abortion. The rape story was of little consequence to her lawyers because they wanted to establish a right to abortion for all women, not just those who had been raped. Roe v. Wade Roe v. Wade was filed in Texas in March 1970 on behalf of the named plaintiff and all women similarly situated, typical wording for a class-action lawsuit. Jane Roe was the lead plaintiff of the class. Because of the time it took for the case to make its way through the courts, the decision did not come in time for McCorvey to have an abortion. She gave birth to her child, whom she put up for adoption. Sarah Weddington and Linda Coffee were the Roe v. Wade plaintiffs lawyers. They were looking for a woman who wanted an abortion but did not have the means to obtain one. An adoption attorney introduced the lawyers to McCorvey. They needed a plaintiff who would remain pregnant without traveling to another state or country where abortion was legal because they feared that if their plaintiff obtained an abortion outside of Texas, her case could be rendered moot and dropped. At various times, McCorvey has clarified that she did not consider herself an unwilling participant in the Roe v. Wade lawsuit. However, she felt that feminist activists treated her with disdain because she was a poor, blue-collar, drug-abusing woman instead of a polished, educated feminist. Activist Work After McCorvey revealed that she was Jane Roe, she encountered harassment and violence. People in Texas yelled at her in grocery stores and shot at her house. She aligned herself with the pro-choice movement, even speaking at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., She worked at several clinics where abortions were provided. In 1994, she wrote a book, with a ghostwriter, called I am Roe: My Life, Roe v. Wade, and Freedom of Choice. The Conversion In 1995, McCorvey was working at a clinic in Dallas when Operation Rescue moved in next door. She allegedly struck up a friendship over cigarettes with Operation Rescue preacher Philip Flip Benham. McCorvey said that Benham talked to her regularly and was kind to her. She became friends with him, attended church, and was baptized. She surprised the world by appearing on national television to say that she now believed abortion was wrong. McCorvey had been in a lesbian relationship for years, but she eventually denounced lesbianism as well after her conversion to Christianity. Within a few years of her first book, McCorvey wrote a second book, Won by Love: Norma McCorvey, Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade, Speaks Out for the Unborn as She Shares Her New Conviction for Life. Later Years and Death In her later years, McCorvey was nearly homeless, relying on â€Å"free room and board from strangers, says Joshua Prager, who wrote an extensive story about her published in Vanity Fair in February 2013. McCorvey eventually ended up in an assisted-living facility in Katy, Texas, where she died of heart failure on Feb. 17, 2017, at age 69, according to Prager, who was working on a book about her at the time of her death. Legacy Since the Roe v. Wade ruling, about 50 million legal abortions have been performed in the United States, although later court decisions and new state and federal laws have imposed restrictions, and abortions have declined with the wide use of contraceptives, according to McCorveys obituary published in The New York Times. Many of those who oppose abortions have called the Roe v. Wade lawyers immoral, saying that they took advantage of McCorvey. In fact, if she had not been Roe, someone else would likely have been the plaintiff. Feminists across the nation were working for abortion rights at the time. Perhaps something McCorvey herself said in a 1989 New York Times article best sums up her legacy: More and more, Im the issue. I dont know if I should be the issue. Abortion is the issue. I never even had an abortion. Sources Hersher, Rebecca. â€Å"Norma McCorvey Of Roe v. Wade Embodied The Complexity Of American Abortion Debate.†Ã‚  NPR, 18 Feb. 2017.Langer, Emily. â€Å"Norma McCorvey, Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade Decision Legalizing Abortion Nationwide, Dies at 69.†Ã‚  The Washington Post, 18 Feb. 2017.McFadden, Robert. â€Å"Norma McCorvey, Roe in Roe v. Wade, Is Dead at 69.†Ã‚  The New York Times, 18 Feb. 2017Prager, Joshua. â€Å"Tracing the Life of Norma McCorvey, ‘Jane Roe’ of Roe v. Wade, and Why Shed Favor an Abortion Ban.†Ã‚  The Hive, Vanity Fair, 30 Jan. 2015.

Biography of Norma McCorvey, Roe in Roe v. Wade

Biography of Norma McCorvey, 'Roe' in Roe v. Wade Norma McCorvey (September 22, 1947–February 18, 2017) was a young pregnant woman in Texas in 1970 without the means or funds to have an abortion. She became the plaintiff known as Jane Roe in Roe v. Wade, which was decided in 1973 and became one of the most famous Supreme Court decisions of the 20th century. McCorveys identity was hidden for another decade but, during the 1980s, the public learned about the plaintiff whose lawsuit struck down most abortion laws in the United States. In 1995, McCorvey made news again when she declared she had changed to a pro-life stance, with newfound Christian beliefs. Fast Facts: Norma McCorvey Known For: She was Roe in the famous Supreme Court abortion case Roe. v. Wade.Also Known As: Norma Leah Nelson, Jane RoeBorn: Sept. 22, 1947 in Simmesport, LouisianaParents: Mary and Olin NelsonDied: Feb. 18, 2017 in Katy, TexasPublished Works: I Am Roe (1994), Won by Love (1997)Spouse: Elwood McCorvey (m.  1963–1965)Children: Melissa (Nothing is publicly known of the two children McCorvey gave up for adoption.)Notable Quote: â€Å"I wasn’t the wrong person to become Jane Roe. I wasn’t the right person to become Jane Roe. I was just the person who became Jane Roe, of Roe v. Wade. And my life story, warts and all, was a little piece of history.† Early Years McCorvey was born on Sept. 22, 1947, as Norma Nelson to Mary and Olin Nelson. McCorvey ran away from home at one point and, after returning, was sent to reform school. After the family moved to Houston, her parents divorced when she was 13. McCorvey suffered abuse, met and married Elwood McCorvey at age 16, and left Texas for California. When she returned, pregnant and frightened, her mother took her baby to raise. McCorveys second child was raised by the father of the baby with no contact from her. McCorvey initially said that her third pregnancy, the one in question at the time of Roe v. Wade, was the result of rape, but years later she said she had invented the rape story in an attempt to make a stronger case for an abortion. The rape story was of little consequence to her lawyers because they wanted to establish a right to abortion for all women, not just those who had been raped. Roe v. Wade Roe v. Wade was filed in Texas in March 1970 on behalf of the named plaintiff and all women similarly situated, typical wording for a class-action lawsuit. Jane Roe was the lead plaintiff of the class. Because of the time it took for the case to make its way through the courts, the decision did not come in time for McCorvey to have an abortion. She gave birth to her child, whom she put up for adoption. Sarah Weddington and Linda Coffee were the Roe v. Wade plaintiffs lawyers. They were looking for a woman who wanted an abortion but did not have the means to obtain one. An adoption attorney introduced the lawyers to McCorvey. They needed a plaintiff who would remain pregnant without traveling to another state or country where abortion was legal because they feared that if their plaintiff obtained an abortion outside of Texas, her case could be rendered moot and dropped. At various times, McCorvey has clarified that she did not consider herself an unwilling participant in the Roe v. Wade lawsuit. However, she felt that feminist activists treated her with disdain because she was a poor, blue-collar, drug-abusing woman instead of a polished, educated feminist. Activist Work After McCorvey revealed that she was Jane Roe, she encountered harassment and violence. People in Texas yelled at her in grocery stores and shot at her house. She aligned herself with the pro-choice movement, even speaking at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., She worked at several clinics where abortions were provided. In 1994, she wrote a book, with a ghostwriter, called I am Roe: My Life, Roe v. Wade, and Freedom of Choice. The Conversion In 1995, McCorvey was working at a clinic in Dallas when Operation Rescue moved in next door. She allegedly struck up a friendship over cigarettes with Operation Rescue preacher Philip Flip Benham. McCorvey said that Benham talked to her regularly and was kind to her. She became friends with him, attended church, and was baptized. She surprised the world by appearing on national television to say that she now believed abortion was wrong. McCorvey had been in a lesbian relationship for years, but she eventually denounced lesbianism as well after her conversion to Christianity. Within a few years of her first book, McCorvey wrote a second book, Won by Love: Norma McCorvey, Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade, Speaks Out for the Unborn as She Shares Her New Conviction for Life. Later Years and Death In her later years, McCorvey was nearly homeless, relying on â€Å"free room and board from strangers, says Joshua Prager, who wrote an extensive story about her published in Vanity Fair in February 2013. McCorvey eventually ended up in an assisted-living facility in Katy, Texas, where she died of heart failure on Feb. 17, 2017, at age 69, according to Prager, who was working on a book about her at the time of her death. Legacy Since the Roe v. Wade ruling, about 50 million legal abortions have been performed in the United States, although later court decisions and new state and federal laws have imposed restrictions, and abortions have declined with the wide use of contraceptives, according to McCorveys obituary published in The New York Times. Many of those who oppose abortions have called the Roe v. Wade lawyers immoral, saying that they took advantage of McCorvey. In fact, if she had not been Roe, someone else would likely have been the plaintiff. Feminists across the nation were working for abortion rights at the time. Perhaps something McCorvey herself said in a 1989 New York Times article best sums up her legacy: More and more, Im the issue. I dont know if I should be the issue. Abortion is the issue. I never even had an abortion. Sources Hersher, Rebecca. â€Å"Norma McCorvey Of Roe v. Wade Embodied The Complexity Of American Abortion Debate.†Ã‚  NPR, 18 Feb. 2017.Langer, Emily. â€Å"Norma McCorvey, Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade Decision Legalizing Abortion Nationwide, Dies at 69.†Ã‚  The Washington Post, 18 Feb. 2017.McFadden, Robert. â€Å"Norma McCorvey, Roe in Roe v. Wade, Is Dead at 69.†Ã‚  The New York Times, 18 Feb. 2017Prager, Joshua. â€Å"Tracing the Life of Norma McCorvey, ‘Jane Roe’ of Roe v. Wade, and Why Shed Favor an Abortion Ban.†Ã‚  The Hive, Vanity Fair, 30 Jan. 2015.

Statistics from the War on Drugs Tell a Story

Statistics from the War on Drugs Tell a Story In 1971, President Richard Nixon first declared a national â€Å"war on drugs,† and greatly increased the size and authority of federal government drug control agencies. Since 1988, the U.S. war against illegal drugs has been coordinated by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). The director of the ONDCP plays the real-life role of Americas Drug Czar. Created by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, the ONDCP advises the President of the United States on drug-control issues, coordinates drug-control activities and related funding across the Federal government, and produces the annual National Drug Control Strategy, which outlines Administration efforts to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences. Under the coordination of the ONDCP, the following federal agencies play key enforcement and advisory roles in the War on Drugs: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationFederal Bureau of InvestigationBureau of Justice AssistanceDrug Enforcement AgencyUnited States Customs and Border ProtectionNational Institute on Drug AbuseU.S. Coast Guard Are We Winning? Today, as drug abusers continue to flood America’s prisons and violent drug crimes devastate neighborhoods, many people criticize the effectiveness of War on Drugs. However, actual statistics suggest that without the War on Drugs, the problem may be even worse. For example, during fiscal year 2015, Customs and Border Protection alone reported seizing: 135,943 pounds of cocaine;2,015 pounds of heroin;6,135 pounds of methamphetamine; and4,330,475 (Yes, 4.3 million) pounds of marijuana. During fiscal year 2014, the Drug Enforcement Agency seized: 74,450 pounds of cocaine;2, 248 pounds of heroin;6,494 pounds of methamphetamine; and163,638 pounds of marijuana. (The discrepancy in marijuana seizures is attributable to the fact that Customs and Border Protection has the main responsibility for intercepting the drug as it flows into the U.S. from Mexico.) In addition, the ONDCP reported that during 1997, U.S. law enforcement agencies seized an estimated $512 million in illegal drug trade-related cash and property. So does the seizure of 2,360 tons of illegal drugs by two federal agencies in just two years indicate the success or utter futility of the War on Drugs? Despite the volume of drugs seized, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported an estimated 1,841,200 state and local arrests for drug abuse violations in the United States during 2007. But whether the War on Drugs has been a smashing success or a dismal failure, it has been expensive. Funding the War In fiscal year 1985, the annual federal budget allocated $1.5 billion to fighting illegal drug use, trafficking and drug-related crime. By fiscal year 2000, that figure had increased to $17.7 billion, increasing by almost $3.3 billion per year. Jump to fiscal year 2016, when President Obama’s budget included $27.6 billion to support the National Drug Control Strategy, an increase of $1.2 billion (4.7%) above fiscal year 2015 funding. In February 2015, U.S. Drug Czar and director of the Obama administration’s ONDCP Michael Botticelli attempted to justify the expenditure in his confirmation address to the Senate. â€Å"Earlier this month, President Obama in his 2016 Budget requested historic levels of funding including $133 million in new funds to address the opioid misuse epidemic in the U.S. Using a public health framework as its foundation, our strategy also acknowledges the vital role that federal state and local law enforcement play in reducing the availability of drugs another risk factor for drug use,† said Botticelli. â€Å"It underscores the vital importance of primary prevention in stopping drug use before it ever begins by funding prevention efforts across the country.† Botticelli added that the expenditure was intended to remove the â€Å"systemic challenges† that had historically held back progress in the War on Drugs: Over-criminalization of illegal drug use;lack of integration with mainstream medical care;lack of insurance coverage for drug abuse treatment; andlegal barriers that make it difficult for people once involved with the criminal justice system to rebuild their lives. A recovering alcoholic himself, Botticelli urged the millions of Americans in substance abuse recovery to â€Å"come out† and demand to be treated like people with non-abuse related chronic diseases. â€Å"By putting faces and voices to the disease of addiction and the promise of recovery, we can lift the curtain of conventional wisdom that continues to keep too many of us hidden and without access to lifesaving treatment,† he said.

Equity Theory (Adams) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Equity Theory (Adams) - Essay Example ng to Adams, in relation to a given work situation, employees seek to maintain equity when it comes to the rewards they get from their jobs and the inputs they give to it. Without maintaining this equity, the employees would feel negatively about their work situation and be distressed about it. Overtime, the idea of equity has been developed to include and influence many other facets of organizational behavior. Two of these are the psychological contract and employee motivation since they stand out as primary examples where the equity theory becomes applicable. The idea of establishing or creating equity between the employee and the company is very clearly seen when it comes to motivation since according to the theory employees seek to create equitable relationships and rewards can be used to make individuals work harder. However, when it comes to the psychological contract, the application of the equity theory is more subtle therefore it would be important to understand how the psychological contract and the equity theory complement each other. Robinson and Rousseau (1994) say that the psychological contract is quite important for all facets of management and those employees who are given employment with a company hope to obtain equal benefits from their employment as compared to the input they are giving to the company. In essence, the psychological contract of an employee is based on the idea of creating equity. As per the meaning of the term, a psychological contract is the implicit contract of several deep understandings between the company and the employee as they relate to the expectations of the employee and the obligations of the company (Emott, 2006). Guest (2004) takes an even larger view of the psychological contract in employment situations where recommends that a full understanding of an equitable relationship should incorporate fairness to both parties and it should be based on mutual trust. This kind of equity is perhaps too idealistic since it

Principal of business Leadership Research Paper

Principal of business Leadership - Research Paper Example Business leadership is a process of organizational influence in which a single person or a group of people can enlist the support and aid of others in the business organization so as to accomplish its common goals and objectives. Leaders may not have formal authority but have the power to drive people to do something so as to achieve a common goal or task. Any business, no matter the size, requires effective leadership. For this reason, many scholars have come up with numerous principles to guide business leaders on how they can be effective in their leadership roles and responsibilities. This essay will discuss the principles of business leadership that effective business leaders should abide by. This paper will focus on how to be an effective business leader. There are very many scholarly and non-scholarly sources that talk about what makes an effective business leader (Frey, Kern, Snow & Curlette p 212). Most sources that are reviewed in this essay link the success and performance of a business organization with effective business leadership. The performance of a business organization is also closely associated to specific leaders of that particular organization. Hersey, Paul, Blanchard, Ken and Johnson (55) argue that the influence of effective business leaders is very powerful and can never be ignored. Business leadership requires individuals who have the capacity to influence others positively towards the realization (Kaiser, Hogan and Craig p 96). That is why effective business leaders are guided by business leadership principles as they execute their leadership roles. This principle calls for a business leader to be clear on what they want to ‘be’, ‘do’, ‘have’ and ‘know’. In being clear on what a business leader want to be, he or she should know what he/she is. This means that he/she should identify his/her beliefs and values so as to understand

An Analysis of Hiltons Lost Horizon Essays -- Lost Horizon Essays

An Analysis of Hilton's Lost Horizon      Ã‚   "...the horizon lifted like a curtain; time expanded and space contracted" In James Hilton's Lost Horizon, the reader is promptly enticed to trek along with Hugh Conway and the three other kidnapped passengers, Charles Mallinson, Miss Brinklow, and Henry Barnard. Hilton commences his novel by utilizing the literary technique of a frame. At a dinner meeting, friends share their insights into life, and eventually, from a neurologist, and friend of Conway, evolves the story of Conway's exotic adventures. Apparently, Conway and the other three characters were on a plane that was hijacked by a member of the mystic civilization of Shangri-La. After crashing in the midst of nowhere, Conway led his group out of the plane and as they began to search for help, Chang and a group of Shangri-La men intercepted them and escorted them back to their lamasery. Eventually they realize they are not permitted to leave its boundaries, as the proviso of entering the Valley of the Blue Moon, Shangri-La, is that one cannot leave. Weeks pass, and the kidnapped crew, with the exception of Mallinson, become accustomed to the Shangri-La way of life, namely moderation, as well as spiritual and intellectual growth. Conway, able to decipher numerous languages including Chinese was able to decode their "gibberish" and get a better idea what was going on. Eventually, through the telepathy of the ethereal High Lama, also the founder of the civilization (some two hundreds years previous), calls Conway to a meeting. Hilton's "mini" climaxes, keep the reader compelled as he reveals more and more about this enigmatic place. As the novel continues, Conway is enlightened with the "inside scoop," and soon enough... ...ut it, "Things happen to you and you just let them happen." The most prominent concept of the novel and the community of the Valley of the Blue Moon (Shangri-La) was the "time stands still" enigma. To live over a hundred years is quite a feat, but in this civilization it was the norm. In Shangri-La, when you reached a hundred years of age you were "promoted" to lamahood. They figured that by the time you were a hundred all the "passions and moods of ordinary life are likely to have disappeared," and then you'd be able to search for that inner meaning of life. The paradoxes of life and death, and the question everyone ponders, Why?    Works Cited and Consulted Bellamy, Edward.   Looking Backward.   New York: New American Library, 1982. Hilton, James.   Lost Horizon.   New York: Pocket Books, 1984. Voltaire. Candide. London: Penguin Books; 1947.   

Intro to Aeronautical Science

Over the years I have been impressed at the armed services and their success In the very risky business of aviation. It Is truly amazing to imagine a high school graduate trusted with the lives of others after a very short block of instructions and what seem to be streamlined training. Recently, a very Junior mechanic was working with a few of his peers on the rotor system of a helicopter in our fleet. Sometime during the wee hours of the morning, almost to the end of a graveyard 12 hour shift, the JuniorSoldier saw something bounce off the engine inlet and straight in. The Soldiers up above acknowledge dropping some hardware from a bag and come down from the aircraft to see if they could retrieve it. The area was an unimproved hardstand but with the harsh environment we face while deployed, it Is very difficult to account for everything that hits the floor. After hours of looking, Inspecting and even an engine bore scope, no hardware could be seen in the inlet or internals of the en gine.Many doubted the junior soldiers' recollection after his long hard night. The technical Inspector, Maintenance test pilot and Production control Officer all weight in after all the precautionary Inspections were done but the Junior soldier stood his ground and was the most important safety officer that day. The engine was removed and set to the shop for teardrop and inspection. Prior to tear down, the engine was hung upright with the inlet pointed to the ground.The output shaft was spun In the hopes that the said hardware fall to the ground. No hardware was found. The teardrop begun and to the amazement of all involved, a 5/1 6 nut was discovered concealed beyond the inlet guide veins. The pressure was finally released from the shoulders of all involved and the hero of the day was the fresh out of high school soldier who understood the Implications of a simple 5/16 nut going through the compressor blades of a Jet engine.

Sex, Gender, And Communication - 1233 Words

A Response to â€Å"Sex, Gender, and Communication in Small Groups† Throughout this course, a focus of study has been the discrepancies between how men and women communicate in a group. The article â€Å"Sex, Gender, and Communication in Small Groups† by Nina M. Reich and Julia T. Wood focuses on many of these differences, while also providing similarities between how both men and women communicate. To begin, Reich and Wood start by making the important distinction between sex and gender. Sex is the biological difference between the two, which includes different reproductive organs, different hormones, and more. Gender is a cultural construct used to differentiate between masculinity and femininity. Gender’s meaning is not universal or stable, but†¦show more content†¦Reich and Wood take this analysis further by showing that even with their typical differences, both men and women are similar in that they act to achieve goals, are ambitious, value support ive relationships, seek and exercise leadership, and are assertive and deferential (Aries 1996; Burleson in Press). All of this information corroborates what was said in class, and further strengthens the idea that there are differences in masculine and feminine communication styles, which can contribute to misunderstandings between the sexes. This study, however, shows that regardless of how the communication is occurring, all humans are searching for the same foundational values, including reaching a goal. I think that this is valuable information because it furthers the research presented in class by highlighting that regardless of communication style, there is purpose and validity to all forms of communication. Through conflict styles and decision-making, there are stereotypes that can be made based on assumptions of men and assumptions of women, but overall this is not the most comprehensive analysis of conflict style or decision-making. In class, we discussed the five conflict styles developed by Kilmann and Thomas. These five styles are avoidance, accommodation, competition, compromise, and collaboration. This article expands on the conflict style knowledge given in class by explaining when put into gender categories conflict styles are too simplistic. I agree withShow MoreRelatedRelationship Between Biological Sex And Gender Communication917 Words   |  4 Pagesbetween biological sex and gender communication we must first understand what each of these are. Biological sex is a designation based on biology, whereas gender is socially and psychologically constructed according to Gendered lives chapter 1. Sex and Gender are paired so that most men are masculine and most women are femini ne. 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Sensing The Environment Student Created Water Quality...

Sensing the Environment: Student-Created Water Quality Sensors Liesl Hotaling, Eidos Education Rustam Stolkin, University of Birmingham, School of Mechanical Engineering Abstract (250 words) The Student Enabled Network of Sensors for the Environment using Innovative Technology (SENSE IT) program provides an infrastructure and curricula for teachers and students to learn core science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) knowledge through building, testing, programming and deploying their own environmental sensor networks. The project prepares and motivates young people for the future STEM workforce by providing: 1) a motivating, meaningful and hands-on scenario for learning a wide range of STEM topics, 2) an engaging link between†¦show more content†¦Students learn best if they are immersed in complex experiences and are given the opportunity to actively process what they have learned (Caine, 1991). Unfortunately, only 16 percent of instruction in U.S. classrooms could be characterized as application oriented (Stevenson and Stigler, 1992). To assist students in achieving content mastery, teachers must create learning environments which present students with c hallenging problems to demonstrate their knowledge through application. This emphasis on application through design has been informed by research on the use of design for learning complex and interrelated ideas (Brown, 1992; Blumenfeld et al., 1991; Harel Papert, 1990, 1991; Perkins, 1986; Mishra Koehler, 2006). The process of building ocean technologies in classrooms can introduce authentic and engaging, ill-structured problems that reflect the complexity of the real world. The Student Enabled Network of Sensors for the Environment using Innovative Technology (SENSE IT, www.senseit.org) project, brings real-world environmental sensor networks into the classroom. 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The Story Of An Hour And Still I Rise - 1449 Words

Comparative Texts How do â€Å"The Story of a Hour† and â€Å"Still I Rise† express the problems faced by women? Both texts express some of the struggles faced by the protagonist woman in their retrospective time periods. ‘Still I Rise’ is very empowering and mirrors Angelou’s own struggles with her lack of freedom. and how the strength of women will allow her to be treated as equal. However, ‘The Story of an Hour’, conveys its message of the oppression faced by women in a more subtle manner. It discusses how Mrs Mallard’s life and death are dictated by, â€Å"the doctors†, which are men. In ‘The Story of an Hour’ the struggles and hardships of women in day to day life are conveyed. In ‘The Story of an Hour’, Chopin implies that marriage, even when†¦show more content†¦Chopin also uses repetition to highlight key ideas such as openness and freedom in the upcoming plethora of days to come. 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Sony Case 1991-2003 Free Essays

Exploring Corporate Strategy CLASSIC CASE STUDIES Restructuring Sony Vivek Gupta and Konakanchi Prashanth The electronics and media giant Sony was struggling through the late 1990s and early part of the 21st century. With each disappointment, it seemed that Sony’s management launched another restructuring of the company. By 2003, commentators were beginning to ask whether restructuring was part of the solution or part of the problem. We will write a custom essay sample on Sony Case 1991-2003 or any similar topic only for you Order Now How should Sony be managing its strategic renewal? G G G As conditions change, Sony has to change accordingly, because their conventional strategy won’t transcend to the Internet-enabled model. 1 Mitchell Levy, author of The Value Framework INTRODUCTION For the first quarter ending 30 June 2003, Japan-based Sony Corporation (Sony)2 stunned the corporate world by reporting a decline in net profit of 98 per cent. Sony reported a net profit of ? 9. 3 million compared to ? 1. 1 billion for the same quarter in 2002. Sony’s revenues fell by 6. 9 per cent to ? 1. 6 trillion for the corresponding period. Analysts were of the opinion that Sony’s expenditure on its restructuring initiatives had caused a significant dent in its profitability. In the financial year 2002–03, Sony had spent a massive ? 100bn on restructuring (? ?500m; ? a750m). Moreover, the company had already announced in April 2003 about its plans to spend another ? 1 trillion on a major restructuring initiative in the next three years. Analysts criticised Sony’s management for spending a huge amount on frequent restructuring of its consumer electronics business, which accounted for nearly two-thirds of Sony’s revenues. In 2003, the sales of the consumer electronics division fell by 6. 5 per cent. Notably, Sony’s business operations were restructured five times in the past nine years. Analysts opined that Sony’s excessive focus on the maturing consumer electronics business (profit margin below 1 per cent in 2002–03), coupled with increasing competition in the consumer electronics industry was severely affecting its profitability. 1 2 ‘Sony Analyzed via the Value Framework’, Mitchell Levy, posted on www. ecmgt. com, October 2002. Sony was established in 1946. The company invented the video recorder, walkman and mini-disc recorder. It is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications and information technology products. Sony has also forayed into diverse fields like music, television, computer entertainment and motion pictures. The company is engaged in five main lines of business – electronics, games, music, pictures and financial services. This case was prepared by Vivek Gupta and Konakanchi Prashanth of the ICFAI Center for Management Research, Hyderabad, India. It is intended as a basis for class discussion and not as an illustration of either good or bad management practice. Â © V. Gupta and K. Prashanth, 2004. Not to be reproduced or quoted without permission. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes Whittington 1 Restructuring Sony Table 1 Sony’s financials (1991–2003) Year ended March 31 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 * ? 100 = approx. A0. 75. Source: Annual Reports 1991–2003, www. sony. net. Sales Operating Revenue (? bn)* 3695. 51 3928. 67 3992. 92 3744. 8 3990. 58 4592. 56 5663. 13 6755. 49 6804. 18 6686. 66 7314. 82 7578. 26 7473. 63 Operating Income/loss (? bn) 302. 18 179. 55 126. 46 106. 96 ? 166. 64 235. 32 370. 33 520. 21 338. 06 223. 20 225. 35 134. 63 185. 44 Net Income/loss (? bn) 116. 92 120. 12 36. 26 15. 30 ? 293. 36 54. 25 139. 46 222. 07 179. 00 121. 83 16. 75 15. 31 115. 52 However, Sony’s officials felt that the restructuring measures were delive ring the desired results. According to them, the company had shown a significant jump in its profitability in the financial year 2002–03. Sony reported a net income of ? 115. 52bn in the fiscal 2002–03 compared to ? 15. 31bn in 2001–02. (See Table 1 for Sony’s key financials in the past 13 years. ) A statement issued by Sony said, ‘The improvement in the results was partly due to the restructuring of its electronics business, especially in the components units. ’3 At the beginning of the new millennium, Sony faced increased competition from domestic and foreign players (Korean companies like Samsung and LG) in its electronics and entertainment businesses. The domestic rivals Matsushita and NEC were able to capture a substantial market share in the internet-ready cell phones market. Analysts felt that the US-based software giants like Microsoft and Sun Microsystems and the networking major Cisco Systems posed a serious threat to Sony’s home entertainment business. BACKGROUND On 7 May 1946, Masaru Ibuka (Ibuka) and Akio Morita (Morita)4 co-founded a company called Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha (Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation) with an initial capital of ? 190,000 in the city of Nagoya, Japan. They gave importance to product innovation and decided to offer innovative, high-quality products to their consumers. The founders introduced many new products like the magnetic tape recorder, the ‘pocketable radio’, and more. By the 1960s, the company had established itself in Japan and changed its name to Sony Corporation. During the 1960s, the company focused on globalisation and entered the US and European markets. In the 1970s, Sony also set up manufacturing units in the US and Europe. During this period, Sony developed and introduced the Walkman, which was a huge success. It significantly boosted Sony’s sales during the 1980s. By the mid-1980s, Sony’s consumer products were marketed in Europe through subsidiaries in the UK, Germany and France. 3 4 ‘Financial Results for the Second Quarter, FY 2002’, posted on www. sony. net, 28 October 2002. Akio Morita was a graduate in physics, while Masaru Ibuka had a degree in electronic engineering. When Morita joined the Japanese navy as a Lieutenant, he met Ibuka at the navy’s Wartime Research Committee. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes Whittington 2 Restructuring Sony Table 2 Sony’s businesses (1994) Business Electronics Product Groups/Companies Video equipment Details Comprises 8mm, VHS, and Beta-format VTRs, laserdisc players, broadcast and industrial use video equipment, Hi-Vision-related equipment, and videotapes. Comprises CD players, Mini Disc system, headphone stereos, personal component stereos, hi-fi components, digital audio tape recorders/players, radio-cassette tape recorders, tape recorders, radios, car stereos, car navigation systems, professional-use audio equipment, audio tapes, and blank MDs. Comprises colour TVs, Hi-Vision TVs, computer displays, professional-use monitors, satellite broadcast reception systems, projector systems, and large colour video display systems. Comprises semiconductors, electronic components, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), telephone and telecommunications equipment, computers, computer peripherals (including floppy disk systems and CD-ROM systems), home video game systems, batteries, and FA systems. Includes Columbia Records Group; Epic Records Group; TriStar Music Group; Sony Music International; Sony Classical; Sony Classical Film Video; Sony Wonder; Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. Includes the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Companies; Sony Television Entertainment; Columbia TriStar Home Video; and Sony Pictures Studios and The Culver Studios. Sony Retail Entertainment includes Sony Theatres. Comprises the insurance business of Sony Life Insurance Company Limited and the finance operations of Sony Finance International. Audio equipment Television Others Entertainment Music Group – Sony Music Entertainment Pictures Group – Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (SPEI) Insurance and Finance Sony Life Insurance and Sony Finance International Source: Sony Annual Report 1995, www. sony. net. In 1989, Norio Ohga (Ohga) took over as the chairman and CEO of Sony from Morita. Under Ohga, Sony began to place greater emphasis on process innovations that improved efficiency and controlled product costs. By 1994, Sony’s businesses were organised into three broad divisions – Electronics, Entertainment and Insurance and Finance (see Table 2). Each business division was in turn split into product groups. The electronics business division was split into four product groups, which produced a wide variety of products. The entertainment division, which consisted of the music group and the pictures group, made music videos and motion pictures. The finance division consisted of Sony’s life insurance and finance business. The company’s growth was propelled by the launch of innovative products and by its foray into the music and films business. Restructuring of electronics business (1994) Under Ohga’s leadership, Sony witnessed negligible growth in sales during 1990 and 1994. Sales and operating revenues improved by only 2 per cent during that period. However, the net income and operating income registered a drastic fall of 87 per cent and 67 per cent respectively. Analysts felt that the stagnation in the electronics industry coupled with factors such as the recession in the Japanese economy and the appreciation of the yen against the dollar led to the deterioration in the company’s performance. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes Whittington 3 Restructuring Sony Table 3 Sales performance of the electronics business (1991–95) (in ? bn)* Year/ Business 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 * ? 100 = approx. A0. 75. Source: Sony Annual Report 1995, www. ony. net. Video Equipment 928 896 828 669 691 Audio Equipment 882 948 928 841 899 Televisions 552 593 634 618 709 Others 619 793 772 817 909 It was noticed that in the electronics business (see Table 3), the revenues of the video and audio equipment businesses were coming down or were at best stagnant, while the television and ‘Others’ group were showing s igns of improvement. The ‘Others’ group, which consisted of technology intensive products such as computer products, video games, semiconductors and telecom equipment, was performing very well and had a growth rate of nearly 40 per cent. In order to focus on the high growth businesses, Sony announced major changes in the structure of its electronics business in April 1994. Sony’s management felt that the ‘Group’ structure, which had fuelled the company’s growth in the 1980s, was proving to be redundant in the dynamic business environment of the 1990s. In the new structure, the product groups of the electronics businesses were regrouped into eight divisional companies. The eight companies were the Consumer Audio Video Products Company, the Recording Media Energy Company, the Broadcast Products Company, the Business Industrial Systems Company, the InfoCom Products Company, the Mobile Electronics Company, the Components Company, and the Semiconductor Company. The restructuring exercise laid special focus on the products that formed the ‘Others’ group. Each divisional company had its own goals and was responsible for all its operations (production, sales and finance). The presidents of the divisional companies were authorised to decide upon the investments to be made up to a prescribed limit. They could also take decisions regarding the HR issues for all employees up to the level of divisional director. In addition, they were made responsible for the financial performance of the companies headed by them. Sony’s presidents were expected to perform a role similar to that of CEOs and were accountable to shareholders. The restructuring of Sony’s electronics business was aimed at improving the company’s focus on high potential products and expediting the decision making process to make the company more responsive to changing market conditions. Following the restructuring, the number of layers in the decision-making process was reduced from six to a maximum of four layers. Commenting on his responsibilities within the new structure, Ohga said, ‘First of all, I would like for the divisional presidents to run their companies as if they were reporting to shareholders once a year at a shareholders’ meeting. My role will be to review their strategies, examine any points I feel should be questioned and provide advice when and where necessary. ’5 The main goals of Sony’s newly formed organisation system were explained in a memorandum entitled ‘The Introduction of the Company within a Company System’ (see Table 4). Explaining the rationale for the new system, Ohga said, ‘By revitalising its organization, Sony aims to introduce appealing products in the market in a timelier fashion while further strengthening cost-competitiveness companywide. ’6 In 1995, after the implementation of the divisional company structure in the electronics business, changes were announced in Sony’s management structure. Under the new framework, Sony was to be led by a team of executives at the top management level. The team included the Chairman CEO, Vice Chairman, President Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Officers and the presidents of divisional companies. Analysts felt that Sony’s management took this measure to reduce the company’s reliance on 5 6 ‘From a Business Group System to a Divisional Company System’, posted on www. sony. net. As quoted in the 1995 annual report, posted on www. sony. net. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes Whittington 4 Restructuring Sony Table 4 Five main goals of the new system G To further enhance core businesses while developing new ones. G To introduce an organisational structure in which sales and production work closely together and respond quickly to market changes. G To simplify the structure to clarify responsibilities and transfer authority, thus ensuring quick responses to external changes. G To reduce the levels of hierarchy in the organisation. G To encourage the entrepreneurial spirit in order to foster a dynamic management base for the 21st century. Source: ‘From a Business Group System to a Divisional Company System’, posted on www. ony. net. a single leader. In March 1995, Nobuyuki Idei (Idei) was appointed the President and Chief Operating Officer of Sony. Despite the organisational changes, the financial performance of Sony deteriorated in 1995. For the fiscal year ending March 1995, Sony reported a huge net loss of ? 293. 36bn. The write off of goodwill during 1994, the poor performance of the Pictures group and the strength of the yen were regarded as major reasons for this loss. During 1994, the yen was at an all-time high against the dollar, making Sony’s exports uncompetitive. Analysts also felt that Sony’s consumer electronics business lacked new, innovative products. Given this poor financial performance, the top management of Sony decided to integrate the company’s various domestic and global business functions such as marketing, RD, finance, and HR. The functions of its numerous divisional companies were thus brought under the direct purview of headquarters. Idei also decided to strengthen the existing eight-company structure and to lay more emphasis on RD in the IT field. He felt that Sony needed to focus on developing IT-related businesses. Accordingly, Sony’s management reorganised the existing structure to create a new ten-company structure. THE TEN-COMPANY STRUCTURE (1996) In January 1996, a new ten-company structure was announced, replacing the previous eight-company structure (see Table 5). Under the new structure, the previous Consumer Audio Video (AV) company was split into three new companies – the Display Company, the Home AV Company and the Personal AV Company. A new company, the Information Technology Company, was created to focus on Sony’s business interests in the PC and IT industry. The Infocom Products Company and the Mobile Electronics Company were merged to create the Personal Mobile Communications Company. The other companies formed were the Components Computer Peripherals Company (formerly called the Components Company), the Recording Media Energy Company, the Broadcast Products Company, the Image Sound Communications Company (formerly called the Business Industrial Systems Company) and the Semiconductor Company. Table 5 Basic features of the ten-company structure G A new company structure to promote quicker, more effective operations that better reflect market changes. G The establishment of an Executive Board to reinforce headquarters and corporate strategy and management functions. G The appointment of new companies and groups for entering into the IT and telecommunications businesses. G The consolidation of marketing functions. G The establishment of Corporate Laboratories for new business development. G The training of promising young talent to foster future managers. Source: ‘Sony Announces a New Corporate Structure’, posted on www. sony. net, dated 16 January 1996. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes Whittington 5 Restructuring Sony In order to devise and implement the corporate strategies of the Sony Group, an Executive Board was created. The board was chaired by Idei. The other members of the board included the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Chief Production Officer, the Chief Marketing Officer, the Chief Communications Officer, the Chief Technology Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Executive Deputy President Representative Director and the Senior Managing Director. In an attempt to consolidate the marketing operations of Sony, the marketing divisions that belonged to the previous organisational setup were spun off to create three new marketing groups – the Japan Marketing Group (JMG), the International Marketing Operations Group (IMO) and the Electronic Components Devices Marketing Group (ECDMG). The JMG was responsible for all marketing activities in Japan for five companies – the Display Company, the Home AV Company, the Information Technology Company, the Personal AV Company and the Image Sound Communications Company. The IMO was responsible for supporting all overseas marketing efforts for these companies. The ECDMG oversaw the worldwide marketing operations for the Semiconductor Company and the Components Computer Peripherals Company. Analysts felt that this consolidation was done to separate Sony’s Japanese marketing operations from its worldwide operations so that the company could operate in a focused manner. To centralise all the RD efforts of Sony, the previous RD structure (in which each company had its own RD division) was revamped and three new corporate laboratories were established. The laboratories were the Architecture Laboratory (responsible for carrying out RD for software, network and IT-related technologies), the Product Development Laboratory (RD for product development in AV businesses) and the System LSI Laboratory (RD for LSI and system design, the basic components of hardware products). In addition, a new D21 laboratory was established to conduct long-term RD for future oriented technology intensive products. Sony also gave emphasis to grooming young, talented people to take up top management positions. The company also introduced the oncept of ‘virtual companies’ – temporary groups consisting of people from different divisions for launching hybrid products. Sony applied this idea when developing the latest generation Mini Disk players. For the financial year 1995–96, Sony registered a 15 per cent increase in revenues and became profitable again. In April 1998, a new organisation, Corporate Information Systems Solutions (CI SS), was established to realign and upgrade Sony’s information network systems and its global supply chain. The CISS comprised an advisory committee of individuals from management consultancy firms and Sony’s CISS representatives. The committee members advised the President on technological and strategic issues related to CISS. Representatives of the CISS were placed in all divisional companies to accelerate the implementation of corporate IT projects. During early 1998, Sony formed Sony Online Entertainment in the US to focus on internet-related projects. In May 1998, Sony changed the composition of its board of directors and established the new position of Co-Chief Executive Officer (Co-CEO). Idei was appointed Co-CEO. Idei reshuffled the management system to facilitate speedy decision making, improve efficiency, and provide greater role clarity to managers. The new system separated individuals responsible for policy-making from those who were responsible for operations. Under the new system, Idei was responsible for planning and designing Sony’s strategies and supervising the growth of e-business. Along with Ohga, he had to supervise the performance of the entire Sony group. President Ando was made responsible for overseeing Sony’s core electronics business, while Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Tokunaka was made responsible for the company’s financial strategies and network businesses. In addition, the top management positions of Sony’s global subsidiaries, which were previously called Corporate Executive Officers, were redesignated Group Executive Officers. Explaining the rationale for these changes, a Sony spokesman said, ‘These changes are aimed at making Sony’s management more agile’. 7 7 ‘Sony Names Management Team’, by Yoshiko Hara, EE Times, 9 May 2000. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes Whittington 6 Restructuring Sony Table 6 Sales performance of Sony’s businesses (1995–99) (in ? bn)* Year/Business 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 CAGR (4 years) ? 100 = approx. A0. 75. Source: Sony Annual Report, 1999, posted on www. sony. net. Electronics 3027 3283 3930 4377 4355 8. 55% Game 35 201 408 700 760 215% Music 481 506 570 660 719 10. 5% Pictures 282 317 439 643 540 17% Insurance 113 207 228 291 339 31% Others 52 78 88 84 81 11. 7% The implications From 1995 to 1999, Sony’s electronics business (on which the restructuring efforts were focused) grew at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8. 55 per cent (see Table 6). The music business had a CAGR of 10. 5 per cent while the pictures business had a CAGR of 17 per cent. Significant gains were, however, recorded by the games and insurance business. The games business registered a CAGR of 215 per cent, while the insurance business registered a CAGR of 31 per cent. In the late 1990s, Sony’s financial performance deteriorated. For the financial year 1998–99, its net income dropped by 19. 4 per cent. During that period, Sony was banking heavily on its PlayStation computer game machines. It was estimated that the PlayStation (Games business) accounted for nearly 42 per cent of Sony’s operating profits and 15 per cent of total sales for the quarter October–December 1998. In the late 1990s, many companies across the world were attempting to cash in on the internet boom. At that time, Sony’s management felt the need to establish a link between its electronics business (TVs, music systems, computers) and its content-related businesses (music, video games, movies and financial services) by making use of the internet. The management felt that in future, the revenues generated by internet-related businesses might even surpass those earned through the consumer electronics business. It wanted to use the internet as a medium for selling its electronic products as well as its content (music, movies and so on). In order to achieve this, Sony announced another reorganisation of business operations. Analysts felt that Sony was in a good position to exploit the opportunities offered by the internet since the company already had an established position in the electronics and content-related businesses. THE UNIFIED-DISPERSED MANAGEMENT MODEL In April 1999, Sony announced changes in its organisational structure. Through the new framework, the company aimed at streamlining its business operations to better exploit the opportunities offered by the internet. Sony’s key business divisions – Consumer Electronics division, Components division, Music division and the Games division – were reorganised into network businesses. This involved the reduction of ten divisional companies into three network companies, Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) Company and the Broadcasting Professional Systems (BPS) Company (see Exhibit 1). SCE Company was responsible for the PlayStation business while the BPS Company supplied video and audio equipment for business, broadcast, education, industrial, medical and production related markets. The restructuring aimed at achieving three objectives – strengthening the electronics business, privatising three Sony subsidiaries, and strengthening the management capabilities. The restructuring also aimed at enhancing shareholder value through ‘Value Creation Management’. 8 8 It aimed at creating value by dividing the group into networked autonomous business units such that the resources within the Sony Group complemented each other. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes Whittington 7 Restructuring Sony Exhibit 1 The unified-dispersed management model Source: ‘Sony Announces Organization Structure for New Network Companies’, posted on www. sony. net, 29 March 1999. Strengthening the electronics business The three network companies created were the Home Network Company, the Personal IT Network Company and the Core Technology Network Company. Each network company was governed by a network company management committee (NCMC) and a network committee board (NCB). The NCMC was responsible for developing management policies and strategies. Its members included the officers and presidents of the concerned network company. The NCB was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the network company while keeping in mind the overall corporate strategy of the entire organisation. Each NCB was chaired by the concerned company’s President CEO, Deputy President, President and Representative Director, two Executive Deputy Presidents and Representative Directors, and Corporate Senior Vice President. The new structure aimed at decentralising the worldwide operations of the company. The corporate headquarters gave the network companies the authority to function as autonomous entities in their corresponding businesses. To facilitate more functional and operational autonomy, the corporate headquarters also transferred the required support functions and RD labs to each network company. To give a further boost to Sony’s electronics business, the management created Digital Network Solutions (DNS) under the purview of headquarters. The role of DNS was to create a network business model by charting strategies and developing essential technologies for exploiting the opportunities offered by the internet. The basic aim of creating DNS was to develop a network base that would provide customers with digital content (such as music and movies) and financial services. Privatising Sony’s subsidiaries As part of its strategy to promote functional and operational autonomy and to devote more attention to units which contributed significantly to its revenues and profits, Sony decided to convert three of its companies – Sony Music Entertainment ( Japan), Sony Chemical Corporation (manufactured printed circuit boards (PCBs), recording media and automotive batteries), and Sony Precision Technology (manufactured semiconductor inspection equipment and precision measuring devices) – into wholly Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes Whittington 8 Restructuring Sony owned subsidiaries of Sony. In addition, Sony converted SCE, which was jointly owned by Sony and Sony Music Entertainment ( Japan), into a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony. Strengthening the management capability To strengthen the management capability, Sony clearly demarcated the roles of headquarters and the newly created network companies. Accordingly, distinction was made between the strategic and support functions. Sony’s headquarters was split into two separate units – Group Headquarters and Business Unit Support. The role of Group Headquarters was to oversee group operations and expedite the allocation of resources within the group. The support functions, such as accounting, human resources and general affairs, were handled by the network companies so that they could enjoy more autonomy in their operations. Significant long-term RD projects were directly supervised by the headquarters, while the immediate and short-term RD projects were transferred to the concerned network companies. In order to evaluate the performance of the network companies, a value based performance measurement system9 was introduced. The implications While pursuing its restructuring efforts, Sony started developing products which were compatible with the internet. Its electronic products, such as digital cameras, personal computers, music systems, and Walkman, were made web compatible. Through its website, www. sony. net, consumers could participate in popular television game shows, listen to music, and download songs and movie trailers. Sony also ventured into e-business with the acquisition of Sky Perfect Communications. 10 While focusing on offering internet-enabled products, Sony also attempted to increase internet penetration by offering internet connection at lower cost and higher speed to consumers in urban areas. Sony’s restructuring efforts in 1999 were well received by investors. Following the announcement of the restructuring programme, Sony’s stock prices nearly tripled. This positive trend continued even in 2000. By March 2000, its stock prices were at a high of $152. Having already offered its PlayStation game console on the internet, Sony successfully launched its PlayStation 2 (PS2) video game console in Japan in March 2000. The PS2 sold 980,000 units within the first three days of its launch. However, Sony still faced problems since its other businesses, including electronics, movies, personal computers, and mobile telecommunications, were not performing well. Analysts felt that the low internet penetration rate in Japan (estimated to be 13 per cent in 1999) was proving to be a major hurdle for Sony. Consequently, Sony’s financial performance deteriorated by the end of 1990s. For fiscal 1999 –2000, Sony’s net income fell to ? 121. 83bn compared to ? 179bn in the fiscal 1998–99. This resulted in a major fall in its stock prices. By May 2000, Sony’s stock prices fell by 40 per cent to $89. Analysts were quick to criticise Sony’s efforts towards transforming itself into a web-enabled company. They commented that the company had created more hype rather than taking a few significant steps in this regard. In response to these financial problems, Sony announced a reshuffle in its top management. Idei became the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony. Ando, who headed Sony’s PC division, was 9 A system that helps in effectively determining the cost of capital. The measurement is based on economic profit, which is calculated by subtracting the cost of debt and equity from the operating profit after tax. Sony planned to use this system of measurement to set targets and evaluate business unit performance. The performance was to be linked, in future, with management compensation. 10 A popular satellite broadcasting company in Japan which owned Sky Perfect TV and had successfully ventured into the internet service provider (ISP) business by launching the website, www. so-net. This website enabled online shopping, interactive games, fortune telling as well as stockbroking. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes Whittington 9 Restructuring Sony made the President, while Tokunaka, who previously headed the PlayStation unit, was made the Chief Financial Officer of Sony. Sony also undertook a massive cost-cutting exercise. Its global manufacturing facilities were reduced from 70 in 1999 to 65 in 2001. Sony planned to further bring down the number of manufacturing facilities to 55 by the end of 2003. This move would result in the elimination of 17,000 jobs. While implementing these measures, the company had to deal with severe resistance from employee unions and local governments (in areas where jobs would be eliminated). Despite the above measures, Sony’s financial condition did not show any significant improvement in 2001. The company was severely affected by the slowdown in the IT industry during 2000–01, which led to a decline in the demand for its computer-related products. As a result, in spite of a 9. 4 per cent increase in revenue in the fiscal 2000–01 (mainly due to the improved sales of the PlayStation games console) Sony’s net income dropped significantly from ? 121. 83bn in the fiscal 1999–2000 to ? 16. 75bn in the fiscal 2000–01. Analysts commented that Sony required a new business model. The company had immediately to take concrete measures to increase its net income. Sony’s management also felt that with the emergence of net-compatible devices like cellular phones, audio and video gadgets and laptops, PCs were losing their charm. It felt that in the emerging age of ‘broadband’11 the demand for the above products was likely to increase in future. Sony’s management felt that in order to boost profitability and exploit the opportunities offered by the broadband era, there was a need for yet another organisational restructuring. RESTRUCTURING EFFORTS IN 2001 Sony announced another round of organisational restructuring in March 2001. The company aimed at transforming itself into a Personal Broadband Network Solutions company by launching a wide range of broadband products and services for its customers across the world. Explaining the objective of the restructuring, Idei said, ‘By capitalising on this business structure and by having businesses cooperate with each other, we aim to become the leading media and technology company in the broadband era. ’12 The restructuring involved designing a new headquarters to function as a hub for Sony’s strategy, strengthening the electronics business, and facilitating network-based content distribution. New headquarters to function as a hub for Sony’s strategy Under the new structural framework (see Exhibit 2), Sony’s headquarters was revamped into a Global Hub centred on five key businesses – electronics, entertainment, games, financial services and internet/ communication service. The primary role of the Global Hub (headed by the top management) was to devise the overall management strategy of the company. Sony’s management decided to integrate all the electronics business related activities under the newly created Electronic Headquarters (Electronics HQ). In order to achieve the convergence of Audio Video Products with IT (AV/IT convergence), Sony devised a unique strategy called ‘4 Network Gateway’. Under this strategy, the games and internet/communication service businesses were combined with the electronics hardware business so that innovative products could be developed and offered for the broadband market. The three businesses were under the supervision of Ando. In order to provide support services for the entire group, a management platform was created, which consisted of key support functions in diverse fields such as accounting, finance, legal, intellectual 11 An acronym for broad bandwidth, it is a high-speed, high-capacity data transmission channel that sends and receives information on coaxial cable or fibre-optic cable (which has a wider bandwidth than conventional telephone lines). This channel can carry video, voice and data simultaneously. 12 As quoted in the Annual Report 2002, www. sony. net. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes Whittington 10 Restructuring Sony Exhibit 2 Sony organisational chart: electronics-related business (as of 1 April 2001) Source: ‘A New Group Structure for the Next Stage of Integrated, Decentralized Management’, www. sony. net, 29 March 2001. copyrights, human resources, information systems, public relations, external affairs and design. The management platform was later split into the Engineering, Management and Customer Service (EMCS) Company and the Sales Platform (which comprised the regional sales companies and region-based internet direct marketing functions). The management platform was headed by the Chief Administrative Officer, a newly created position. Sony’s management also converted the product-centric network companies into solution-oriented companies by regrouping them into seven companies. Group resources were allocated among the network companies on the basis of their growth potential. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes Whittington 11 Restructuring Sony Strengthening electronics business To enhance the profitability of the electronics segment, Sony’s management decided to give emphasis to product development efforts. The management felt it was also essential to enhance the quality of the electronic devices manufactured. In order to achieve this, Sony’s management devised an innovative business model called the Ubiquitous Value Network,13 which connected the company’s existing hardware, content and services through an agency of networks. Sony planned to develop a wide range of products which could be connected through this network. Network-based content distribution Like the electronics, games and internet/communication service businesses, the entertainment and financial services businesses were also developed in a network compatible manner to facilitate electronic content distribution. In the entertainment business, music and movies were converted into a digital format and distributed over the internet (apart from being distributed through traditional channels such as music stores and theatres). In Japan, Sony Music Entertainment launched online music through its website. This website allowed customers to download popular songs for a fee. In the financial services business, Sony Life Insurance Japan launched the ‘Life Planner’ consultancy system which offered personalised financial services online to its customers. Sony Life Assurance Japan also went online and started selling its insurance policies over the internet. The implications Soon after the reorganisation, Sony launched some innovative products to cater to the broadband market. For instance, in 2001, the company launched a series of internet-compatible mobile phones. However, the product was unsuccessful (owing to problems in the software used in the mobile devices) and in early 2002 Sony had to recall three batches of phones sold to Japanese companies. In consequence, Sony had to write off $110m in the quarter ending June 2002. In April 2003, Sony announced another major restructuring exercise (to be carried out in the next three years) in order to strengthen its corporate value (see Exhibit 3). Following this announcement, Sony was reorganised into seven business entities – four network companies and three business groups (see Exhibit 4). These business entities were given the authority to frame short-term and long-term strategies. According to analysts, the company’s financial performance did not improve in spite of the frequent restructuring by Sony’s management. For the financial year 2001–02, Sony’s operating income fell by a significant 40. 3 per cent while its revenues registered a marginal increase of 3. 6 per cent. According to a BusinessWeek report, sales of Sony’s most profitable products – the PlayStation and the PS2 game consoles – were likely to fall (see Exhibit 5). Due to Sony’s poor financial performance, the management planned to further reduce the number of manufacturing facilities and shift some production activities out of Japan. Analysts also criticised Sony for being a diversified business conglomerate engaged in several businesses from semiconductors to financial services. They felt that the company should focus on a few highly profitable businesses like games, insurance, and audio-video equipment and hive off the unprofitable businesses. Analysts felt that spending huge amounts of money on restructuring was not justified, particularly since the restructuring exercises had not yielded the expected results. In 2001, restructuring efforts had cost the company ? 100bn; and the proposed restructuring in April 2003 was expected to cost another ? 40bn. 13 The Ubiquitous Value Network is an environment in which PC and non-PC consumer electronics devices are seamlessly connected to each other and to the network, giving users access to all types of content or service, from anywhere across the globe. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes Whittington 12 Restructuring Sony Exhibit 3 Sony organisational cha rt (as of 1 April 2003) Source: ‘Sony Announces Executive Appointments and Organizational Reforms Effective as of April 1, 2003’, www. sony. net, 31 March 2003. Exhibit 4 Responsibilities of network companies and business groups No. 2 3 Network company/ business group Home Network Company Broadband Network Company IT and Mobile Solutions Network Company 4 5 6 Micro Systems Network Company Game Business Group Entertainment Business Group Responsibility To create a new home environment with networked electronic devices centred on next-generation TV Development of next-generation electronics devices and linkages to Game devices To realise a connected world with PC and mobile devices and strengthen the B2B solutions business To enhance key devices and modules as core components of attractive set products To promote Game businesses for the broadband era To develop entertainment content businesses based on pictures and music and develop a new content business model for the ne twork era To integrate various business units providing services based on direct contact with customers (finance, retail, etc). Strengthen synergies and develop attractive new business models for customers through the application of IT. 7 Personal Solutions Business Group Source: ‘Sony Announces Executive Appointments and Organizational Reforms Effective as of April 1, 2003’, www. sony. et, 31 March 2003. Analysts also felt that the convergence of consumer electronics, PCs and the internet was not only opening up new opportunities for Sony but also creating more competition for its core businesses. As Sony took steps to strengthen its networking capabilities, the company faced new forms of competition in both domestic as well as foreign markets. For instance, in the US, software giants like Microsoft and Sun Microsystems (as well as a few startups) were planning to enter the home entertainment market. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes Whittington 13 Rest ructuring Sony Exhibit 5 Break-up of Sony’s businesses (31 March 2002) Business Electronics Games Insurance Films Music Others Sales ($bn) 35. 6 7. 4 3. 7 4. 6 4. 5 0. 6 Operating profits ($m) 125 578 91 147 203 NA Source: ‘Can Sony Retain the Magic’, by Irene M. Kunii Cliff Edward, BusinessWeek, 11 March 2002. Even Cisco Systems, which provided network solutions, had started manufacturing consumer electronics products. A BusinessWeek report said that Sony lacked any distinctive competencies in the internet-related businesses. It was neither an aggregator of content like Yahoo! , nor a limited-product vendor with an efficient distribution network such as Dell. Exploring Corporate Strategy by Johnson, Scholes Whittington 14 How to cite Sony Case 1991-2003, Essay examples