Metrics

The constant expansion in the services industry, particularly in hotel and restaurant management, had brought managers and business owners whose specialty is providing service-oriented fields to acquire practical and depth understanding about the industry. Dominantly in the business industry, providing reliable and customer-friendly services, is of high concern to provide both customers and organizations expectations mutually. And still growing, further sophisticated technical supervision must be practiced to excel and gain in the competition. Innovation is the key focus to excel in the industry.Utilizing service management for proper handling and delivery of services is the aspect which the services industry must set a priority in their areas of concern for promotion and company’s growth – including industries in health care, caterers, manufacturers and suppliers, tourism and financial services.Organizations must set the difference between the idea of customer satisfac tion and service of quality rendered to clients. Although sometimes considered ambiguous, a specific label is required that will detach these important entities with regards in providing services of which supposed as one. Both are correlated in terms of industrial needs but different. Customers may vary on every organization to which they provide their products, be of services or goods, by some mechanism acceptable in the industry’s marketplace. Of course, getting through the competition in the market is another endeavor which organization needs focus.Customer satisfaction is a business term which is used to capture the idea of measuring how satisfied an enterprise's customers are with the organization's efforts in a marketplace (Wikipedia, 2006). Once customer’s expectations are exceeded, the organization will attain high levels of customer satisfaction and will create â€Å"customer delight.†Ã‚   This implies that organization must possess the ability to fulfi ll the consumers’ needs through business, emotional and psychological aspects.The interaction between the service provider and the recipient, which are the customers, must not be in idle to properly measure the level of satisfaction. Proper attitude in dealing with varied customers should be considered; knowing their attitudes, feedbacks or commendations can contribute in determining the organization’s marketing strategies. Basically, organizations aim is to retain customers in patronizing their services offered and the target of increasing the number of loyal customers and eventually increasing the organization’s revenues.Although customer satisfaction may vary from customer-to-customer, it is important to consider that physical and psychological characteristics which play a very important factor in measuring the degree where customers satisfy with the organization’s services. Comparatively speaking, the customer’s expectation can be evaluated wit h the customer’s experience prior relevant to the services the organization delivers. Organization must take into account that satisfaction is not quantitatively measured since it is more of a psychological aspect; it is more of the qualitative. And, service of quality will be now measured.Commonly, customers define ‘quality’ as they are met by their perception and experience. This is the degree or level of customer’s satisfaction with the services or products an organization offers dependently to the environment and the kind of service given. It is difficult to conform to the expectations of the customers needs with the level they require with regards to efficiency, quality, flexibility, and dependability to the services delivered.To achieve this, Total Quality Management (TQM) is applied. TQM is management philosophy committed to a focus on continuous improvements of product and services with the involvement of the entire workforce. This principle is a l ong-term process to sustain business excellence and the comprehensively and continuously involvement of all organization functions. Through this method, organization can now have the adequate knowledge where the mistake has been made and will consider as factors. These factors are then submitted into variety of measurements, commonly the Critical Incident Technique (CIT) and Attribution Based Method (ABM).Critical Incident Technique (CIT) is used for collecting direct observation from customers’ experience in relation to the services or products the organization provides. This is a flexible method which relies on determining and reviewing the collected information from the participants. Data are then submitted for fact finding to determine the issues encountered. Evaluation is followed to find solutions and resolve the raised issues to cause no further problem. The foundation of this technique was laid by the studies of Sir Francis Galton (circa 1930). This method can also av oid the stereotype opinions about the organization.This technique is more of academic since it use the qualitative research method.   Identifying atypical events that may be missed by other methods can be eliminated using this technique. Also, this is expensive and provides rich information needed for fact-finding related to the issues. Disadvantage to this is that the information collected relies mostly on memory; events may be inaccurate or may even go unreported.Attribution Base Methods (ATM) focuses on risk and performance with a direct focus on standards of service. Using this methods, organization conceptualize the service or product must remain of standard or of higher level. Aiming to retain loyal customers and bringing a number in, suggest that regular raise of standards is made to meet different expectation level amongst customers. Organization intends to have the quality of excelling; possessing good merits in high degree.Some organization uses the customer satisfaction survey procedure. This is an efficient and easiest way to measure service quality which may be viewed as facile. Obtaining customers’ feedback helps ensure business is meeting the needs of customers and giving insights on which aspects needs improvement where changes should be made to increase customers’ overall satisfaction with regards to quality service. Lack of gathered details during the survey may cause some problems in measuring the relation of problems to the factors involved.SERVQUAL (Service Quality), derived from LODGSERV, is a method developed by Valarie A. Zeithaml, A. Parasuraman, and Leonard L. Berry. This technique is used in achieving gap analysis in an organization to gauge its service quality construct performance against customer service quality needs. Basically, this method is used to improve service quality when faults are detected to the service or product customer receives. Using this method demands to show the discrepancy between customer†™s expectation and customer’s perception, both must be answered to measure the customer’s attitude towards a service offered.This methodology comprises 5 key dimensions; tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy. In the hospitality industry, it is necessary to do a qualitative study. In healthcare, SERVQUAL is used in determining issues between management, staff and the services offered to solve practical problems. This may be considered as an academic method as it uses professional surveys. Additionally, this provides assessment with the desired and actual performance; maximize service quality whilst costs are controlled. Comment box or card and survey questions can be used, usually present in most establishments especially in hotel rooms, restaurants and other servicing field.The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) program can also be used to measure quality assurance. Particularly, ISO 9000 family offers organizations with qual ity assurance seeking advantage through the implementation of a quality management system. The common notion of customer to an organization (like hotels, clinics, medical institution and the related) which acquired an ISO certification equally delivers their desired service quality – expectation and the confidence of customer are at high degree. With that, the service industry is determined to subscribe ISO service to obtain the certification. Similar to ISO, EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) was developed aiming service quality excellence driving organizations to be more competitive.There are many approaches in achieving sustainable excellence in all aspects of performance. Both deliver practical analysis to organizations seeking assessment with regards to their level of excellence to carry customer’s wants and expectations. Bearing the positive impact to potential customers, the organization must maintain their excellence or even increase service qual ity.Still at high priority, Total Quality Management (TQM), assist organizations to sustain customer’s quality satisfaction. The management and employees must be involved in the continuous development of products and services offered. Combining quality and management methods, TQM remains a necessary tool for organizations in achieving aims of increasing business and minimizing loss. Continuous improvement must deal not only with improving results, but more importantly with improving capabilities to produce better results in the future.Examining the various methodologies discussed may seem analogous. Their main purpose is to help organization attain the aim of delivering excellent services and products with proper management. In the hostility industry, it is advisable to know the expectations and needs of customer to retain loyal customers and attract prospect clients due to the industry’s high competition. Relevant information gathered is essential for quality analysis to achieve excellence in the services offered. Every department in the organization plays an important role for the continuous development and seizing in the boost of hostility market.Although some may say it is academic or facile, the important thing here is to deliver the needs and customer satisfaction. The mentioned methods or techniques can be applied differently on various industry; dependent on the level of issues and technical problems. Furthermore, to close gaps amongst customer-provider relation, service industry should focus to be more customer-oriented. Hence, service industry requires continues progress. This venture may be difficult, comprehensive, and a long-term process in maintaining the commitment of excellent service management.List of ReferencesParasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1994). Alternative scales for measuring service quality: A comparative assessment based on psychometric and diagnostic criteria. Journal of Marketing, 70 (3) Fall, 201-230.Wikipedia. (200 6). Customer Satisfaction. Retrieved July 20, 2006, from the  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Wikipedia Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Customer_satisfaction.Berry, L. L. (1990). Delivering Quality Service: Balancing Customer Perception and Expectations. The Free Press.Parasuraman, A.; Berry, L. L.; Zeithaml, V. A. (1988), SERVQUAL: A Multiple-Item Scale for Measuring Consumer Perceptions of Service Quality. Journal of Retailing, , 64, 12-40.Stephen, H. (1991). Why Quality Circles failed but Total Quality management might succeed.   British Journal of Industrial Relations, 29(4), 541-568.Anderson, Kristin & Kerr, Carol (2002). Customer Relationship Management.Berry, Leonard L; Parasuraman, A; Zeithaml, Valarie; Adsit, Dennis (1994). Improving service quality in America: Lessons learned; Executive commentary. The Academy of Management Executive. May.  Favell, Andy (2002). Opinion Sites Offer Guidance To E-Commerce Consumers. The Wall Street Journal.

Safety of stored information and easier retrieval Essay

Task 1: strengthen the information systems to enhance effective communication within the business and in all departments. Benefits of effective technological systems (Sanders & Bok 2013). This facilitates effective communication with the departments in the business. The daily operations of the business need effective communication. Senior departmental managers need to communicate with supervisors and other subordinates. Communication channels such telephones and computer links facilitates transmission of information from one area to another. This saves time as managers and supervisors don’t take time moving from one section to the other. Safety of stored information and easier retrieval (Target, Grimshow & Powel 2009). They facilitate better storage of information within the organization. It reduces paper work and bunch of files stored in the offices. Computers stores information which can be retrieved easily through use of logs and personal codes, when they are keyed information is displayed easily. Task 2: improve the existing markets and expand through opening new branches throughout the world. Benefits of proper marketing strategies (Kerin, Hartley & Rudelius 2009). Marketing is a very essential aspect in every business. Strategies such as integrate online and offline advertising, message adaptation and contests and discounts. Proper marketing facilitates better customer relations and increase in sales. This being the key goal of any business organization, it facilitates growth and development. Meeting customer needs (Bettencourt 2010). Organizations are required to meet the needs of the customers for competitive advantages. Customers’ satisfaction helps the business to maintain customers both in the long-run and short-run. Distribution of the products within the required time in the markets and proper pricing enhances customers’ maintenance are reaching the potential customers. Task 3: use of online marketing and product promotion                There are many ways of reaching out customers and promoting products in the market. Use of website links and online transactions enables an organization to reach more customers all over the world. Forms of product promotions such as advertising through electronic commutations such as radios and TV, use of billboards and personal selling also helps in reaching out customers. This is very beneficial to an organization as it gets enjoys economies of scale through increased production and sales. Value added by the role of my CPO.                My role adds a significant role in my CPO. For clear understanding of this role is added and what it is about, the learner have to be well informed on matters concerning proper marketing strategies, how to apply them and the benefits associated with such strategies. This comprises of the ways that a business put into consideration with an aim of reaching more customers and increasing the sales. Proper marketing strategies are very beneficial to the business both for proper control of internal and external environments (Fisher 2008). Some of the benefits involved include; market expansion both local and international, competitive advantages as the business is able to acquire large market share and meet the needs of the customers. My role in regard to adding value to my CPO is based on my knowledge concerning the marketing mix and segmentation. This is an area that is must have full knowledge concerning how a market is well segmented, the tools of marketing mix such as products, price, promotion and distribution. This knowledge will help me in preparing a good report to be presented to the marketing manager for better installation and implementation of the required strategies. The strategies should be based on the individuals and target groups in relation to their needs, knowledge and cultural activities (Augustine 2009). For my CPO to have a value addition, I must have full knowledge concerning the strategies used by other industries/competitors, the marketing trends and the needs of the customer. This will facilitate and enhance a better delivery of findings and recommendations to the clients and have qualities and important information that helps the marketing teams. My role is to ensure there is a proper interrelationship between the three departments that is IT, transport and marketing. They help the organization to pursue their interests effectively. Resolving allowed these departments adds value to my CPO as it enables me to come u p with better and effective strategies that are beneficial to an organization. LG3 Nature of relationships incorporated in my CPO during the completion of my task. Effective completion of tasks requires proper involvement of all the employees and the management. Employees are provided with the necessary skills across all the tasks carried out in the business. This enables an employee to perform any task across all departments. I always interacts with the marketing department when having a discussion with them on how to improve their operation or resolving an issue. I have acquired more knowledge through my team leader as I have always accompanied him when carrying out daily operations. This has enabled me to establish a strong marketing team and enhance good relationships. Proper communication that is done horizontally from the team leader to supervisors and the people on the ground. Receiving information concerning the progress of the market and the issues affecting them is another task I do carry in the organization. Organizational chart Ideas on how my CPO may effectively manage the organizational internal relationships. The marketing department has a well established IT and transport systems. This becomes an advantage as communication is well facilitated and goods are transported to the respective markets. Internal environment gaps; questions that will help me in developing an understanding of the internal environment. Are all the departments well resourced with the required facilitates? For effective implementation and carrying out of the activities, the overall departments have to be equipped well. Are all departmental managers well skilled with the required knowledge? This will help me in determining if there is need to have training of all the departmental attendants. What are the strategies used by the competitor? Are the strategies used in the organization more effective compared to those of the competitors? Key facts concerning my industry sector                Strategic market planning is a marketing body that is focused on the content of strategy and formulation process at the unit level of a business (Kumar 2010). It also compares the role of marketing in the organizational activity’s sphere. This marketing body helps me in analyzing key facts concerning key facts of my organization. Skills of employees                Employees are the key players in the organizational marketing. They need to be well skilled as they are the ones who interact with customers on their daily basis. Product packaging and branding                Product appearance is very vital to the eyes of the customer. The organization facilitates better packaging by using amounts affordable by the customers of all aspects. Issues faced by the business world                Political instability; Most of the countries in the world are faced with political instability. Such events are associated with chaos hence creating unfavorable marketing conditions. Market diversification: many businesses are located in different parts of the world. To have effective cooperation and proper management, the business world is facing problems of meeting the customer demands. My CPO provides strategies of ensuring that the organization has well manageable markets. External stakeholders and their significance in the relationship.                Governmental agencies of NZ, Agencies such as the tax authority and the licensing board influences the marketing operations of the business. Tax levies and restrictions imposed by the licensing board affects the rate at which the organization opens up new markets. LG 3.3 topic: entrepreneurship and communication Product promotion:                It is an area that has contributed a lot towards reaching out customers in different corners of the world. It is an area that requires a lot of skills and confidentiality as it can either assist the business in reaching more customers or can lead to loss of confidence towards the business. It has been an area of my interest, as it is closely associated with my CPO’s discipline in its industry sector. Online transaction                Carrying out online transactions assists the business to have safer operations. In AUT business school, I acquired knowledge and skills necessary for carrying out online transactions. It facilitates the growth of the business and should be adopted by the organization. I finds it easy to operate as it has closer connection with my CPO and its industry. Learning goal 4: ethical and social responsibility facing society and business                Ethical means to do with what is wrong and right, based on morality (Cafoliete 2010). Social responsibility is refers to an ethical theory that an individual or organization has an obligation to act for societal benefits (Amaeshi 2013). An ethical decision facilitates better services and creates a good image of an organization. My CPO and industry may consider offering training on how to ethical business characteristics and ensures customer needs are fully met (Bates 2013). Lack of enough skills may lead to a challenge in my CPO on making business decision that is ethical. LG 5: work collaboratively Developing business communication skills                Communication is a key factor in every business organization. Communication enhances better relationships with others in the industry thus facilitating work collaborations. My strength in this aspect is that my CPO consists of the largest communication department which links with other external organizations. The major weakness is on the poor communication skills currently displayed by many of the departmental attendants. My goal is to ensure that communication has been enhanced and effective channels installed. The strategies to be put in place include; in-service training and workshops should be held regularly, installation of communication devices in all departments and skilled managers employed. In order to assess whether the goals have been achieved, it should be measured in terms of profit margin and the number of customers. Aspect 2: working effectively in teams                Team work is a key tool in enhancing effective operations and increased productivity. It brings unity thus enhancing collaboration with others. The strengths in this aspect are that majority of the group members are of the same age thus works well as a group. The weakness is on the team leadership as my CPO industry has a few experienced managers. My goal is to develop the strongest working team in the industry. The strategies set include ensuring that more skilled managers are employed, workshops held to regular basis to train members on how to have strong working teams. Though it is hard to assess the strength of a team, my industry will check on the interrelationship between the internal and external environments to assess whether the goal has been met. References Amaeshi, K., & Nnodim, P. (2013). Corporate Social Responsibility, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis. Bettencourt, L. (2010). Service innovation how to go from customer needs to breakthrough services. New York: McGraw-Hill. Bok, D. C. (2013). Universities in the marketplace: the commercialization of higher education (45 ed.). Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press. Kerin, R. A., Hartley, S. W., & Rudelius, W. (2009). Marketing (9/e [9th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Kumar, D. (2010). Enterprise Growth Strategy Vision, Planning and Execution.. Farnham: Ashgate Pub.. Oliver, S. (2010). Public relations strategy (3rd ed.). London: Kogan Page/CIPR. Targett, D., Grimshaw, D. J., & Powell, P. (2009). IT in business a manager’s casebook. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann Amaeshi, K., & Nnodim, P. (2013). Corporate Social Responsibility, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis. Augustine, C. H. (2009). Improving school leadership the promise of cohesive leadership systems. Santa Monica, CA: RAND. Bates, C. G. (2013). Global social issues an encyclopedia. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe. Bender, T. (2012). Discussion-based online teaching to enhance student learning: theory, practice, and assessment (2nd ed.). Sterling, Va.: Stylys. Source document

Amazon.com – the world’s biggest e-commerce retailer

Amazon is the world’s biggest e-commerce retailer. They were founded in 1994, being the first online retailer to secure one million customers in 1997. They are based out of Seattle, Washington but have locations in 18 U. S states and 14 international locations. They currently have over 88,000 employees and are still growing. Amazon sells pretty much anything you want on their website, from DVDs and video games to shoes and sports equipment. When Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon. com, started Amazon all he was selling was books and now they have their own tablet, called the Kindle, which is a virtual book. Amazon’s mission statement is â€Å"Our vision is to be earth's most customer centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online. † The way that Amazon does their business isn’t rushed, just wanting to earn a profit. Jeff Bezos business plan was a slow-growing business, and he didn’t even turn a profit until 2001, after the â€Å"dot-com boom† of the late 1990s couldn’t even stop then when a lot of other online companies had to file for bankruptcy. But they survived and made 97 million just in the last quartered of 2012. Amazon has a code of business conduct and ethics, with their main statement being â€Å"Amazon. com employees should always act lawfully, ethically, and in the best interests of Amazon. com. This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics sets out basic guiding principles. Employees who are unsure whether their conduct or the conduct of their coworkers complies with the Code of Conduct should contact their manager or the Legal Department. † The type of system that they are using is virtue ethics, which is where morals are internal. They are trying to internalize moral behavior, making sure that everyone is aware that they are there to benefit the company and do so in a lawful way. Amazon was built on making their customers happy, and by doing that they need to make sure that all of there employees are performing to the best of their ability, making sure they are making the right decisions for the company. Amazon has strict rules on conflicts of interest, insider trading, harassment, record keeping and many other things. They also give their employees the opportunity’s to submit ideas that they believe will not only better the company, but also the world called the Kaizen program. The Kaizen program is where Amazon employees work together to implement environmental and energy initiatives across all parts of the company. They have done everything from figuring out a new way to package trucks, for less shipments and saving fuel to figuring out how to install lights that are on motion sensors to help reduce energy costs.

Role of Literature in the Age of Technology

Literature refers to the realm of letters and the writings of a particular period, mostly those whose value lies in the beauty of form or emotional effect. Technology is the science of the industrial arts. Scientists have played an important role in promoting human welfare, but the benefits of science may not have reached the masses, at any rate in ample measure, without technological devices and practical applications. We live in the world of both science and technology and many people, who take a rather superficial view of things, have begun to feel that in the technological world of tomorrow the role of literature seems poor.In fact, literature in its pure form is believed to have little relation with science and technology. Science provides knowledge and power and both science and technology affect human life at several points, though the extent and utility of the applications are determined by our culture, our wisdom and our priorities. Literature reflects the moods and emotions of the times in which it is produced; it is conditioned by the reflexes which, in turn, are created by the impact of science and technology.Modern technology increasingly dominates the world, and the domination is likely to become more pronounced in future, because of the fast developments tending to subdue creative human thinking and expression. But the belief that literature would have no place in future and in futuristic calculations is erroneous. There is no reason to believe that the mechanical way of life, in which our actions are governed more and more by computer culture and electronic calculators of all types, will destroy the talent of writers, authors, poets, biographers and artists.Technology does not discourage natural, multi faceted talent; rather, it generally promotes the climate for expressions of talent in countless channels. All round prosperity helps a great deal in creating literature of lasting value, and it is technology which has made many countries wealthy and prosperous. Jawaharlal Nehru cautioned us some four decades ago that it was only through the growth of technology that our country would become prosperous.In some cases technological development and automation may cause misery, through the resultant unemployment, for instance. But it has to be noted that both science and technology also provide additional avenues for employment; countries which boast of maximum employment, or nearly so, are those which are technologically advanced. In fact, our country may go down, instead of progressing fast, if we do not keep pace with technological developments and march in step, as far as possible, with the industrialised and technologically progressive nations.It is not only for the sake of the material benefits, the comforts and conveniences of life that we must opt for the latest technological processes, even by discarding our traditional practices, but for our art and literature, too, we shall have to make the best of technology, which w ould enable talented people to put in their best in art and literature. Some people think and they have a reason for doing so, that since science demolishes faith and tradition, it tends to produce scepticism, anxiety and even tensions, and it doubts everything, even cherished values.Science has eliminated superstitions. Technology helps to provide weapons of war; war stimulates technologists, but it depresses the artists and those who prepare literary pieces. Sensitivity and the urge to create new masterpieces get suppressed; reckless destruction, bloodshed and hostilities ruin the very climate that helps to create literature and artistic masterpieces. Culture and literature, after all, indicate the cultivation of man's inner nature.Culture prompts men and women to seek perfection; they are not motivated by curiosity and the endless sense of enquiry which characterise scientists and technologists. Literature expresses feelings and innermost thoughts and ambitions, while technology has other ends and other fields to explore. Literature may at first appear to be out of place in a technological milieu, but surely scientists and technologists do not encroach upon the field of literature. There seems to be no reason why both literature and technology cannot flourish side by side.A society that is highly progressive technologically may also become rich in literature. We may take the example of the world's most industrially advanced country and the mightiest military power, the USA, where technology has registered unprecedented achievements and yet the USA has produced rich literature. Technology results in affluence and prosperity and economic prosperity promotes good literature and masterpieces in the arts. So there is no contraction involved. It is only during war and the all out preparations for war, that literature gets a setback.Science and technology, it has been truly said, have radically altered the face of civilisation, but nothing, not even the most sophi sticated mechanical devices and the most fruitful applications of new inventions, can change human nature or replace human being, who must indeed remain in effective command of all scientific inventions and their day-to-day application. Technology has created robots, artificial intelligence in the shape of â€Å"thinking computers† which can read, translate, interpret and give decisions with amazing speed and accuracy.But not even the most sophisticated technological advances can by themselves produce literature—poetry, prose, plays, novels and stories. In a sense, science and technology may be said to be of direct assistance in promoting literature, because they help to create leisure by introducing labour saving and time saving devices and by eliminating drudgery as well as duplication of effort. The leisure thus created can be put to literary pursuits. In such a context, the talk of a contradiction between technology and literature is not well founded.Scientific kno w how may thus be viewed as technology which, examined dispassionately, has an important bearing on arts and literature. Good literature makes a lasting impact on the human mind; it entertains, instructs and ennobles the spirit of human beings; it does not debase or corrupt the mind in any way, and it certainly does not lead to destruction of any section of mankind. Science and its handmaid, technology, however, have placed in the hands of man vicious and highly destructive tools in the shape of lethal weapons the like of which he has never had before.Literature builds, but technology, if misused by vicious statesmen and politicians may cause havoc on a massive scale, destroying both litterateurs and technologists without discrimination. Technology does make for concentration and centralisation of economic and political activity. A person's individuality, sense of fraternity and selflessness tend to get eroded. Where there is less patronage of art and talent, there is bound to be le ss of literature of permanent value, because the right spirit and mood are not there to promote it.The depersonalisation of modern life which, it appears, will get stronger as the years pass, is likely to discourage writers and poets; misery, anguish and a generally noisy atmosphere are hardly conducive to the production of sound literature. But we need not give up all hope of a better world tomorrow, from the standpoint of culture and literature, simply because science and technology tend to predominate over human values. It is within the power and capacity of man, provided he exercises his sound judgment and pursues the right priorities to shape a better world, where literature flourishes along with industry and technology.

Critical Analysis of Linked Lesson Plans Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Critical Analysis of Linked Lesson Plans - Essay Example This criterion pertains to the match between the lesson’s objectives and the activities included in the plan or what would actually transpire during the lesson. Veal and Anderson (2011, p. 97) argued that this evaluation framework is appropriate method of evaluation because it can be tailored specifically for the plan and could enable an examiner to tie it with the specific events of the class. In addition, it will also contextualize the lesson plan and the entailing activities within the teacher’s teaching capability, style and value systems. Hence, the main question of efficacy would be answered with the extent by which the activities and actual lessons are aligned with what the teacher want to accomplish. In addition, this can further be supported by an adherence to system and structure. Session 1: Dancing the Elephant This lesson plan is designed for Physical Education class. The objective is for the students to learn basic dance movements. This was complicated by a dditional aims such as the opportunity to choose and apply skills and actions in sequence and in combinations. The teacher also wanted to integrate some social elements by having students observe and copy others, becoming aware about concepts of rhythm, movement and expression in the process. For these purposes, the teacher designed an activity that will revolve around the elephants. Using the animal, primarily through the song L’Elephant, it was expected that the students will be able to depict dance stances through imagination and personal experience. The activities provided by the lesson plan can be structurally divided into three parts or stages. The first is the use of the L’Elephant music. Secondly, there was the explanation of the elephants, how they move and how such movements could be mimed into dances and graceful movements with the aid of sound and imagination. Finally, there is the learning of a dance sequence created based on the previous activities. These lesson elements would collectively call a high degree of skill from the teachers because they involve not just close and strong participation from students but also the strength of their imagination. If one is to assess whether these activities are aligned with the objectives, the answer will be positive. However, to implement the activities in such a way that it achieves the intended aims may be difficult. The use of L’Elephant song is not enough. Asking the students to be imaginative based on this music is problematic. There are students who do not know about it and the music itself is not very expressive of the concept of elephants that this activity calls for. This is like asking for creativity among the students within a vacuum. What the teacher could do was to edit L’Elephant and use it as a score for videos or slideshow of elephants at play. According to Lavin and Lavin (2008, p. 7), creativity will not flourish in this kind of situation because there needs to be a firm foundation for the skills in order for creativity to flourish, otherwise, the students could abandon the promising creative approach. One can just consider the student’s reaction from an objective point of view: He would listen to L’Elephant. Besides the title, the music does not tell much about the animal. When he is told to imagine the animal, he would probably think about the slow moving ones at the zoo or those gentle characters in literature such as Horton by Dr. Seuss and Hathi in the Jungle Book. Imagining

Journals Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Journals - Coursework Example I understood that where the generation that preceded it was about conformity, this generation was about breaking the rules and exploring new psychological and social spaces for the rest of us. I could not wait to get started on the materials and the discussions and to participate, reflect and learn. Mostly too at that point I was eager to dive into the books and films. I also understood at this point that the perspectives for viewing the time period and the generation included not just the artistic, but also other relevant perspectives that hopefully would broaden my understanding of the era and give me a rounded overall understanding. The historical, business, and cultural viewpoints are important too, and I understood that these takes on the era would be explored in depth in the coming weeks (â€Å"Hollywood Rebels†). The ground rules and expectations for class performance and participation were also clearly laid down during this first week. I learned what was expected of me, and this learning was valuable, because I knew that if I participated in class and applied myself to the tasks in earnest that I would do fine. Moreover, I also appreciated how my inputs were important not only in terms of being able to get good marks but also in terms of the being able to get truly learn and get genuine insights into the subject matter. Taking the high road, I understood that to be able to learn as much as I can from this era, I need to take the class discussions seriously and really try to assimilate the materials as much as I could (â€Å"Hollywood Rebels†). Etiquette and attendance were discussed. Etiquette was mostly about respecting the class and giving full attention during lectures. Attendance rules were clearly laid out, to make sure that students knew when they would be marked as late or absent, and what absences mean in terms of passing or failing the class. The syllabus and assignments and their

Shipping Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Shipping Management - Essay Example It has been proved, that old management techniques in shipping have been working fir short-term profits only; it has also become evident that socially 'responsible' shipping business causes higher revenues and better positive results for both the stock markets and the general company performance. New management framework has also been formed with the additional pressure of environmental issues, which always carried a tint of social knowledge. All these factors have challenged shipping management to re-negotiate their position in the social environment and in the society as a whole. CSR is essentially about companies moving beyond a base of legal compliance to integrating socially responsible behaviour into their core values, in recognition of the sound business benefits in doing so. Since businesses and the challenges they face differ widely, government interventions need to be carefully considered, well-designed and targeted to achieve their objective. (___) The PD Ports Company located in Hartlepool (UK) is the company which can be seen as the bright example of the organization having actively applied the principles of the CSR through changing legislation and environments. It is noted in the striving for further strengthening and promoting its CSR activities. It has been engaged into many CSR activities, and it should be said that CSR in the UK has become one of the principal governmental priorities. It is stated, that 'we recognize that there is no 'one size fits all' approach to CSR, and that companies need to consider the nature of their business and its key impacts in developing their CSR practice'. (http://www.csr.gov.uk/raisingawareness.shtml) This is why for the shipping companies the implementation of CSR carries certain peculiarities. Government works for the for making the companies aware of the available CSR practices and encourages businesses to improve their performance; this may be considered to be one of the essential ch anges in the general implementation of the CSR principles through the shipping companies. As for PD Ports, the company also takes active part in the promotion and support of the CSR principles through the following activities: the philosophy 'safety first' is the top priority for the company management; the company is prepared to invest into both Capital and people; the company has its main focus on the customers, and looks for additional profitability through this customer focus; the company shows full commitment to the equal opportunities for employees; what is essential, is that the company actively works for the promotion of the environmental interests, as well as for their protection. (http://www.thpal.co.uk/corporate/core_values.asp) 'While various conventions and regulations imposed minimum standards for the operation of shipping companies, the control mechanisms were not always efficient in their mission. However, quality in shipping is not a matter of the shipowners only. Quality has a price and, as with all other goods and services, this price is determined by demand and supply. Neither shipowners nor regulation alone can force or command this price if quality is not demanded by the users of the shipping service by the manufacturers, traders, freight forwarders