Brand Analysis For disney cruiseline

The Disney Cruise line is one of the ventures of the Walt Disney company which focuses on providing family entertainment. An analysis of the Disney Cruise line brand indicates that its revenues and market share be taken into consideration. However, Disney does not report the revenues and expenditures of the Cruise line separately. Thus experts’ estimates have to depended upon in order to gauge the worth of the cruise line.According to some analysts:Based on what Disney Cruise Line has reported — about 390,000 passengers a year and an average of $200 in revenue a day per passenger — the business likely grosses more than $312 million a year, or $156 million per ship. (Jackson, 2005) The Disney Cruise line has 2 ships in its fleet with two more to be launched in 2010 and 2011. While each ship can accommodate around 3,508 passengers, the market share of the cruise line is at 1. 8%. (Kwortnik Jr. , 2006) Positioning and Competitive Differentiation PointDisney Cruise l ines position themselves in the market and differentiate on the basis of the value the Cruise line provides rather than service attributes or benefits. According to Anne Riley-Katz: In the nine years that it has operated its current two cruise ships, Disney has set itself apart from other lines by capitalizing on the family niche, a newer segment of a market that traditionally played to honeymooners and retirees. (Riley-Katz, 2007) Disney likes to refer to itself as ‘A leader in the family cruise segment’ (Disney Cruise News, 2009).And the values it highlights are the family experience with fun activities for all age groups. Disney Cruise line boasts of kids’ activities, teenage entertainment activities as well as something to do for adults on their own. It is because of the family focus that Disney cruises are priced higher than other cruise lines and focus on high quality recreational activities aboard the ships. According to the Disney Cruiseline Website: Disn ey Cruise Line offers cruise vacations to be enjoyed by the young and young at heart. (Disney Cruise News, 2009)Thus its point of differentiation lies in the fact that it has special activities and services designed for all age groups heightening family and individual experience. The cruise line’s competitive line of differentiation is its focus on the niche of the family market rather than an adult market exclusively as most cruises are advertised for. Other cruise lines generally are for adults and couples. Unlike most other Cruise lines, Disney does not have a casino on the deck and has areas restricted to adults for activities that are deemed not to be meant for kids.Promotional Messages In a TV commercial aired by the Cruise line available at http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=rHrSX0gHX_8, a child enters an elevator with his mother and his one year old brother and starts relating of his and his family’s experience in a typical child like manner. The high-point of t he commercial is that the child says that his baby brother is a little souvenir from the Disney cruise that they took a year ago. The advertising focuses on Disney creating a magical experience for the entire family which is unforgettable.As in the TV commercial, the child is seen to remember the experience and relate its events as if he had recently been on the trip. This depicts that the Disney Cruise line wants to position its vacations as an unforgettable experience for the parents as well as the children. Moreover, children are more prone to forgetting events but Disney has projected an image where it says that even children remember the experience. Strengths and Weaknesses The strengths of the brand include the huge brand equity that is associated with the parent company. Consumers view Disney as brand oriented towards families and children.Thus Disney comes across as a credible brand that will not malign the minds of children and a brand that parents can trust their children can learn from. The Cruise line with its strong endorsement from the parent company depicts the values that the consumers hold dear in their view of Disney. Thus its main strength lies in the strong brand name. Moreover, the cruise line is priced at premium rates implying high quality services. Further when most cruise lines are focusing on people on a honeymoon or people who have retired Disney has been able to capture the niche of family cruise.the potency of the cruise lines also lies in the fact that being family oriented, the occupancy in the ships is higher than on other cruise lines and that allows for lowering of costs while revenue increases. The weaknesses of the brand are basically its very short fleet of two ships which restricts the number of excursions that Disney can undertake. This is one reason for its market share of merely 1. 8 percent. Along with this is the fact that Disney recently ordered two more ships to be built and given the recent economic downturn and es calating prices, Disney could suffer losses in terms of high prices charged by ship builders.According to estimates the two new ships will cost more than $800 million per ship. (Riley-Katz, 2007). Provided with the fact that Disney’s cruises have been very popular and successful, such a large investment in face of a recession is risky. References Disney Cruise News. (2009). Adults Find Myriad Ways to Escape on Disney Cruise Line. Retrieved March 2009, from Disney Cruise News: http://www. disneycruisenews. com/AssetDetail. aspx? AssetId=8cfde0e4-66fc-4672-ad13-734a0186d8ae Disney Cruise News. (2009). Teenagers Rule on Disney Cruise Line.Retrieved March 2009, from Disney Cruise News Web Site: http://www. disneycruisenews. com/AssetDetail. aspx? AssetId=691d9d37-708c-4052-8a26-4d53b49b1d49 Disney Cruise Website. (2009). Enjoy a $25 Onboard Credit When You Book Online. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from Disney Cruise: http://disneycruise. disney. go. com/dcl/en_US/reserve/specialOffer s/detail? name=SpecialOffer25OnBoardCreditDetailPage Jackson, W. J. (2005, June 13). Disney Cruise Line's Magic luxury ship is spending the summer on the West Coast. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from Disney Wold Trivia: http://www.disneyworldtrivia. com/forums/disney-cruise-line/2619-disney-ship-line-cruise-control. html Kwortnik Jr. , R. J. (2006). Carnival Cruise Lines – Burnishisng the Brand. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from Cornell University Website: http://people. cornell. edu/pages/rjk34/Research/Carnival%20Cruise%20Lines%20Burnishing%20the%20Brand. pdf Riley-Katz, A. (2007, March 12). Yo-Ho, it's major dough: Disney makes, and spends, big money on pricey cruises. Retrieved February 2009, 2009, from The Free Library Website: http://www. thefreelibrary. com/_/print/PrintArticle. aspx? id=161284440

Hamlet Nunnery Scene Analysis

In this essay, I am going to write about the themes and techniques in the â€Å"Nunnery† scene in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. All of the points I am going to cover have been expressed through different mediums for example in film and televised dramatic plays where the concept of Hamlet’s anger or use of nunnery is perceived to be different through artistic licence and also I will talk about the themes raised during the scene like corruption, deception, passion and betrayalThroughout all the adaptations of the â€Å"Nunnery† scene, deception is a pivotal theme carried and sustained. The universal concept of deception in the scene is presented by three points. Hamlet is being spied on, by Claudius and Polonius. The reason for this is that they both become extremely suspicious of Hamlets current behaviour. They are convinced his new â€Å"madness† is not genuine. The way they go about spying by using Ophelia as a device to retract information for their own personal benefit is a way deception is conveyed.Ophelia is lying to him; this is also a way the theme of deception is successfully carried through the scene, the fact that Hamlet himself lied to Ophelia as defence mechanism to catch out Ophelia’s lies and to reinforce the point that he has a far superior intellect. Another devices or technique that you could say that Shakespeare uses to create and maintain the deception in this scene is that, whenever Ophelia answers Hamlet, she lacks detail and tries to avoid and abetting questions and pretend as if the questions were never asked.An example of this is when Hamlet asks â€Å"Ha, ha, Are you honest? Ophelia replies â€Å"My lord â€Å". Again Hamlet asks â€Å"Are you fair â€Å". And he receives this answer from Ophelia â€Å"What mean you lordship†. This is a clear example of her stalling or ‘beating around the bush’ as it were, to find time to come up with an answer that would bait her out as a spy and a liar. In every single Adaptation and dramatization of the play, the sense of fear and confusion in Ophelia’s voice is extremely apparent. In my opinion this fear she has originates from two possible scenarios.Firstly; she is exposed as a liar. Secondly; she fails to gain any conclusive information from Hamlet and this would lead to the probability her father and Claudius wouldn’t be too pleased with her seeing as they put far too much effort in to this operation and its likelihood of success. I can say this because Claudius and Polonius both went to the extent of eavesdropping on Ophelia so no detail was missed and also to eliminate the possibility that Ophelia would fabricate some elements of her conversation/confrontation with Hamlet to protect him.Corruption and betrayal are two themes that tie in with each other rather well. Corruption is far clearer and more apparent as it is carried throughout the whole play. It is present by the fact Claudius makes it his mission to destroy Hamlet, so he can keep the throne he longed for quite some time seeing as he killed his own brother to obtain it. The only way he can find out what Hamlet is thinking is by using Ophelia as a makeshift operative to extract the information they need. They do this as Ophelia is only person other than his mother he can fully trust.However betrayal is more complex. It is displayed in the so-called â€Å"Turning point† of the Nunnery scene, there are several possibilities for this depending on the type of adaptation the main ones are: when Hamlet asks â€Å"Where’s you Father† and also when a noise (A sound made by either Polonius or Claudius) is heard by Hamlet. In the Mel Gibson version of Hamlet there is no noise but a shadow seen by Hamlet, also in the contemporary Ethan Hawke Version when Hamlet approaches Ophelia for a hug he feels the wire planted on Ophelia to spy on him.However in the Kozintsev version this â€Å"Turning point† arrives much earlier it is not as climatic and chronic as the other adaptations. This discovery made by Hamlet in all its forms opens up the dormant suspicions and reservations of Ophelia thought up by Hamlet. The reason why his suspicions were dormant was that Hamlet generally is a very melancholy young man who has been prevented from attending university, his father dead and he knows who killed him and he’s now married to his mother as we all know. Hamlet always wears both black or unexciting dull colours like brown, grey and a very dark crimson in his clothing.The fact is, Ophelia is after all, his girlfriend and possibly a potential wife therefore she is a person of a great importance in his life. If Hamlet had let her in his life, he clearly would have never expect edto have been betrayed by her at all. Seeing as Hamlet is an extremely complex and possibly insane character so This causes his unstoppable rage which in itself is another theme in the Nunnery scene, which i s carried till the end where he storms out while he shouts that he know he is subject to espionage and he is being lied to. â€Å"God ath given you a face and you go and make yourself another†. He isn’t happy about it (evidently) and he threateningly tells Ophelia to go to a nunnery. â€Å"To a nunnery go! † Love and Passion in a sexual/relationship context, are two other themes that drive both Ophelia and Hamlet to do things, react or act a certain way in the Nunnery. The truth is that they are both in love but because of the complications in the environment in which they live and also the constant interference of their relationship by other people, such as Ophelia’s father Polonius. No my good lord, but I did as you command, I repel his letters and denied his access to meâ€Å". These are the instructions Polonius handed to Ophelia much before the Nunnery Scene in act 2 scene 1. Starting from â€Å"Turning point† Hamlet uses his love for Ophelia as a weapon against her several times. An example of this is when he says: â€Å"I loved you notâ€Å", â€Å"I did love you once† and â€Å"I say we have no mo marriages†.Hamlet does this because he has previously shown his inner character to Ophelia by trusting her and to show that he actually angry he must use a weapon that Ophelia can see through or expect and also a weapon that he has used against her before especially his love for her as she never doubted. The theme of passion however is portrayed in Hamlet’s anger, his reaction shows his disappointment in Ophelia, by shaking her and gripping her tightly and in some adaptations e. g. the Branagh and Lawrence Olivier version Hamlet physical strikes her.This is the one of the clearest indications of the intensity of the love they both shared and the loved they were denied. The set and the setting play a major part in intensifying the themes explained above throughout the Nunnery scene. The generic setting or basis of all the setting in the scene for all the adaptations is Elsinore Castle, the locations that are most commonly used are the court yard or a large hall. In the BBC version takes place in a very enclosed space, strangely this is one of the only version where visually it Hamlet shows absolutely no anger at all and show compassion rather to Ophelia and pities her.However in the other entire version I have seen the setting helps creates a hostile and fragile environment, where hamlet is able do use the acoustic to project his voice and also ironically to aid Claudius and Polonius to eavesdrop. In most versions the Openness as space in which the scene takes place creates a sense of exposure and insecurity for both characters especially for Ophelia as she is trapped both physically by Hamlet and mentally/emotionally by her Claudius and Polonius because she has to complete her ‘mission’ assigned to her. Another Technique used in the Nunnery scene is the dialogue and the conflict within it.These techniques are the main aspect of the theme of deception and betrayal; this is what carries these to themes through the scene and therefore the rest of the play. As mentioned the use of rhetorical questions and sarcasm especially in Hamlet’s tone. For example: â€Å"That is you be honest and fair your honesty should admit no discourse to your beauty† this is a clear example of Hamlet’s sarcasm and rhetorical question. The trigger for all this form of communication is the sudden addressing of Hamlet in a formal way when they never talk in that way.The conflict in the dialogue also helps to know Ophelia is lying. â€Å"My honoured lord, you know right well you did †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Take these again for the noble mind , rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind†. The combination of assonance and alliteration in Ophelia’s line fails to make her spontaneous and genuine it rather makes it sound rehearsed and fake. Also aft er Ophelia’s failed attempt to deceive hamlet in think he gave the remembrances. His response â€Å"Ha, ha are you honest? † shows his far superior intellect.

What Does Nursing Mean To Me?

It is important to me that nursing is identified as an honorable and essential profession. I believe that nursing is a status that reflects the two equally important parts of nursing knowledge: Empirical knowledge and Esthetical knowledge. â€Å"It is the artful nurse's interactions that can bridge the gap introduced by technology and science, thereby creating integrity and engagement rather than detachment in the personal encounter† (Johnson, 1994). Even when I am not at work, I sub-consciously carry that status with me all the time; and am ready to demonstrate it.For example, at a family gathering, if someone asks me a health-related question, I not only provide the scientific answer and explanation in simple language, but will also give him or her health teaching related to that question in a caring, compassionate way. I can relate carrying this status with me just like how celebrities carry the glamorous status with them all the time and, how they are always ready to face the camera. Therefore, for me, nursing is a status that can only be maintained by the right combination of science and art.It is important to me that nursing is identified as an honorable and essential profession. I believe that nursing is a status that reflects the two equally important parts of nursing knowledge: Empirical knowledge and Esthetical knowledge. â€Å"It is the artful nurse's interactions that can bridge the gap introduced by technology and science, thereby creating integrity and engagement rather than detachment in the personal encounter† (Johnson, 1994). Even when I am not at work, I sub-consciously carry that status with me all the time; and am ready to demonstrate it.For example, at a family gathering, if someone asks me a health-related question, I not only provide the scientific answer and explanation in simple language, but will also give him or her health teaching related to that question in a caring, compassionate way. I can relate carrying this status with me just like how celebrities carry the glamorous status with them all the time and, how they are always ready to face the camera. Therefore, for me, nursing is a status that can only be maintained by the right combination of science and art.

Earhtquake lights Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Earhtquake lights - Essay Example Yutaka Yasui, a Japanese seismologist for Kakioka Magnetic Observatory made his personal observations and documented 34 detailed accounts of EQL including 14 sketches and 10 photographs taken by residents in the Matashiro area. Later, Yasui concluded that 18 of the 34 detailed accounts could not be elucidate by known lighting activity like twilight, zodiacal light, auroras, meteors and other sources and the other 16 accounts cannot be considered natural phenomena (Wagner, 1978). The appearances of these strange lights during and after an earthquake are also visible in other parts of the globe. In 1976, a stunning EQL activity covering several hundred of square kilometers was seen in mainland China. Many other recorded sightings in various parts of the world including Hawaii, Taiwan, Alaska, Soviet Union, and the United States. Earthquake Lights or EQL are generally known as bright luminescence based near ground level or broad sky glows that cover areas up to several square kilometers and sometimes more (Wagner, 1978). EQL varies in color from bright white and blues to reds and oranges, occurrence with other colors than those mentioned said to be effects of variations in the atmosphere such as humidity, barometric pressure, pollutants and cloud cover (Wagner, 1978). According to Wagner's (1978) article, a more detailed description of EQL summarized by two seismologists Yutaka Yasui and John Derr as: a) Flashes of lights lasting from 10 seconds to 10 minutes. b) Extensive blaze like search light beams limited to point sources. The estimated luminescent spheres are between 50-100cm in diameter up to 200m in diameter. c) Incidences of EOL are mostly near areas of known active faulting, mountain peaks, and areas with rich deposit of high normative quarts or silicia minerals. d) Usually occurring accompanied by major weather fronts instantaneous with earthquake activity. e) Large decrease in electric potential gradient, radio interference ranging from 10-20KHZ, absence of anomalies in magnetometer and spectroscope readings during EQL activity. f) Presence of atmospheric potential gradients and increase in radon gas near mountain peaks and fault zones. The most widespread explanation of EQL's mechanism is the violent low-level air oscillation due to tremor movement that sets up electrical disparity in the air. The other is the piezoelectric effects that occur when SiO2 rich rocks undergo stress. The theory is a less accepted because of the facts that EOL's are sighted and visible before the earthquake take place. According to Wagner 1978, another weak theory is the explanation that some earthquake radiance is auroras (northern lights). Auroras are made up of charged particles about 60 miles above the earth and comes naturally in colors of blue and green. Auroras occur year round and most visible in fall and spring months and typically last an hour. Earthquake lights are only visible whenever there is a tremor and last for a few minutes. There is a great possibility that EQL's are spawn by electrostatic charges considering animal behavior when an earthquake is about to take place (Wagner, 1978). Occurrence of

Discussion Questions law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discussion Questions law - Assignment Example Litigation is also cost prohibitive due to the legal fees and case filing fees involved. Due to the unpredictable time frame involved in trying such cases, additional emotional and financial damage is inflicted upon the person who filed the case. That is why ADR has become a logical alternative for some people who do not want to deal with the hassles of litigation. ADR offers an alternative solution to filing a case in a shorter amount of time because the negotiations involve and informal and less adversarial setting than litigation. Both parties can compromise on an issue with the aid of an expert in the decision making process. This is something that judges approve of as sometimes their knowledge of certain business related cases can be limited. Examples of ADR or arbitration that can happen to a person in his personal or professional life include restructuring of debt payments (personal) and an administrative case filed before a person in his place of office that needs to be resol ved by the owners of the company or its in-house legal department. 2. Substansive law is the written law that defines the crimes and punishments in criminal law, or civil rights under civil law. It is a codified legislated statute that is enacted through public initiative. An example of this law would be the law covering the intentional killing of a person. This should not be confused with Procedural law which is the law that enforces the said rights and duties through rules determined in civil or criminal proceedings. A clear example of a procedural law is when a decision is made to arrest a person. The grounds covering his arrest fall under procedural law. These are totally different from criminal law which, simply put, is the system of law that punishes people who commit crimes such as felonies and misdemeanors. Civil law on the other hand, deals with private relations between community members. Civil law looks to gain compensation for damages received

Effects of Gender on Effective Corporate Leadership Research Paper

Effects of Gender on Effective Corporate Leadership - Research Paper Example This essay declares that  Leadership is a process of collective influence whereby one person solicits the aid and support of followers and from other leaders to get organization’s goals accomplished. Effective leadership requires closer interaction between the leader and a follower, in a way, that they can easily influence the course of action of their followers to achieve a particular goal.  Various studies advocate effective leadership as characterized by intrinsic values and traits possessed by certain groups of people and their efficiency of application in the business environment to achieve desired goals or to solve organization crisis.  Leaders are known to use different strategies and leadership styles of management and, of course, the outcome of their practices differ across the organizations. This study will be focusing on the main differences between male from female their leadership styles by examining leadership traits for effective leadership. The study is based on the assumption that women are more likely to interact freely with their followers and influence their course of action while male impose their ideologies on their followers establishing autocratic leadership in the organizations.  Effective leadership is determined by other underlying factors apart from personal leadership attributes. The document will focus on female competence leadership traits and an assessing of factors limiting effective leadership among the women.     

Dqweek7 r 9 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Dqweek7 r 9 - Essay Example John Elkington (1995) coined the phrase, "people, planet, profit". This was while he was at SustainAbility. This is an organization which was created in order to deliver guidelines which are socially responsible. This were supplied to large corporations who considered profits to be more important than any possible benefits for wider society. An enterprise which is described as having a triple bottom line is one which aims to benefit a variety of constituencies, without exploiting or endangering any one group. In 2004 Elkington described wha the named as the "upstreaming" of a percentage of any profit created by selling finished goods to those who originally produced the raw materials used.( This triple bottom line consists of several factors including concerns which are to do with the environment , society and the economy. The phrase "People, planet and profit" describes the ways in which an organization has an impact in these areas. All three should be considered if an organization is to succeed and to do good. The other side of this is sustainability. Lots of companies finds themselves forced sacrifice possible benefits to wider society simply in order to keep going at a profit. Ultimately profit motives are seen far as being more important than any possible social benefits, unless the organization finds that it can do this using the society’s resources (Aupperle, Carroll, and Hatfield, 1985). A quick scan of the media backs up this negative view of what is actually going on. Too many organizations seem devoid of any degree of social responsibility. Considering the readings to date, what are the future projections for the idea of the triple bottom line? If a cost versus benefit analysis were carried out on this subject what conclusions would be reached? What reasons are there for this? Brown, Dillard and Marshall, (2006) came up with a working paper about the Triple Bottom Line. Idea. They described it

The Godbeite Movement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Godbeite Movement - Essay Example The most victorious of the recusant sects was established by Joseph Smith, who was the prophet's son, and who, with his brothers Alexander H. and David Hyrum, remained a Nauvoo after the emigration. After a few years, Joseph was requested to become the head of the oddments of the Strangites and Cutlerites who had organized a new church. At first Joseph Smith turned down the request, but then in 1860, looking at the considerable increase in the number of members due to the breaking up of other parties, he accented the call as prophet and initiated to preach the faith of his father. He avowed it in its original purity and denied the claims of Brigham and the dogma of polygamy. This division spread rapidly throughout Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa, the apostates being termed Josephites by the followers of Brigham, but styling themselves to be the Reorganized Church of Latter-day Saints. It was checked in Uthah, by fear of harassment, and the movement was not marked until mid 1863. It was the same year when two Josephite missionaries, named E. C. Briggs and Alexander McCord, reached the Salt Lake City after crossing the plains. As the messengers of the gospel, and calling on Brigham, they told him the object of their delegation, and saught consent to preach in the tabernacle. They were definitely not permitted, nor were the allowed to use any other public building as well. As a result of this the missionaries visited from house to house, offered prayers for the inmates, and insisted them to join the true faith. They proved successful and then at first singly, then by dozens and scores, people converted. The Expulsion of Godbe and Harrison While the controversy between the prophet's sons and the prophet's nephew was at its height, an article appeared in the Utah Magazine, which administered by W. S. Godbe and E. L. T. Harrison themselves, that stated; "If we know the true feeling of our brethren, it is that they never intend Joseph Smith's nor any other man's son to preside over them simply because of their sonship. The principle of heirship has cursed the world for ages, and with our brethren we expect to fight it till, with every other relic of tyranny, it is trodden under foot." The magazine also elucidated the part of adjudication between the disputants, and otherwise gave throbbing offence to the church dignitaries. Another article that was published urged the development of the mineral resources of Utah, a measure which found no favor with Brigham, and stated 'for thus would the flood-gates be opened to the gentiles, while the saints might be tempted to worship at the shrine of Mammon, "I want to make a wall so t hick and so high around the territory," he once exclaimed in the tabernacle, "that it would be impossible for the gentiles to get over or through it."' Eventually, the elders were beckoned before the school of prophets, the examining source for the offenders before being tried by the high council, and although the most somber accusation against them was the publication of the article on mineral developments, resultantly, both Godbe and Harrison were debarred from the church. However, none of them tried justify the charges brought against them. Their fortification was confined simply to the question of their purported apostasy, and to the authority of the priesthood. When their instance was brought to the high council, the recusants, instead of

Management and Administration Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Management and Administration - Case Study Example This essay will also elaborate more on the possible solutions available to solve each problem identified. Thorough explanations accompanying my recommendations will also be provided. Lack of trust within the management The Red Cross management and the subordinate staff relationship never had a strong foundation (Meyers & Young, 1996). This was due to the lack of communication and understanding among the entire staff. Consequently, every member of the staff was criticizing the management while the management criticized the junior staff. In addition to this, there were severe consequences for example some junior staff members were suspended without pay while others were relieved of their duties. Considering the factors that led to the management problem, there are various theories that different staff members have stated. The C.E.O of Red Cross known as Harold J. Becker was very uncomfortable at her position despite it being a prestigious position within the organization. Apparently, s he had decided to call it quits after she was attacked by critics within Red Cross. During the day in question, she was showing the jittery strain of the previous two months. She recalls the first time that she had commanded a huge disaster relief effort only to endure humiliation and rejection of every order she gave by the Red Cross’s 50 member board of governors. ... During these staff meetings, there should be an open forum where the people air their grievances, complaints and dissatisfaction. Afterwards, the board should hold a meeting for the purposes of sorting out the major problems aired out. Individually, the most damaging aspect as a result of mistrust is the psychological impact that produces paranoid thoughts. Recommendations The strategies recommended are several for instance developing other relationships hence gaining self empowerment. Other relationships to be developed are between the junior staff and senior staff for example the C.E.O did not have a working relationship with her junior staff hence the major reason why they were all criticizing her authority and leadership. Another recommendation is the creation of alternatives where individuals employ the principles of GRIT (Graduated and Reciprocated initiatives in Tension Reduction) (Fells, 2009). This is a strategy meant to reduce dysfunctional distrust in various levels of aut hority. Basically, GRIT consists of a series of steps meant to correct biased and distorted views, reduce tension cultivating an atmosphere of mutual trust. Resultively, this will enable a more co-operative approach enhancing effectiveness. GRIT framework once established distrust will subside as parties involved in arguments achieve a neutral ground. However, it is important to retain some retaliatory capacity. This is the ability to mount a defense should it become necessary and also build a reputation of trustworthiness through self defense by stating facts. Incompetency within the organization In a confidential memo sent to the board of governors by Healy, she had complained about the irregularities within Red Cross. She ultimately laid out the

Analysis of Hungarian Financial Crisis Case Study

Analysis of Hungarian Financial Crisis - Case Study Example The occurrence of the international financial crisis has forced the financial markets to reexamine their patience to tolerate uncertainty. Day by day as the financial disaster increased, this, in turn, resulted in the reduction of international liquidity and also an increase in uncertainty. On the other hand, the shareholders had started to distinguish among the rising markets and judged that the Hungarian possessions have become riskier. However, it can be concluded that the vulnerability of the Hungarian economy was mostly due to these uncertainties. In this situation, the Hungarian authorities were not very sure in what way they would handle these problems. They examined the market more minutely and had increased the deposit securities as per the European Union policy. But still this policy did not work and the Hungarian government was not able to save the public from this financial crisis and there was instability throughout the economy. So, in such a situation the Hungarian gove rnment had no other option than to take help from the International Monetary Fund and the European Union (Horvath, 1-2).  Ã‚   Moreover, auctions were held to sell the new government bonds, but this too did not work. Again the shares of the Hungarian bank had fallen to a great extent. The forint had started to fall; the rates of interest had started to increase. The security market of the Hungarian government had suffered huge loss and also there was the scarcity of liquidity in different financial institutions. The Hungarian authority already had huge debt under the communist administration. The GDP-debt ratio had decreased from 90% to 50% in the year 2001. Again due to incorrect policies adopted in the year 2002 the ratio had increased to about 15% and this resulted in a 65% rise in GDP. On the other hand, the debts of the Czech Republic and Slovakia were 30% and 50% respectively (Horvath, 1-3). Reasons for Hungarian Weakness In the year 2008, Hungary was the first member of the European Union who had wanted financial help from the International Monetary Fund. This was considered as a failure of the Hunga rian government. At this moment it was very difficult to state that in the near future which are the other countries who will have to face such a crisis and which country will be most affected.

Biology and The Persistence of Race and Ethinicity Essay

Biology and The Persistence of Race and Ethinicity - Essay Example Not even attempts by interracial marriages to overshadow ethnic boundaries have lessened the resolve by the native Hawaiians to have their state declared a sovereign nation, much like the tribe of the American Indians. When races have thus been mixed up, other new races are brought forth, as opposed to no race at all (Olson 2002). For example, the Angles and Saxons led to the formation of Anglo-Saxons. Thorough this chapter, Olson has argued on the variation in our appearances, yet genetically, we seem to be so similar. This then leads to the question of mis-paring that is so apparent with regard to genetic similarity on the one hand, and physical appearance on the other hand. Racism is not just about being Asian, American, European, African, or black. Even within a particular race, class system does exist. Therefore, even if racial lines were to be scrapped off, the class system in such races will still discriminate on heir underprivileged lot. For example, the Indians have a caste system that recognises some of its members to belong to the royal class, while others are more peasants. It will thus take more than a changing of mind from a racial perspective to ensure that such a prestige no longer exists. The correlation between biology and ethnicity in Hawaii is quite loose, partly because individual tend to identify themselves ethnically on the basis of who their ancestors were, as well as based on those groups that they would wish to belong to. For these reasons, the scientific value of using the term native Hawaiian, tends to be particularly limited. Olson is of the argument that biology per se may no longer serve as the foundation for race (Olson 2002).Even then, society and traditions may still have an influence over how certain people live, and this does not in any way make such a group a race. For instance, although white children may talk in their language of black children and also copy their dressing code, they still remain white on the basis of biology. Thus, other factors such as politics and culture, and not just biology, will impact on race. The island of Hawaii is a representation of a break from the traditional understanding of politics and race. As Olsen has argued, Hawaii might as well be the future of the rest of the United States, with respect to the acceptance accorded to diverse racial groups, and interracial marriages (Olson 2002). Given that relationships and interracial marriages have reached a record high in he rest of the country are now at an all time high, one can then concur with the arguments of Olsen. Hawaii stands out as unique state, owing to the various occupants that arrived from Asian and European countries, such as the Philippines, Korea, Japan, and China, to make the state their home. Further Olsen has also written about a man who had ancestors tracing their roots to the native Hawaiians, the Japanese, German and Irish. The man, according to Olsen, now has four daughters (Olson 2002). If the ancestors of these girls are so mixed up, what then, will become of the future generations Were the daughters of this man to marry men with complex ancestry, or plainly put,

International Operations Management Essay Example for Free

International Operations Management Essay Nowadays every company wants to gain a competitive edge in the market and for that it leaves no store unturned . When any new development takes place although it has a good side to it but there are equally a lot of challenges attached to it as well. If a company is thinking of moving from batch processing to line processing there would be considerable concerns which the following departments might raise and might have to juggle with. The finance department might face the issues of capital investment rising from moderate to high level because if an automobile production line is there then it would not use ordinary machinery instead would require specialized machinery for its production. In a batch processing system the capital investment is usually seen to be moderate and when decision of venturing into line processing is taken then capital investments expects to be high. Variable cost might tend to lessen from moderate level of previous working seen in batch processing. Human resource department would also have to face issues like curtailing the number of labor content and workforce . Usually in assembly line processing the workforce is replaced by machinery and supporting mechanisms embedded in the systems like for example adding a conveyer belt to connect the activities which take place in the firm. (Lewis Slack, 2003). Labor content in batch processing is moderate whereas in line processing its low. (McHugh MuHugh , 1990) . This can be a concern of the human resource department because it would take decisions like lay off, transfer etc. The accounting department has to be on the toes because the level of transactions would increase as the volume would increase i. e. from moderate level of quantity produced to high level production. The entries have to be made on a continuous basis as volume or the quantity has risen. The information system which would be used for line processing will have to more swift and embedded with specialized softwares or systems which support line processing nature of work. The connected flow of working will have to be monitored efficiently. The system of monitoring will have to be modified so as to facilitate the current functioning. The marketing department might think of the fact that in the batch processing products involved were several and in line processing the products involved are less hence less responsibility, but the quality of marketing expertise would be expected to increase drastically. ( Heizer Render , 1991 ) . A batch process usually executes different production runs for different runs but it’s not in the case of line processing. The flexibility is usually seen to be low in line processing and therefore as in batch processing where flexibility is seen to be moderate might create concerns for the marketing department. The marketing department now will have to devise such ideas which are out of the box and facilitate such larger processing function . The marketing department has to design such products which entice the masses as they would now not have multiple products which can save their flagging reputation. (Weiss Gershon, 1989) To culminate I would state that whenever any other process flow is adopted then there are certain specifications which are to be considered and the various departments which previously followed a specific line of action need to have the insight of how to adapt to the other one in which they are opting to venture.

Advent of the democratic dispensation in south africa

Advent of the democratic dispensation in south africa 1.1 INTRODUCTION The advent of the democratic dispensation in South Africa has brought about significant changes in the political, social and economic spheres of the country. As a microcosm of society, the education sector too has been caught up in the ebb and flow of these democratic changes (Zatman, Florio and Sikorski, 1997:3). Consequently new educational laws and policies that are consistent with the new dispensation have been put in place. Although the transformation from apartheid education to Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) was necessitated by the democratic demands, its implementation is not a forgone conclusion. According to (ANC, 1995:8), â€Å"education and education systems are, above all, human and social institutions with all their capabilities and limitations†. Education institutions need to be managed. Unlike machines, they cannot be programmed for certain outcomes and then set to run by themselves. School principals together with other members of the School Management Teams (SMTs) as change agents and key personnel in schools, are faced with the challenge of managing these changes. Unfortunately many variables in the process of change are either unknown or cannot be controlled (Pudi, 2005:148). However, it is important to understand the roles that SMTs have to play for the effective management of the educational changes in schools. It is because of this that the roles and effective management of change in schools through SMTs is both important and necessary. The demands of a new education dispensation have in effect made necessary a paradigm shift in the management of schools. 1.1.1 A paradigm shift in the management of schools The introduction of OBE, the Integrated Quality Management Systems (IQMS), the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) and other educational changes in schools made imperative a modified or changed teaching approach from educators. More significantly effective implementation of OBE requires development of new management strategies and competencies from all the members of the SMTs. However the author is concerned about whether the current members of SMTs are sufficiently equipped with the necessary skills that will enable them to manage the current turbulences in schools. According to Zatman et al. (1997:3) it is convincing that school managers today are faced with a perplexing situation of trying to satisfy the needs and requirements of South Africa`s diverse population. Gultig and Butler (1999:7) stress that the management development programmes should no longer focus on school principals only, but on other middle managers as well. These authors maintain that under conditions of decentralization and a significant shift towards school-based management, the focus should primarily be on the broader and more inclusive understanding of education management development. School development programmes should not be seen as the preserve of the few seniors at the top of the school management structure. To meet the needs of the present democratic society, school principals and the rest of the management team are expected to be involved in self development programmes and develop other stakeholders in the school. The latter could be members of the community who should feature in school governance structures. According to Gultig and Butler (1999: vii) the paradigm shift in the management of schools has affected the way in which educators as classroom managers have to manage their classes. The dictates of OBE stresses team work and cross consultation with the learners. DoE (2002:08) points out that since OBE is focused on the outcomes, and that the process of obtaining these outcomes are in essence different, there have to be different ways of managing not only the outcomes but also the process of arriving at these outcomes. In the classroom, the OBE approach has led to a paradigm shift from teacher domination to active participation of learners as stakeholders in the teaching and learning process. School managers are required to ensure that educators implement the participatory mode of teaching effectively. Gultig and Butler (1999:29) stress that prior to the birth of the democratic society in South Africa, leadership and management practices in some institutions including schools, were mainly focused on how efficiently educators executed their prescribed duties without giving them opportunity for creativity and innovation. According to Bertram, Gultig and Ndlovu (1999:61) in the present education dispensation members of SMTs and educators are given freedom to participate in school management and education of the learners. Participation is promoted by the constitution of the Republic of South Africa and other relevant management and leadership models that are not only participatory but also promote democracy. According to Seller (2001:257) the present OBE approach â€Å"encourages an open school climate that promotes sharing of challenges, a cross-pollination of ideas and collaborative decision-making which is vital for high morale as well as increased efficiency and effectiveness†. This approach emphasizes alignment of school management with the democratic principles. The focus of this study is on investigating whether the members of SMTs in Mogodumo region in Limpopo province are capable of meeting the managerial expectations of the current democratic society that is brought by educational changes such the implementation of OBE in schools. In the present era, school managers are expected to become responsive to the changing needs that are imposed by the democratic changes and educational transformation. Legislations and school policies are pivotal in achieving this ideal. 1.1.2 The impact of the new policies on the roles of school managers The introduction of the present education policies and legislations demand members of SMTs to possess new managerial competencies that will enable them to implement these policies effectively (Gultig and Butler, 1999:64). The introduction of the current education Acts such as the South African Schools (Act 84 of 1996), with its emphasis on active participation of parents in school governance, has undoubtedly impacted on the roles of school managers. Section 9(3) and 9(4) of the Constitution (S.A Constitution, 1996a) stipulate that â€Å"no person (including learners) may be directly or indirectly discriminated against on the basis of race, gender, colour, ethnic or social origin.† This has in part led to the introduction of the current admission policy in South African schools. The spin-off to the present admission policy which encourages schools to open up the doors for learning to all without discrimination, has led to an increasingly diversity of learner population. This diversity can create racial and discipline-related problems that can challenge the managerial capabilities of the current school managers. Lemmer and Squelch (1993:27) note that school managers are faced with learners of different population groups and a multicultural ethos. These authors further point out that the introduction of this non discriminatory admission policy was an attempt to desegregate education so as to accommodate learners from all racial groups. However, the impact of this admission policy on the managerial capabilities of school managers cannot be left to chance. One of the other policies that impact on school managers in Mogodumo region in Limpopo province is the policy on corporal punishment. This is stated in section 10(1) of the South African Schools Act (SASA, 1996b). The Act stipulates that â€Å"no person may administer corporal punishment at a school to a learner.† This can be interpreted as upholding human dignity and respect to learners as human beings. Learners are therefore protected from being treated in a cruel, inhumane and degrading manner that may have been consistent with the previous dispensation and its relevant management practices. However, the impact of the abolition of corporal punishment has created serious disciplinary problems which demand school managers in Mogodumo region in Limpopo province to become more creative with regard to the application of appropriate alternative disciplinary measures for the maintenance of discipline and the effective teaching and learning in schools. The (DoE 2001:6) cites poor discipline as one of the manifestations of lack of transformation of management practices to conform to the changing times and environment. School management, from curriculum to non curricular activities is achieved as a participatory endeavour where all stakeholders are not only informed but also actively involved. 1.1.3 Participatory management approach School managers as leaders hold influential positions in schools. They are thus charged with the responsibility to manage educational changes in schools in the province. In their efforts to align changes with educational reforms, school managers today are expected to adopt leadership and management practices which are consistent with the democratic principles. Since this mode of management requires active participation of stakeholders in schools, it impacts on the managerial roles of school managers. Stakeholders such as parents were included in the governance of schools prior to the present democratic dispensation as stipulated in section 9 subsection 1 of South African Schools Act (SASA, 1996b). However they were often not provided opportunities to participate actively in executing the roles that they were supposed to play. In responding to the demands of the democratic society, this Act promotes parents not to be the rare species in schools anymore. Through the South African Schools Act (SASA, 1996b), parents are not only charged with the responsibility for the education of their children but are also mandated by law to participate actively in school governance. This implies that the current school managers need to play the role of building strong bases for parent participation in schools. In order to practice participatory management meaningfully school managers are expected to take parents on board on matters that demand their attention. Zatman et al. (1997:8) state that school managers as advocates of change are faced with a diversity of forces from within and outside the school arena. School managers are expected to involve the parents particularly members of the School Governing Body (SGB) in matters such drawing school budget and development of the mission statement of the schools. Apart from the involvement of parents, the scope for SMTs is further expanded by their involvement with learners and other external members of the public and clients who have a stake in the education 1.2 AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM The post apartheid era in South Africa has dawned with tremendous changes that manifest themselves clearly within the education arena. Schools as components of the education system are faced with the challenge of implementing these changes in a meaningful way. As stated in section 1.1.1, educational changes such as the introduction of the OBE and NCS, IQMS and other changes that are brought by the changing needs of the current democratic society have been enacted. These changes require school managers to assume new managerial roles and responsibility. They are supposed to act as leaders and managers with the capabilities to manage the educational changes (Lombard, 2003:3). Unfortunately there is no policy document or norms and standards that precisely guide school managers on how to manage schools and these educational changes. The researcher realizes that there is not yet a policy that serves as a guide for school managers on the management of schools and the current changes that characterizes them (schools). The Education Policy Act (Act 27 of 1996) which focuses on the roles of educators has been drawn to serve as guidance regarding the responsibility of educators as classroom managers. Lombard (2003:3) argues that school managers of the pre-democratic era were mainly equipped with the skills to exercise control and fulfill administrative duties. This implies that their initial formal training that prepared them to become teachers did not equip them (school managers) with the knowledge and the capacity to execute managerial roles, particularly in change management. The training prepared them to manage classroom environments that prevailed during the pre-democratic era rather than to manage the changes experienced in contemporary schools. From these discussions, it is evident that there is little relevance between the skills that are possessed by the present school managers in Mogodumo region in Limpopo province and new managerial expectations that they are required to play in their attempts to execute their managerial roles in schools Based on these limitations, the researcher is not certain whether the current school managers in Mogodumo region in Limpopo province will be capable of managing and transforming schools in accordance with the demands of the democratic principles. It is these uncertainties that have led the researcher to undertake an investigation into the roles that members of SMTs in Mogodumo region in Limpopo province play in their efforts to manage educational changes. 1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT When the problem under discussion is analysed and evaluated, the question arises on whether members of School Management Teams in Mogodumo region in Limpopo province are capable of playing their roles in managing the changes in schools. From this, the problem statement for this study can be stated as: The roles that school managers need to play in managing educational changes in schools in Mogodumo region in the Limpopo province. 1.4 AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study is to investigate the role that school managers play in managing the educational changes in the Mogodumo region in the Limpopo province. 1.5 MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY 1.5.1 Importance and necessity The study focuses primarily on the roles that school managers are supposed to play in the management of educational changes. Effective management of schools today requires school manager to have knowledge of the new managerial roles that are necessitated by the current educational changes. This study is thus deemed necessary for school personnel, and in particular members of SMTs. It is because this study intends to equip them with the knowledge of the actual roles that they (school managers) are expected to play in the transforming education system in South Africa. This knowledge is required by school managers if they are to manage changes in schools effectively. The kind of knowledge that this undertaking intends to expose is deemed important not only for the self improvement of school managers, but also for the development and the improvement of the whole school. Other members of staff will also benefit from school managers through school-based in-service training that focuses on change management. The present school managers are faced with the transforming education system in South Africa (DoE 1996:1). This study is therefore necessary for it does not only focus on the roles of school managers but also has a bearing on the exposition of changes and the new policies in education. Knowledge of these policies is deemed essential for the current school managers because it (knowledge) is regarded as one of the prerequisites for the successful execution of their new roles. As Morgan (1988:2) explains, school managers need to acquire the skills and knowledge that are necessary to deal with the consequences of transformation as it unfolds itself over time. 1.5.2 Contribution to the study It is expected that the empirical findings from the sampled school managers will contribute to the body of knowledge of change management and the managerial responsibilities of the contemporary school managers. It should be noted that though generalizations cannot be made from the empirical findings, the results of the interviews with some of the members of SMTs in Mogodumo region are hoped to put to light the actual roles that school managers play in their effort to manage educational transformation. It is hoped that this study will form a base for a better understanding of the way the current educational changes demand for the transformation of the managerial roles of school managers during this era. Morgan (1988: xii) emphasizes that dealing with the consequences of change requires managers to apply specific competencies that will enable them to identify â€Å"fracture lines†. 1.6 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY On the basis of the nature of this study which requires the researcher to listen to the verbal description of the experiences of the respondents in their natural environment, the researcher has opted to conduct this study within the qualitative paradigm. This approach requires research techniques such as the interview that involve social interaction between the researcher and the respondents rather than instruments and statistical methods that are common for the quantitative research design (Hoberg, 1999:80). He further states that the qualitative research approach emphasizes the intervention of the researcher in the natural setting of the respondents and allows for participant observation as well as gathering first-hand information from the respondents. On this basis, the researcher visited the sampled schools in the Mogodumo region in Limpopo province. The intention was to understand the lived experiences regarding the roles and the strategies that members of the SMTs apply in their efforts to align the envisaged changes with the current school environments. 1.7 EXPLANATION OF CONCEPTS For the convenience of the reader and to avoid misunderstanding, certain concepts will be explained. The purpose of the explanation is to offer a clear understanding of what each concept means as it is used throughout this study. 1.7.1 Role Hawkins (1984: 725) defines ‘role as â€Å"a persons task or duty in an undertaking†. Rabothata (1982:3) emphasizes that ‘roles are â€Å"duties and responsibilities expected from a person occupying a certain position in an institution†. Roles can comprise the tasks ascribed to or expected of a person by virtue of the position held. However, the researcher is of the opinion that it should be kept in mind that roles are not limited to occupational status, nor does the fact that one is cast in the role of a manager during working hours prevent him/her from taking on other roles such as a husband, president, father et cetera, at some other time. Roles can also be defined as a set of expectations imposed on educators and school managers by the parents of learners, educationists and society in general (Pudi, 2005:147). From this perspective, it is evident that the roles of educators are based on the way the parents, the community or the society expect educators to behave. The word ‘role will be used in this study to refer to the tasks and responsibilities that the members of SMTs are expected to execute in their efforts to manage the changes in the schools. 1.7.2 School Managers The concept ‘school managers in this study does not only refer to the principals as the head of the school but also to other member of SMTs in schools. Besides the fact that principals are regarded as the highest-ranking professional educator, they do not manage the schools alone. Other personnel who manage and lead the school together with the principals such as the Deputy Principals and the Heads of Departments (HODs) are also regarded as managers. However it should be acknowledged that in some schools especially small schools, the senior teachers may also be co-opted into the management teams. The concepts ‘school managers and members of School Management Teams or SMTs will be used interchangeably in this study. 1.7.3 Competencies Van der Bank (1996:3) defines ‘competencies as the abilities to do something in a satisfactory or effective way. The concept ‘competencies is also defined as the ability to do something especially measured against a standard (Karpike and Murphy, 1996:33). 1.7.4 Paradigm A ‘paradigm is a model that forms a basis of something (Morgan 1988:129). According to Bertram et al. (1999: vii) the concept ‘paradigm refers to ‘a frame of reference. A paradigm is often based on a set of ideas or a particular way of making sense of the word and dealing with it. 1.8 PROGRAMME OF STUDY Chapter 1: Introductory orientation In this chapter, the background to the study, awareness of the problem, statement of the problem, aims of the study, motivation of the study, and description of the research methodology are discussed. Chapter 2: The nature of change and educational changes in schools This chapter contains literature study focusing on change. Particular focus is given the educational changes that impact on the roles of members of SMTs in the contemporary era. Chapter 3: Educational changes in schools: the role of school managers Emphasis is placed on the roles that members of the SMTs are supposed to play in their attempts to deal with the changes in schools. The impact of these changes on the school will be discussed. The suggested effective managerial competencies are also be highlighted. Chapter 4: Research design and methodology Planning of the research is undertaken. The research methodology together with data collection techniques used in this research is explained. The empirical research and methodology are outlined in this chapter. The research approach, the research methods and data collection techniques employed in this study are explained. Chapter 5: Empirical research and findings Presentation and analysis of the data collected is undertaken. The findings are discussed. Chapter 6: Summary, recommendations and conclusion The entire study is summarized. Conclusions regarding what school managers could do to rectify the situations in their schools are explained. Limitations of the study are explained. Recommendations for further research are stated. 1.9 SUMMARY This chapter provided the orientation to the study. The statement of the problem, aims and motivation for the study were outlined. In the following chapter the nature of change and educational changes in schools will be studied. CHAPTER 2 THE NATURE OF CHANGE AND EDUCATIONAL CHANGES 2.1 INTRODUCTION Change appears to be an ongoing natural process that tends to be inevitable in human life. Seller (2001:255) stresses that the call for change in all aspects of the educational delivery system has been continuous. It has been stated in section 1.1 that the education system is South Africa has been restructured to keep abreast with current societal demands. Among various educational changes, restructuring of schools by the inclusion and active involvement of groups of stakeholders such as the SMTs, the SGBs and the Representative Council of Learners (RCLs) can be cited as some of the common changes in schools. These groups of stakeholders were not given chance to play appropriate roles that they were supposed to play in most schools prior to the present democratic era in South Africa. Effective involvement of these stakeholders has a bearing on the organizational structure of schools as well. According to Bertram et al. (1999:vii) the democratization of the South African government encourages participation of stakeholders in the governance of the country. This demands a paradigm shift from autocratic and non-democratic leadership that was common during apartheid era. It suggests that instead schools should be run in a participatory and reflective manner. In addition the necessity for improvement of the quality of the learning has brought about a change in the content and the method of teaching and learning in schools. As pointed out in section 1.1.1, there has been a move to learner-centered OBE and NCS which promotes participation, setting measurable outcomes and continuous assessment of learners. Fullan (1985:3) emphasizes that â€Å"it is no exaggeration to say that dealing with change is endemic in the post-modern society†. Apart from these changes other innovations have been introduced such as the abolition of corporal of punishment, the changed policy regarding admissions, the norms and standards for school funding and many other changes that cannot be covered within the scope of this study. All these have demonstrated that change is an inevitable phenomenon particularly within the current democratic society. Based on the above discussion, it is evident that change is one of the important phenomena that impact on South African education today. Thus prior to investigating the roles that the managers of schools are supposed to play in aligning the changes with the present school environments, the researcher deemed it necessary to begin by defining change. A focus will also be on exposing some of the common educational changes that impact on the roles of school managers today. The intention is to provide a basis for understanding some of the educational changes that have brought about transformation of the managerial responsibilities of school managers in the present era. 2.2 CHANGE DEFINED Change can be defined from different perspectives. According to McLean (2005:16), change is defined as the alteration of individual behaviour or the substitution of one thing by another. On the other hand, Credora (2001:01) views change as the adoption of innovation where the ultimate goal is to improve the outcomes through alteration of practice. In addition to these definitions, one may point out that change can be seen as a modification of existing rules, regulations, values and belief systems. It may be regarded as a way of correcting behaviours or the way things are done. In short, change is deemed to be a movement away from the status quo. 2.3 THE NATURE OF CHANGE 2.3.1 Change as a process Fullan (1985:392) notes that change is not an event but a process. This statement is based on the fact that change takes place over a period of time. In the second of the eight basic lessons of the new paradigm of change Fullan (1992:21) further suggests that â€Å"change is a journey, not a blueprint†. It is non-linear and it is loaded with uncertainties. Like death and taxes, change is said to be an inevitable part of everyones life. In as much as one cannot run away from death, change cannot be avoided. Resistance to change is not a solution. Change will continue even if people resist it. Lombard (2003:28) provides a very useful analysis of the main themes on educational change and its management. He identified the following main themes concerning the nature of change as a process: †¢ Change is structural and systematic. Any real change will often affect the whole system in that change in one part of an institution has a ripple effect in other parts. †¢ Change is a process that occurs over time. Because any changes take place overtime, organizational change is not a discrete event, it is not sequential and it does not follow a straight line. †¢ Change is multi-dimensional. Change encompasses a number of different dimensions including resources, contents, process, evaluation, emotions, beliefs, values and principles. †¢ Change is viewed differently by various participants and therefore evokes a range of responses. All those involved in the change process will have their own perception about it. †¢ Change management requires investment in technological resources, human resources, and management of the process. The effective management of change requires creativity and the ability to identify and solve problems. Besides the different views on change, one could state that change is often regarded as a process. It is characterized by a series of interconnected events that may lead to alteration of values, beliefs or approaches over a period of time. During the process of change, the success of each stage of development is determined by the success of the previous stage (Lombard 2003:208). It should be noted that, while one may observe certain stages, change is not a linear process which follow clear cut stages. Complex changes may necessitate a number of stages for them to be sustained. Hence change depends on the extent of its complexity and other contextual factors. It affects people and their perceptions differently on a continuum from positive to negative. 2.3.2 The perceptions about change Some school personnel may hold a positive view of change while others may view it negatively. Garrett (1997:96) states that those who view it negatively often see it as a means of stepping away from ones firm ground (where one feels confident and is familiar with the rules and is also able to function comfortably), into swampy territory (where one feels uncomfortable and uncertain about roles and relationships and is also less confident about the skills and knowledge necessary to function effectively). According to Lombard (2003:6), when institutions such as schools are restructured, some of the members of the staff may worry about adjusting or losing their status or jobs. The recent changes such as redeployment and the introduction of OBE in South African schools have led to the reshaping of roles and the disruption of stability in schools. Feelings of uncertainty and discomfort have been stirred among some of the school personnel. Lombard (2003:6) further stresses that the senses of purpose of the majority of school managers and educators are often threatened by the changes. For instance the process of redeployment made some of the school managers to feel less confident about their skills. While some showed signs of resistance to these changes, others resorted to taking packages, early retirements and even resignation from the teaching field. It is as a result of this that there is a constant outflow of educators to other economic sectors (Tshabalala, 2006:12). McLean (2005:20) points out that, change may be perceived negatively as a force that upsets individuals` comfort zone and constantly challenges them to think outside their boxes and behave in new ways that may be alien to them. For school personnel who hold a negative view, the changes that occur in schools often stir fear in them. Changes challenge their competence, power and authority. Th

Jim Morrison Essay -- Religion, Culture, Elvis

I preface this paper by a consideration of why Jim Morrison can be discussed within the discourse of religious studies. I suggest four possibilities. The first is the place of religion in late modernity; that is, as individualized, subjectivated and deinstitutionalized. These factors contribute to the circumstances under which Morrison may be understood in religious terms because of the conditions they create. Religion may be deinstitutionalized (Luckmann 1967; Bibby 1990), but people are still religious (Chaves 1994). This enables religion to exist in other ways; one way is through dead celebrity. In an article entitled â€Å"Is Elvis a God? Cult, Culture, Questions of Method,† John Frow (1998, 208-209), after discussing the apparent failure of the secularization thesis,1 remarks, â€Å" . . . religious sentiment . . . has migrated into many strange and unexpected places, from New Age trinketry to manga movies to the cult of the famous dead . . . we need to take religion ser iously in all its dimensions because of its centrality in the modern world.† Further, religion as individualized and subjectivated (Hervieu-Là ©ger 2000) allows people to create their own systems of meaning and transcendence. Dead celebrity, using Morrison as an exemplar, is one system. The second possibility follows from the first. Regarding the changing nature of religion in the 1960s, religious studies scholar, Gail Hamner (2003, 447), wrote that â€Å"popular culture became subject to deification or at least spiritualization.† Although this paper does not intend to provide an account of the process by which some celebrities were sacralized in the twentieth century, it should be noted that literature on the subject does exist. A seminal work, in this regard, is The Work o... ... supplemented by relevant scholarly literature and popular biographies of Morrison. It is with these four possibilities, religion in late modernity, scholarship on religion and celebrity, the way we think of, and define religion, and Riddell (2008), that I consider Jim Morrison and religion. There is a paucity of academic literature on Jim Morrison, yet a reasonable amount of popular literature, which I am engaging in my evaluation. Scholarship on dead celebrity fandom has progressed in the last decade; however, in 1998, John Frow (1998, 200) claimed that â€Å"we lack almost completely the tools to make sense of [the process by which dead celebrities are sacralized].† My hope is that by outlining the role of Morrison in self-propagating his own myth, combined with a posthumous documentation of this process, I will contribute to literature on dead celebrity fandom.

Depression Essay -- essays research papers

Depression. Depression is one of the most common psychological problems, affecting nearly everyone through either personal experience or through depression in a family member. The cost in human suffering cannot be estimated. Depression can interfere with normal functioning, and frequently causes problems with work, social and family adjustment. It causes pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder, but also to those who care about them. Serious depression can destroy family life as well as the life of the depressed person. Impact of Depression:  Causes tremendous emotional pain  Disrupts the lives of millions of people  Adversely affects the lives of families and friends  Reduces work productivity and absenteeism  Has a significant negative impact on the economy.  Depression is a psychological condition that changes how you think and feel, and also affects your social behavior and sense of physical well being. We have all felt sad at one time or another, but that is not depression. Sometimes we feel tired from working hard, or discouraged when faced with serious problems. This too, is not depression. These feelings usually pass within a few days or weeks, once we adjust to the stress. Cause of depression: Clinical depression is a very common psychological problem, and most people never seek proper treatment, or seek treatment but they are misdiagnosed with physical illness. This is extremely unfortunate because, with proper treatment, nearly 80% of those with depression can make significant improvement in their mood and life adjustment. â€Å"You may have heard people talk about chemical imbalances in the brain that occur in depression, suggesting that depression is a medical illness, without psychological causes†. However, all psychological problems have some physical manifestations, and all physical illnesses have psychological components as well. In fact, the chemical imbalances that occur during depression usually disappear when you complete psychotherapy for depression, without taking any medications to correct the imbalance. This suggests that the imbalance is the body's physical response to psychological depression, rather than the other way around. People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism, or who are readily shoc... ...treatment. This may involve encouraging the individual to stay with treatment until the symptoms begin to decrease (several weeks), or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs. On occasion, it may require making an appointment and along with the depressed person to appointments with the psychologist. Invite the depressed person for walks, outings, to the movies, and other activities. Be gently purposeful if your invitation is refused. Encourage participation in some activities that once gave pleasure, such as hobbies, sports, religious or cultural activities, but do not push the depressed person to undertake too much too soon. The depressed person needs deviation and company, but too many demands can increase feelings of failure. â€Å"A complete psychological diagnostic evaluation will help you decide the type of treatment that might be best for you†. Psychologists†. Bio................. The National Institute of Mental Health Psychology Information Online , developed by Donald J. Franklin, Ph.D., provides information about the practice of psychology, features Continuing Education Programs and a Psychology Bookstore, and hosts the National Directory of Psychologists.

Michael Lehmans Heathers and Steve Jodrells Shame :: Films Movies Film Movie

Michael Lehman's Heathers and Steve Jodrell's Shame Throughout time the concept of gender and the corruption of power associated with it has been a very evident problem within society. Many texts have been designed to expose these issues and in particular the feature films’ Heathers, directed by Michael Lehman and Shame, by Steve Jodrell. Both these films have been heavily constructed in order to position us as the audience to take a very negative response towards the concepts of power and gender and further an ‘anti-conform’ attitude. Techniques such as narrative elements and codes and conventions have been used to mould these ideas and attitudes within the texts. Both the films Heathers and Shame can be deemed to be modern day Westerns however are quite subverted. They both develop the idea that conformity leads to tragic consequences. Heathers is set in an American high school, Westerburg, in 1988 and attacks the idea of a high school hierarchy, where four girls particularly one, Heather Chandler, has the power within the school. On the arrival of a new student, Jason Dean, Veronica, one of the four girls breaks away and conforms to Jason. As a result she is led to kill Heather Chandler and later the ‘footy jocks’ to make their school a better place. Shame on the other hand is set in a small outback, Western Australian country town, Ginobrak, in 1987. It deals with the issues of a small town mentality and that ‘boys will be boys’. As result of these concepts and issues, many young girls were raped and the town accepted this. As Asta, an outsider coming into town, stumbles across these rappings’, she helps and encourages a young girl, Lizzie to face the boys and lay legal charges. In both texts it takes and outsider the ‘hero’ figure to expose the corruption and help in acting as a catalyst to change. Gender relationships are a very explored issue within these texts. In a majority, anyone no matter if they are male or female who do not fit in or do not conform to stereotypes to an extent, can be cast out by that group. Whether it is, their looks, their behaviour, the way they dress, or the way they think and feel, they are judged as different. This ‘outcast’ idea is portrayed in both the films. In the two feature films, the most obvious ‘outcasts’ would be the two ‘hero figures’ the intruders into the created microcosm. Michael Lehman's Heathers and Steve Jodrell's Shame :: Films Movies Film Movie Michael Lehman's Heathers and Steve Jodrell's Shame Throughout time the concept of gender and the corruption of power associated with it has been a very evident problem within society. Many texts have been designed to expose these issues and in particular the feature films’ Heathers, directed by Michael Lehman and Shame, by Steve Jodrell. Both these films have been heavily constructed in order to position us as the audience to take a very negative response towards the concepts of power and gender and further an ‘anti-conform’ attitude. Techniques such as narrative elements and codes and conventions have been used to mould these ideas and attitudes within the texts. Both the films Heathers and Shame can be deemed to be modern day Westerns however are quite subverted. They both develop the idea that conformity leads to tragic consequences. Heathers is set in an American high school, Westerburg, in 1988 and attacks the idea of a high school hierarchy, where four girls particularly one, Heather Chandler, has the power within the school. On the arrival of a new student, Jason Dean, Veronica, one of the four girls breaks away and conforms to Jason. As a result she is led to kill Heather Chandler and later the ‘footy jocks’ to make their school a better place. Shame on the other hand is set in a small outback, Western Australian country town, Ginobrak, in 1987. It deals with the issues of a small town mentality and that ‘boys will be boys’. As result of these concepts and issues, many young girls were raped and the town accepted this. As Asta, an outsider coming into town, stumbles across these rappings’, she helps and encourages a young girl, Lizzie to face the boys and lay legal charges. In both texts it takes and outsider the ‘hero’ figure to expose the corruption and help in acting as a catalyst to change. Gender relationships are a very explored issue within these texts. In a majority, anyone no matter if they are male or female who do not fit in or do not conform to stereotypes to an extent, can be cast out by that group. Whether it is, their looks, their behaviour, the way they dress, or the way they think and feel, they are judged as different. This ‘outcast’ idea is portrayed in both the films. In the two feature films, the most obvious ‘outcasts’ would be the two ‘hero figures’ the intruders into the created microcosm.

Family Planning Essay

†¢ It means the spacing of children and that parents are completely free to choose the number of children they want. †¢ People in almost all parts of the world are agreed that family planning is necessary in every country which desires to raise the living standard of its people. †¢ Family planning has also been referred to as the totality of human efforts to achieve human dignity, economic stability, health and happiness and welfare through: o Birth regulation and spacing of children by the use of accepted scientific methods Rhythm †¢ Only method that the Catholic church approves of †¢ â€Å"Periodic abstention† †¢ A plan of avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile period just before and after an egg has been produced in her body †¢ Most women release an egg cell about once a month usually 14 days before the menstruation †¢ May vary from month to month and it is necessary to determine whether accurately as possible when an egg will be produced †¢ Can be reliable if the menstrual cycle is regular †¢ The doctor may help you determine when your fertile period is Sterilization †¢ Vasectomy(male); Tubal ligation(female) †¢ An operation whereby a tube, vas deferens, where the sperm cells pass is being removed †¢ In tubal ligation, the one removed is the tube where the egg cells pass †¢ Those who use this method are those with three to four children †¢ It is for couples whose families are complete †¢ The procedure much simpler for the male †¢ There no side effects and the cost of operation is cheaper Douching †¢ Flushing out the vagina with a medicated solution immediately after intercourse to remove or destroy sperm Abstinence †¢ Refraining from sexual intercourse †¢ 100% effective To have all this methods of family planning, one must be full of fire and enthusiasm about it yourself in persuading people to do such. If people are convinced of the possibility of family planning, the result will not only help the couples either rich or poor, to have a sound and healthy family but also make the nation a powerful and strong one. The world is not after the quantity but the quality of the people. Any couple who desires to use a family planning method should visit a family planning clinic so that they can learn the important details concerning the particular method they may choose and assure pregnancy protection. General Principles Governing the Choice of Contraceptive method 1. A contraceptive method is not for an unmarried individual but for a married couple. Although only one mate may be involved in its use, it affects the interpersonal as well as sexual relationship of husband and wife. 2. The effectiveness and the acceptability of any method are in direct proportion to the experience of the physician in suiting the method to the couple’s particular needs and the degree of motivation of the couple in using the method consistently. 3. The physician, being human, has his own preference and emotional reactions thereto. It is only in listening with respect to the patient’s reaction that the couple’s emotional need will be met. Catholic Church’s Position on Family planning On July 31, 1975, Julio R. Cardinal Rosales, pres. Of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, made the following classifications on the stand of the Church in the Philippine Population Program: 1. The Church is in accord with the Government on the need for family planning. The church has always advocated responsible parenthood. 2. The church respects the Government responsibility in making available to the citizens such means of family planning that would not violate their conscience of those employed by the Government in its program. 3. The church advocated the family life program which upholds human dignity, healthful marital love and family relationship, and which teaches that the means for family planning is the natural method, with the exclusion of artificial contraceptives, sterilization and abortion. 4. The church maintains that the individual conscience is the ultimate arbiter in the choice of the means for family planning.

Teenage Struggle

Chapter 1 Problem and its Setting The emergence of new technologies and the fast-paced technological advancements marked the beginning of the 21st century. Different gadgets and tools to suffice the wants and to help ease the difficulties encountered by man in his daily existence have been invented and are constantly developed. Unlike in the past, these changes are not confined to a certain nation or country only, but rather, to the whole human population. Effects of these technologies in the fields of medicine, education, transportation, communication, economics, and warfare, to name a few, are globally observable.Information superhighway is undoubtedly one of the most developed fields. Extensive researches have been done to improve this indispensable field. Social Networking communities are here to stay. Facebook has over 500 million users, while twitter has over 200 million. That’s not even counting blogs or Youtube video blogs. There’s no doubt that the students are actively engaged in online communities. Some of the social networking sites have a negative & discernable effect on us as human beings. How much do these selected social networking sites affect out our actions, our thoughts, our decisions & in general our lives?Social networking sites offer people new and varied ways to communicate via internet, whether through their PC or their mobile phone. They allow people to easily and simply create their own online page or profile and to construct and display an online network of contacts, often called ‘friends’. Users of these sites can communicate via their profile both with their friends and with people outside their list of contacts. This can be on a one-to one basis (much like an email), or in a more public way such as a comment posted for all to see.We live in a society which praises individuality & freedom, & therefore to most people it is a scary thought that an outside source, such as some of social networking sites has a large effect in our lives, & therefore it is no surprise that most people do not believe that these selected social-networking sites have a strong effects on them. But when it comes to students it becomes more personal. The effects of our modern media on the students are something that we do not really know for many years. If ever, history might give us a clue – the parallels between the advent of today’s new social networking sites amp; the advent of books show that we could be in paradigm societal change. But no other media absorbed one’s life in such a passive, complacent way as the internet do to thousands of students. More research are need to be done in this field, but we believe that it is self apparent to everyone that some of the social networking sites have a large impact on our lives. We determine our identity in relation to – Facebook, Twitter, Google, Youtube; are all determined by some social networking sites to some extent.Ideally, as res earchers we would learn the skills to discern the effect of some social networking sites in our lives & learn to control & to resist its temptations. Thesis Statement This study identifies how social networking sites, particularly Facebook and Twitter, influence students in doing good and bad things, on how social media affects the mental & physical behavior of students in school or at home. This study also wants to identify how students adapt to the exposure of many people that they do not know on the internet.The researchers want to study how some of the social networking sites influence students because the researchers want to know how they adapt to different people & how they adapt to new social trends in our time. Objectives 1. To determine how Facebook and Twitter influence the academic performance of the selected grade 8 students. 2. How Facebook and Twitter affects the physical, mental and social health of the selected grade 8 students. 3. To enumerate their motivations why they are using these some social networking sites. Hypothesis A. Null HypothesisMany students rely on the accessibility of information on the social networking sites specifically and the web in general to provide answers. That means a reduced focus on learning and retaining information such as the features of the web wherein sites can be bookmarked or downloaded, thus, making it available for students anytime. B. Alternative Hypothesis Social Networking sites have increased the rate & quality of collaboration for students. They are able to communicate meeting times or share information quickly, which can increase productivity and help them learn how to work well in groups.Social networking sites teach students skills that they will need to survive in the business world. Being able to create and maintain connections to many industries is an integral part of developing a career or building a business. Statement of the Problem Generally, this research paper is giving information about the effects of social networking sites, particularly Facebook and Twitter, to the studies of selected grade 8 students of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following: 1. What are the profiles of the respondents in terms of their: a.Age b. Gender c. Time allotted for using social networking site/s d. Time allotted for studying 2. Why do they need to register to these social networking sites? 3. Are there any changes in your everyday activities when you started using social networking sites? 4. Are they aware in any harm that the social networking sites might do to them? 5. What are their motivations why are they using these some social networking sites? Scope and Limitations Because of many Social Networking sites in the Philippines, this research focuses on the two mostly used by the youth, Facebook and Twitter.The study was conducted at St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City. It will focus on the positive & negative effects of the social networking sites, particularly Facebook and Twitter on studies of the selected grade 8 students. Thus, it will be limited to the output that the selected respondents, every 20 students from grade 8 students coming from the sections Diligence, Justice, Patience, Prudence and Purity will provide such as data and information that will come from the questionnaires that were distributed as well as the information that will be gathered and criticized.Significance of the Study The result of the study will benefit the following: To the Students of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City This study will give information on how to use it in a proper manner and to be aware of how these social networking sites could affect their studies. To the Faculty This study will give the teachers sufficient knowledge about how the students utterly affect their studies because of the social networking sites nowadays. How this new technology affects the youth nowadays. To the CommunityThis study i ntends to make the community aware on the effects of social networking sites. To give information on how they can use it in a more advantageous way. To the Future Researchers The researchers can have a basis for future study regarding on the effects of Facebook and Twitter in the studies of grade 8 students. To the Parents Parents must know this social networking sites and how it affect on their child’s study habits. Also, to guide them in their academics. To the User This study would also help the user to control the usage of Facebook and Twitter and to focus more on his/her studies.DEFINITION OF TERMS * Abuse – The improper usage or treatment for a bad purpose, often to unfairly or improper gain benefit. * Dependent – Relying on someone or something else for aid, support. * Descriptive Study – A statistical study to identify patterns or trends in a situation, but not the casual linkages among its different elements. * Facebook – Is a popular free social networking website that allows registered users to create profiles, upload photos and video, send messages and keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues. Mental Health – Describes a level of psychological well-being, or an absence of a mental disorder. * Paradigm – One that serves as a pattern model. * Questionnaire – A research instrument consisting of a series of questions & other prompts for the purpose gathering information from respondents. * Social Networking Sites – A social networking site is website where individuals can set up an online profile, describing his/her interests, and add links to other profiles. Generally, users are able to post personal information, including photographs, videos, and blog entries. Temptation – The act of tempting or the condition of being tempted. * Twitter – is an online social networking service and micro blogging service that enable its users to send and read text-based messages of u p to 140 characters, known as â€Å"tweets†. Chapter 2 Related Literature and Studies 2. 1 Related Literature (Awake, 2011. ) Social networking site can be addictive â€Å"After just a few days of having an account, I couldn’t stop looking. Students can just spend their hours through pictures and post instead of studying. It consumes your time, privacy, reputation, friendship and time. (Boyd, 2006. In educational institutions, success is measured by study habits, or how well a student meets standards set out by local government and the institution itself. As career competition grows ever fiercer in the working world, the importance of students doing well in school has caught the attention of parents, legislators and government education departments alike. Therefore, when the term â€Å"low† is integrated with the term â€Å"study habits†, it is the inability to acquire particular grades on examinations that indicated the individual’s mastery of th e content, and skills in applying learned knowledge to specific circumstances. Wiseman, 1961. ) on the point of study habits or excellence, (Tuckman, 1975. ) posted that, performance is used to label the observable manifestation of knowledge, skills, concepts, and understanding and ideas. Thereby, performance is the application of learning product that at the end of the process provides mastery. It is the acquisition of particular grades on examinations indicated a candidates’ ’ ability, mastery of the content, skills in applying learned knowledge to particular situations. A student’s success is generally judged on examination performance.Success in examinations is a crucial indicator that a student has benefited from a course of study. Source: http://www. irma-international. org/viewtitle/43067/ 2. 1. 1 Local Articles Facebook had over 500 million users who go online with active profiles. Because of its great influence, Facebook has a lot of critics, and for go od reason. No matter how you look at it, whether it is consensual or not, Facebook is intrusive. Not too many Filipinos are aware that Facebook has received so much criticism. It is not that they are not aware of what is going on in other countries.It is more a case of not being able to relate rather than not knowing or caring enough to learn about other countries. Facebook makes it easy for us to connect and share things we like and to read about and know our friends. It has made complex human interaction simpler; it made things that were already there easier. It has simplified how we live our lives. Source: http://opinion. inquirer. net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20110304-323534/The-Facebook-effect 2. 1. 1. 1 The Facebook Effect This article is related to the research because it explains the facts and effects about Facebook.This article will help us to understand why the youth continuously patronizing Facebook and other social networking sites. What are the things/reasons why th ey choose it instead of studying. 2. 1 Related Studies How do Social Networking Sites Affect Students? Most of the time, students spend their time hanging around the web with the popular social networking sites. Every day, more and more people are getting more attached to  Social Networking sites  Ã‚  as it is now moving in as one of the primary means of communication of people. Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ ere only a few of the tons of the sites out there that caters the need of people. Through Social Media, people have the chance to combine work and relaxation. However, did you ever encounter the question? How do Facebook affect your life? And what is your answer? What are the benefits a student can get by using Social Networking Sites? Here are some points: * Get in touch with your loved ones, relatives, and   friends * Get to know the latest   news and issues * Participate in online discussions * Communicate with your classmates * Be reminded   of assignments, projec ts, and   quizzes Conduct group meetings for group projects and announcements * Get the latest status and messages of your friends through the News   Feed Obviously, social sites have a lot of uses for people with their exceptional functionalities. Even without meeting in person, people can now interact with each other and make a productive gathering. However, despite the fact that Social Media are extremely helpful, it is still not perfect because there are still some negative points we can encounter while using it. Some of the bad effects are: * It invades your privacy * It distracts you in everything you do Too much attachment to it may lead to spending too much time in it without doing your tasks * There are some wrong information released by unauthorized people that  causes fear The mentioned good and bad effects were only partial and it also varies depending on the person involved. Though some people still makes the best out of  Social Media, we can’t still forg et the negative side of it. Maybe, we should just ask ourselves on what is our current position in the Social Networking World. The ever-growing technology helps us make our life easier and better but we must be sure that we should treat it with moderation.Source: http://www. noypigeeks. com/featured/how-do-social-networking-sites-affect-students/ 2. 2. 1 Local Studies It is true that an interactive world can help the students to do their assignments efficiently and accurately. The young members of population have started the marketers to start experimenting with alternative forms of communication. The birth of social networking sites and its growth is enormously fast and the members are unlimited ( 2009). The only purpose of the social networking is to follow the success of Google in which they also adopted the advertising-based model.But the social networking sites did not realize that their adaptation of the advertising-based model is not sustainable since the students are only a ccessing their site just to interact of communicate with their friends and not to purchase their products online. There is so much promise in advertising online, especially when there are large marketers, but if the target of the online site is the middle aged people – the success is seemingly blurred. Source: http://opinion. inquirer. net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20110304-323534/The-Facebook-effect 2. 2. 1. Effect of social networking to students' study habit However, it is logical to think that the students who used to view their network account more than necessary in a day is highly risky in failing grades, than the one who can manage her or his time and maintaining the routine to finish all his assignments before clicking the icons on his homepage. 2. 1. 2 International Articles Social networking websites are causing alarming changes in the brains of young users. Sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Bebo are said to shorten attention spans, encourage instant gratificat ion and make young people more self-centered.More than 150 million use Facebook to keep in touch with friends, share photographs and videos and post regular updates of their movements and thoughts. A further six million have signed up to Twitter, the ‘micro-blogging' service that lets users circulate text messages about themselves. but while the sites are popular – and extremely profitable – a growing number of psychologists and neuroscientists believe they may be doing more harm than good. Lady Greenfield told the Lords a teacher of 30 years had told her she had noticed a sharp decline in the ability of her pupils to understand others.Psychologists have also argued that digital technology is changing the way we think. They point out that students no longer need to plan essays before starting to write – thanks to word processors they can edit as they go along. The author said that he’s not against technology and computers. But before they start soci al networking, they need to learn to make real relationships with people. Source: http://www. dailymail. co. uk/news/article-1153583/Social-websites-harm-childrens-brains-Chilling-warning-parents-neuroscientist. html 2. 1. 2. 1 Social Websites Harm Children's BrainsThis article is related to the research because it explains how the physical and mental abilities of the children affected because of Twitter and Facebook. Also, it explains why Facebook strongly patronizes by the youth. 2. 2. 1. 2 International Studies Social networking websites like Orkut, Facebook, Myspace and Youtube are becoming more and more popular and has become part of daily life for an increasing number of people. Because of their features, young people are attracted to social networking sites. In this paper, the authors explore the impact of social networking sites on the education of youth.The study argues that these social networking websites distract students from their studies, but these websites can be use ful for education based on sound pedagogical principles and proper supervision by the teachers. Moreover, the research concludes that social networking websites have both positive as well as negative impact on the education of youth, depending on one’s interest to use it in a positive manner for his or her education and vice versa. Source: http://www. irma-international. org/viewtitle/43067/ 2. 2. 1. 2. 1 The Impact of Social Networking Websites on the Education of YouthThis study is related to the research because it has the same problem that the researchers want to distinguish. It explains how useful are the social networking sites are. Chapter 3 Methodology The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of Facebook and Twitter to the studies of the selected Grade 8 students of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City. This chapter discusses the research method, the respondents, the research instrument, the procedure and the statistical treatment of data. Research Design: Descriptive Method was used to achieve the object of this study.This method is the gathering, analyzing and making accurate statistical method reference books and articles in the internet. It seeks to describe how do Facebook and Twitter affect the studies of Grade 8 students of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City. Respondents: The respondents of this research involved the selected Grade 8 students of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City. Survey forms from each 5 section namely Diligence, Justice, Patience, Prudence and Purity were distributed. Due to the large number of students, only 50% of the total number of respondents will be included to avoid discrepancy.Research Instrument: The researchers distributed questionnaires to each student; it includes simple yet conceptual questions. The researchers strategically apprehend of questions that would accurately reflect the desired data and result. The questions are as follows: Statistical Treatment: For the statist ical treatment of data gathered, the researchers utilized theerfectage inorder to quantify the data gathered. For all the actors, the formula is P = F * 100 N Where P = Percentage F = Frequency N = Total number of respondents Conceptual Framework STAGE 1 Choosing a subject for a study and its potential problems. Suggesting ideas on what topic will benefit administrators, students and to the future researchers. STAGE 2 Looking for and using reliable sources for the background of the study. * Gathering information through books that was made by the previous researchers. STAGE 3 Planning and preparing the survey tools to be used in the study. -The group planned to have a multiple choice question type by Ebel in 1992 STAGE 4 Distribution and collection of the survey tools from the respondents. * Researchers will distribute a total of 100 copies of survey forms to the sophomore students. Every top 20 of each class will answer the given questionnaire. STAGE 5 Tabulating, Analyzing and Int erpreting the data gathered. * Once answered and returned, the researchers will tabulate and analyze the results based on the respondents' answers. STAGE 6 Analyzed data, drawing conclusion, and giving recommendation. – Devise findings from the results. – Formulate own conclusions on the results to the survey. – Propose recommendations Theoretical Framework * The researchers conduct survey test about the effects of Twitter and Facebook to the strudies of grade 8 students. The researchers will tabulate the results in the survey that the researcher made to figure the common mistakes of the respondents. * The Researches want to identify what are effects of Twitter and Facebook to the strudies of grade 8 students. * Social Networking sites have increased the rate ; quality of collaboration for students. They are able to communicate meeting times or share information quickly. * Many students rely on the accessibility of information on the social networking sites spec ifically and the web in general to provide answers. Chapter 4 Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of DataThis chapter reviewed the analysis of the survey that was used by the proponents, the analysis table that shows the result of the survey and the interpretation of each table. TABLE 1: Exhibits the results of the survey questions 1 – 4 are concerned with the information when students are using Facebook and Twitter. | No. of Respondents answered| Percentage(%)| 1. What is your time allotted for using social networking site/s per day? | | | a. More than 3 hours| 39| 39| b. More than 6 hours| 19| 19| c. Less than 3 hours| 36| 36| d. Less than 6 hours| 6| 6| TOTAL| 100| 100| 2.What is your time allotted for studying per day? | | | a. More than 3 hours| 32| 32| b. More than 6 hours| 8| 8| c. Less than 3 hours| 50| 50| d. Less than 6 hours| 10| 10| TOTAL| 100| 100| 3. Why do you need to register to these social networking sites? (Multiple answers allowed)| | | a. To keep in touch with friends and family. | 70| 46. 05| b. To meet new people. | 39| 25. 66| c. For school purposes such as research| 43| 28. 29| d. Others: ______________| 0| 0| TOTAL| 152| 100| 4. Do you find Facebook and Twitter addicting? | | | a. YES. (please rate your addiction from 1-10. No. is the lowest) _______| 80| 80| b. NO. | 20| 20| TOTAL| 100| 100| 4. a. Addiction Level| | | 1| 0| 0| 2| 0| 0| 3| 0| 0| 4| 3| 4. 69| 5| 8| 10| 6| 7| 8. 75| 7| 11| 13. 75| 8| 29| 33. 75| 9| 11| 13. 75| 10| 11| 13. 75| TOTAL| 80| 100| From question number 1 and 2, the leading time allotted for students in using Facebook and Twitter and for studying is more than 6 hours followed by less than 6 hours. From the third question, we can see that the reason why students registers to Facebook and Twitter is that they want to keep in touch with friends and families. It is followed by for school purposes.Seeing the fourth question, the majority of the sophomore students said that it is addicting to use Faceboo k and Twitter. We asked them to rate their addiction form 1 – 10 and the most number is 8 followed by 7, 9 and 10. TABLE 2: Presents the physical, mental and social attitude of the students when they are using Twitter and Facebook. | ALWAYS| SOMETIMES| SELDOM| NEVER| Do you often get dizzy when you browse the internet? | 3| 48| 29| 20| Do you prefer to just stay at home and open your Facebook or Twitter account than to go with your friends? | 11| 44| 30| 15| Do you prefer to use Twitter of Facebook rather than studying? 13| 44| 33| 10| How often Facebook do helps you in studying? | 17| 54| 24| 5| How often does Facebook help you to overcome your mental illness? | 14| 34| 40| 12| TOTAL| 100| 100| 100| 100| The study shows that sometimes, the students get dizzy when they are browsing the net, they just prefer to stay at home rather than to go with their friends. Also, they said that sometimes, Facebook and Twitter were useful/helpful in their studying. To the last question, the y answered seldom on how does Facebook help them to overcome their mental illness. Chapter 5 Summary of FindingsThe study utilized the survey approach of research precisely the descriptive method. The said approach is used as much as the principal rationale of the study was to figure out the problems and/or situations under such factors that mostly affect their academic performance. Students from grade 8 of St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City were asked to fill up a survey questionnaire. In order to determine the factors that affect student's academic performance, the qualitative research techniques were used particularly the multiple choice questions by Ebel in 1992 and scale type by Kerlington in 1992.A survey questionnaire was prepared for students. This instrument was used to determine the problems and/or situations under such factors that mostly affect student's academic performance. The questionnaire consists of 10 items as indicators. 39% of the sophomore students answ ered that they allotted more than 3 hours per day spending for Facebook and Twitter. 82% of them answered that they spent more than 3 hours in studying per day. 80% of the respondents believed that they find Twitter and Facebook addicting for them. As we asked them to rate their addiction from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest), we got number 8 as the highest vote.As you can see the table 2 figure, numbers 1-4 got the most answer of sometimes. It means that Facebook and Twitter has a great impact on the sophomore students. Question number 5 has 40% of students who answered. Conclusions Based on the findings, the following conclusions were drawn: 1. The majority of the student respondents spend more than 3 hours in using social networking sites. 2. Most of the student respondents spend more than 3 hours in studying. 3. The main reason of the students why they are using social networking sites is because they want to keep in touch with their friends and families. . We found out that social ne tworking sites are very addicting. 5. Sometimes, students do experience dizziness when staying long hours using the computer 6. Only a few students choose to stay at home to open their Facebook and Twitter accounts rather than to go out with their friends. 7. Almost half of our respondents said that Facebook sometimes helps them in their studies. 8. Facebook and Twitter seldom help the students to overcome their mental illness. Recommendations On the basis of findings and conclusions taken from the study, the following recommendations are given for consideration. 1.The students should avoid spending long hours in using social networking sites and talk with their parents. 2. The parents should set their own house Internet rules and take good part on their role in their children's school performance. 3. The teachers should maintain their good relationship with their students and guide their students in using social networking sites. 4. The school administrators should be aware of the health hazards of using social networking sites so they can well educate the students. 5. The future researchers should also use other types of survey that will make the study more comprehensive.They should also gather other information about their respondents, e. g. , gender, age, school level, and apply more questions that will make the survey more convincing and realiable. Appendices NAME (optional): AGE: SECTION: GENDER: I. DIRECTIONS: Read each question and encircle the letter of your choice. Please answer honestly. Thank You. 5. What is your time allotted for using social networking site/s per day? e. More than 3 hours f. More than 6 hours g. Less than 3 hours . Less than 6 hours 6. What is your time allotted for studying per day? e. More than 3 hours f. More than 6 hours g. Less than 3 hours h. Less than 6 hours 7. Why do you need to register to these social networking sites? (You may choose more than one. ) e. To keep in touch with friends and family. f. To meet new people . g. For school purposes such as research h. Others: ______________ 8. Do you find Facebook and Twitter addicting? c. YES. (please rate your addiction from 1-10. No. 1 is the lowest) _______ d. NO. 9. Are there any changes in your everyday activities when you started using social networking sites? . YES. b. NO. II. Please answer based on your opinion. | ALWAYS| SOMETIMES| SELDOM| NEVER| Do you often get dizzy when you browse the internet? | | | | | Do you prefer to just stay at home and open your Facebook or Twitter account than to go with your friends? | | | | | Do you prefer to use Twitter of Facebook rather than studying? | | | | | How often Facebook do helps you in studying? | | | | | How often does Facebook helplp you to overcome your mental illness? | | | | | SIGNATURE: ________________ SOURCE: http://www. quibblo. com/quiz/aWuYw2c/20-Questions-for-Social-Media-Users