Employment Rights and Responsibilities Template Essay

Information about Employment Rights and Responsibilities ERR is a compulsory part of all Apprenticeship programmes to show that the Apprentice has had a full induction to the company or training programme, and are aware of those right and responsibilities that are essential in the workplace. Apprentices may be in the first job or be experienced in their role or industry, but this does not affect their ability to cover the knowledge required. How should it be delivered? The ERR knowledge has been presented in a similar format as the NOS and NVQ units so that it has the same flexibility as the NVQ. There are a number of evidence sources for ERR and these can include: †¢ Referencing evidence showing knowledge of the in-house company induction against the ERR requirements (e. g. Copies of induction handbook, with explanation from the apprentice where necessary) †¢ Collecting a portfolio of evidence, integrated with NVQ and Key Skills portfolios to prove knowledge. †¢ Some technical certificates include an externally tested ERR module, which will cover the ERR. How much evidence should I provide? We advise that the Apprentice should provide evidence showing their understanding of the company procedures and how these relate to the laws and regulations. However, the Apprentice should not be expected to provide large paper documents regarding any parts of legislation; we, therefore, suggest that evidence (e. g. company procedures, websites etc. ) should be sign-posted wherever possible and practical. What is included in this document? The document includes the required standards in the same layout as the National Occupational Standards are produced. This can then be re-formatted in to the same delivery method used by providers for the relevant NVQ. This also includes helpful resources, mainly in the form of website addresses for apprentices and employers to research any information that is not currently included in the company induction. What proof is required by e-skills UK? Once the candidate has completed the ERR, then the candidate, employer and training provider should sign the final page, and send with the Certificate Request form to e-skills UK. Please be aware that while this Unit appears in the same format as an AOC or Unit, it does not need to be assessed or verified in the same way as the NVQ part of the Apprenticeship. Anyone with the appropriate technical knowledge on the subject can be responsible for judging the evidence provided by the candidate. What is the difference between Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship ERR? While the knowledge requirements are the same for both levels, the Advanced Apprentice will be expected to have a broader knowledge of the ERR, and the employer’s responsibility in this. This should be in line with the greater depth of knowledge required for both the NVQ and Technical Certificates for Advanced Apprentices. Links to qualifications in the Apprenticeship frameworks The Employment Rights and Responsibilities links to other parts of the Apprenticeship frameworks and can be delivered alongside the other qualifications in an integrated approach. For example: †¢ The ERR includes areas that can be cross-referenced with parts of the NVQ, varying depending on qualification and units chosen †¢ Areas of the Technical Certificate will also cover parts of the ERR †¢ Key Skills can be integrated with an area of ERR or the NVQ to show knowledge of the subject (this will be particularly applicable to the Communication Key Skill) Employment Rights and Responsibilities These are the rights and responsibilities required for Apprentices, covering the relevant areas of employment law and workplace practices and procedures. There will be rights and responsibilities standard to all job roles and industries, and in addition, industry specific requirements. |The competent person can: |This will involve applying knowledge and |Evidence reference: | | |understanding of: | | |Rights |What should make up a contract of employment |During my induction into the course I was | |Show knowledge of your rights as an| |made aware of the terms and conditions of | |employee, and work in accordance | |working at Zenos and I signed a contract | |with them | |to accept and agree to the conditions. | | | |There is also a description at | |Responsibilities | |www. acas. org. uk which states | |Show knowledge of your | |†A contract of employment is an agreement | |responsibilities as an employee, | |between employer and employee and is the | |and work in accordance with them | |basis of the employment relationship. † | | | |This must conform to the The Employment | | | |Rights Act of 1996 | | |Anti-discrimination laws and the bodies that |I have written about the EO presentation | | |enforce them |and test in Induction and explained how I | | | |have discussed anti-discrimination/EO in | | | |formal progress reviews. | | |Your working hours and holiday entitlement. |Found in learners handbook (9 to 5 Monday | | | |to Friday, fixed holiday period). | | |Your company’s policy on Sick and Maternity Pay |Sickness is covered in the learner | | | |handbook. Issues discussed in progress | | | |reviews. Not entitled to maternity pay. | | |Your rights as an Apprentice |Detailed in learner handbook. Turn up on | | | |time, wear appropriate clothing, follow | | | |contract of employment. | | |Your company’s grievance and disciplinary |This was detailed in the learner handbook,| | |procedures |covered in Induction | | | The health and  safety legislation relevant to your|Received a health and safety presentation | | |role, and your role |covering the main health and safety points| | | |and concerns. | | |Your roles and requirements in maintaining health |This was detailed in a health and safety | | |and safety |presentation covering the main health and | | | |safety points and concerns. (i. e. ensure | | | |my own safety and others, report incidents| | | |to first aider). | | |Your responsibility in adhering to data |The importance of data protection was | | |protection. |covered in presentations and tasks (also | | | |covered in learner handbook). | | |Knowledge of industry laws and guidelines |The main laws and guidelines are covered | | | |in my learner handbook, available on the | | | |internet and were detailed in a | | | |presentation. | | |NOS and external sources of representation in your|The main laws and guidelines are covered | | |industry |in my learner handbook, available on the | | | |internet and were detailed in a | | | |presentation. | | |Your role in your team and effective team-working |I have taken part in a few tasks involving| | | |a team. So I am familiar with the | | | |essentials of team work. | | | | | Knowledge and understanding components |Health and safety rights and responsibilities | |What your rights are and what you must do to follow company procedures | |Rights |What employers should do in order to protect you at work | | |What responsibility a training provider for your Health and Safety (including the Safe Learner project) | |Responsibilities |Your responsibilities in maintaining health and safety in your workplace | | |The laws and company procedures that you must be aware of at work (including Health and Safety at Work | | |1974, Manual Handling, DSE and any other laws relevant to your role) | |Contract of Employment | |What a contract of employment must include and the laws relating to them. | |Rights |When you should be issued with a contract of employment | | |What the contract should include (e. g. Salary, annual leave, working hours etc. ) | | |What should be done when changes in the contract are needed (e. g. changes in salary, job role, working | | |hours) | | |The relevant areas of the Employment Law Act, particularly Statement of Particulars (Contracts) | |Responsibilities |Adhering to the Contract of Employment | | | The differences for self-employed workers | |Anti-discrimination laws | |What discrimination (e.g. gender, race, disability and age) is and the laws that protect against it. | |Rights |Your right to not be discriminated against on any grounds (e. g. gender, race, disability and age) | | |The laws that protect you from discrimination, such as: | | |Equal Pay Act 1970 | | |Race Relations Act 1976 | | |Disability Discrimination Act 1995 | | |What to do if you are being discriminated against, (including internal and external procedures) | |Responsibilities |Examples of what would constitute discrimination against others | | |The difference between direct, indirect and positive discrimination. | | |How to avoid discriminating against potential employees when recruiting. | |Working hours and holiday entitlement | |Your working hours and holiday entitlement, and the regulations and procedures that control these. | |Rights |What the Working Time Regulations 1998 are and the maximum working hours allowed, particularly for Young | | |Workers (aged 16-17) | | |Any exceptions to the Working Time Regulations 1998 (e. g. Seasonal workers in busy times, such as | | |Christmas) | | |. What your  working hours and holiday entitlement are (see also Contracts of Employment) | | |Who enforces the Working Time Regulations | |Responsibilities |Your company’s procedure for booking holiday (annual leave) and why it is important that you follow it. | | |What to do if you need to change or adjust your working hours. | |Sick and Maternity Pay | |Your rights to Sick and Maternity Pay and your responsibilities in communicating with your employer regarding these. | |Rights |What Statutory Sick Pay is and your company’s sick pay policy | | |The right to Maternity Leave, and the minimum number of weeks of entitlement under Ordinary Maternity | | |Leave (OML) | |Responsibilities |The company procedures for reporting sick days. | | |Procedures to follow regarding Maternity Leave. | |Rights and responsibilities of an Apprentice | |As an Apprentice you have some specific rights and responsibilities | |Rights |Your role as an Apprentice and the similarities or differences from other employees in your company | | |How the National Minimum Wage applies to Apprentices. | |Responsibilities |Your commitment to the training and qualifications in the Apprenticeship | |Grievance and disciplinary procedures | |The laws and internal procedures relating to grievance and disciplinary procedures | |Rights |The process that employers must follow for disciplinary procedures. | | |Your rights during the disciplinary procedures. | |Responsibilities |The procedures you must follow to report a grievance | | |The procedures to follow to appeal a disciplinary decision. | |Data Protection | |The key areas of data protection and how they affect you as an individual and an employee | |Rights |Your right to personal information held by an organisation (either your employer or another company) | | |Who has rights to your information and how it can be used. | |Responsibilities |What information you can and cannot give out, and who can have access to that information | |Team working | |Working effectively as part of a team (from Develop Personal Effectiveness Unit) | |Rights |See responsibilities | |Responsibilities |communicating effectively in a team setting | | |contributing to team activities |. |Industry laws and guidelines | |The laws and guidelines that affect your industry (IT, Telecoms or Contact Centres) | |Rights |None | |Responsibilities |What and how different industry activities are affected by laws and guidelines, such as storing names and| | |address, downloading images from the Internet or sending inappropriate e-mails. | | |The laws that are relevant to your role in ICT or Contact Centres, for example: | | |Telecoms: The Wireless Telegraphy Act; IT: The Computer Misuse Act and the Electronic Communications Act | | |2000 |. |NOS and external sources of representation | |The information relating to IT that is relevant to your job role | |Rights |The organisations that represent you and your employer (e. g. e-skills UK, trade unions, Intellect, | | |British Computer Society, Call Centre Association) | |Responsibilities |What National Occupational Standards are, how they can be used and who sets them for your industry. | Useful Resources |Organisation |Role/ Areas covered |Website | |ACAS (Advisory, |Advice on employment matters |www. acas. org. uk | |Conciliation and | | | |Arbitration Service) | | | |Citizen’s Advice Bureau |General source of advice on a range of topics |www. adviceguide. org. uk | | |covering your rights as a citizen | | |Department for Education |Overall responsibility for education in England |www. dfes. gov. uk | |and Skills | | | |Directgov |Website covering almost all areas of employment |www. direct. gov. uk | | |rights and responsibilities, contracts etc. | | |Disability Rights |Disability Rights and Disability Discrimination |. www. drc-gb.org | |Commission |Act 1995 | | |e-skills UK |Sector Skills Council for IT, Telecoms and Contact|www. e-skills. com | | |Centres | | |Equal Opportunities |Equal Pay. Sexual Equality. |www. eoc. org. uk | |Commission | | | |Federation of |Trade association for the mobile and |www. fcs. org. uk | |Communication Services |telecommunication services industry | | |Health and Safety |Regulators of Health and Safety |www. hse. gov. uk | |Executive | | | |Information | Data Protection and Freedom of Information |www. informationcommissioner.gov. uk | |Commissioner’s Office | | | |Learning and Skills |Responsible for funding 16+ training in England |www. lsc. gov. uk | |Council | | | |Safe Learner |Specific Health and Safety information for |www. safelearner. info | | |Apprentices | | |Trade Union Council |Information about trade union and search for you |www. tuc. org. uk | | |trade union | | |The Commission for Racial|Race Relations Act and racial equality |www. cre. gov. uk | |Equality | | | |Tiger |National Minimum Wage and Maternity Leave |www. tiger. gov. uk |. If you have any comments or queries regarding this workbook, please email ben. sweetman@e-skills. com. Declaration This declaration should be completed by the Apprentice, the employer and the training provider and then attached with the Apprenticeship Certificate Request Form. |Apprentice | |Name: | |Date of Birth: | | |Signature: | |Date: | | |Employer | |Name: | |Organisation: | | |Signature: | |Date: | | |Training Provider | |Name: | |Training Provider: | | |Signature: | |Date: | | Please record details of any alternative knowledge specifications below:

Changing Policy and Practice related to Compulsory Education

Globalization is a construct that everyone utilizations but is a hard term to specify. In general, globalization refers to the tendency toward states fall ining together economically, through instruction, society and political relations. Sing themselves non merely through their national individuality but besides as portion of the universe as a whole. Within the educational sphere it is necessary to understand the effects globalization may hold in defining policy and pattern. The purpose of this essay is to analyze the impact of globalization on policy and pattern within Post-Compulsory Education and Training ( PCET ) concentrating on the womb-to-tomb acquisition subdivision within PCET. Initially the essay will concentrate on specifying globalization, one time this is established it will be possible to critically analyze its effects on PCET policy and pattern. The analysis will try to research illustrations of alteration both past and present in order to find to what degree they reflect an consequence of globalization. The essay will so travel to analyze womb-to-tomb larning within Higher Education ( HE ) in farther item. It is within this subdivision of PCET that globalization can be seen to act upon the antiphonal issues of the marketisation and the internationalization of HE coupled with the construct of a developing cognition economic system. This should supply the foundations for the aspiration of continued sweetening to the proviso of womb-to-tomb acquisition in the latter portion of the essay. During the probe it may be necessary to research other positions in order to find and explicate the spread outing influences of globalization within the particular domain of instruction.GlobalizationAs ab initio mentioned globalization is a complex issue to categorize. Globalisation is on a regular basis debated by bookmans as to what is really meant by the term. Globalisation is frequently presented as a late twentieth centaury, early twenty-first century economic phenomenon, stimulated by inventions in communicating and information engineerings. This combined with increased air travel by the multitudes and the turning laterality of English as the common linguistic communication of concern, political relations and scientific discipline ( Crystal, 1997 ) . The World Bank defined globalization as â€Å" the turning integrating of economic systems and societies around the universe † ( World Bank 2001 ) . However the Oxford English Dictionary defines globalization as â€Å" the procedure by which concerns or other administrations develop international influence or get down operating on an international graduated table. † ( Oxford English Dictionary 2010 ) Anthony Giddens ( 1990 ) has described globalization as ‘the intensification of world-wide societal dealingss which link distant vicinities in such a manner that local occurrences are shaped by events happening many stat mis off and frailty versa ‘ . The term can besides be used to depict the alterations in societies and the universe economic system that are the consequence of dramatically increased trade and cultural exchange. It is these alterations to society within the context of the economic system that can take to alterations with instruction ( Spring 2009 ) . Taking the above into history why would globalisation increase the demand for instruction? Chiefly sing economic sciences, the lifting final payments of a higher instruction in a planetary, scientific discipline based, knowledge focussed economic system makes university instruction more of a necessity to acquire â€Å" good † occupations. This in concurrence with socio-political demographics and democratic ideals have increased force per unit area on universities to supply chances for wider engagement to groups that traditionally have non attended university ( Castells & A ; Himanen 2002 ) . Sing Giddens description, globalization within instruction could be defined as world-wide treatments and processes impacting on local educational patterns and policies. Very small of these on the job patterns would stay inactive in this hypothesis as there would be a changeless altering dynamic as progressing engineerings and communications are integrated into course of studies doing them more economically competitory within the universe phase. This can be viewed with regard to HE establishments as they become intertwined on a planetary degree with pupil organic structures going progressively migratory in their hunt for cognition with the intent of advancing their personal societal and economical development. This leads to the construct of a cognition economic system.Knowledge EconomyA assortment of perceivers depict today ‘s planetary economic system as one in development to a cognition economic system. This knowledge-based economic system depends chiefly upon the usage of thoughts instead than physical aptitude and on the application of engineering instead than the transmutation of resources or the use of inexpensive labor ( Therborn 1995 ) . It is an economic system in which cognition is created, acquired, communicated, and used more efficaciously by persons, endeavors, administrations, and communities to advance economic and societal development ( Giddens 2006 ) . The rise of this cognition economic system has meant that economic experts have been challenged to look beyond labor and capital as the cardinal factors of production. Paul Romer ( 1995 ) ( cited in Holsapple 2003 ) argued that engineering, and the cognition on which it is based, has to be viewed as a major factor in taking economic systems. The Dearing study of 1997 stated that higher instruction should prolong a acquisition society in order to function the demands of an adaptable, sustainable, knowledge-based economic system at local, regional and national degrees ( Dearing 1997 ) . Fixing workers to vie in the cognition economic system requires a new attack to instruction and preparation in the signifier of womb-to-tomb acquisition. This womb-to-tomb acquisition model embraces larning throughout the full life rhythm, from early childhood to retirement. It should include formal, non-formal, and informal instruction and preparation. The deductions and possible hereafter of Lifelong Learning will be discussed subsequently in this essay. As the universe transforms through globalization, single cognition will besides necessitate to set. This will therefore originate the demand to modify the instruction provided to the person so that they can stay current and therefore a feasible trade good within the employment market. In order for the cognition economic system to develop further it requires the support of HE. This suggests a demand to associate HE to the demands of employers, developing HE-market interaction. This could allow orienting high degree accomplishments to the market but could besides jeopardize the ethos of instruction.Marketisation of Higher EducationEducation is really much immersed in planetary transmutations, with HE itself being altered by the cultural and economical facets of globalization. Peters, Marginson et Al ( 2008 ) argue that â€Å" Higher instruction is swept up in planetary marketisation. It trains the executives and technicians of planetary concerns † . Is this the instance within t he UK? With the diminution of the fabrication industry in the UK ( National Statistics Online 2010 ) this has given rise to the increased value placed upon the service sector, both in magnitude and profitableness ( Economic Outlook 2007 ) . This has led to increased trouble dividing the influence of markets from the societal and cultural facets of globalization in which instruction sits. This force per unit area to alter instruction from a public service to a tradable service is unusually compliant with the political orientation of the World Trade Organisation ( WTO ) General Agreement on Trade and Services in an effort to liberalize services within the planetary economic system sector ( cited in Robertson et al 2002 ) . This motion towards a tradable service could take to an change in the character of universities functions within society by altering them from being a Centre of larning into a concern orientated constitution ( Doring 2002 ) . This arguably may take to the displacement of the educational focal point off from an academic focal point, traveling towards a trade good focal point therefore leting the values of the commercial sector to be encoded into the Centre of the university system. Recent Government policy within the UK has encouraged the rapid growing of HE, in order to widen engagement with the purpose of making a more educated and marketable labour force. This growing has led to the inevitable competition between HE establishments with pupils viewed more as consumers than scholars. A position surmised by Willmott when he stated that pupils are openly viewed as clients ( Willmott 1995 ) . However, this rapid enlargement may be under menace given the latest authorities support cuts ( Barker 2010 ) but still the most prevailing mentality within HE is one of concern. Students view the chance to derive a grade, one time selected, as a right and a service for which they have paid for. Maringe and Gibbs ( 2009 ) further sign the issue when they stated â€Å" the thought of instruction and cognition for its ain interest – the intrinsic value of larning – is going subsidiary to the touchable benefits associated with prosecuting with higher instruction † . This leads to a demand for greater pick and a demand for a return on the pupil ‘s investing. This ideal is developed farther with the thought that a grade is a trade good that can, hopefully be exchanged for employment instead than an instruction that prepares a pupil for life ( Willmott 1995 ) . Smith ( 2002 ) argues that this construct of commodification of instruction has been happening for a figure of old ages. However he views the pupil as the trade good instead than the class of survey when he stated that pupils were altering their orientation to Higher Education â€Å" off from that of participants towards being consumers. † The issue for this essay is non what is viewed as a trade good it is instead that either is viewed as a trade good. The marketisation of the HE system, with the force per unit area to export the rational ware in order to keep fiscal support in a competitory market has lead to doing faculty members ‘ functions more complex. The consequence of this marketisation of instruction is likely more seeable in the illustration of the growing of international pupils. Higher instruction has become progressively international in the past decennary as more and more pupils choose to analyze abroad. The issues and environing this internationalization of instruction and the effects is the topic of the following subdivision.Internationalization of Higher EducationThe universe of higher instruction is altering and the universe in which higher instruction dramas such a important function in is besides transforming. Whether it is driven by the motion of skilled labor in a globalised economic system or the desire of the academic establishments to bring forth extra gross or even the demand to construct a more educated work force, the international dimension of higher instruction is going progressively of import, complex, and confounding. In order to go globally competitory universities are following an progressively international attack to the proviso of higher instruction. Internationalisation has become the motto of these present times in higher instruction. Knight ( 1994 ) defines internationalization as â€Å" the procedure of incorporating an international/ intercultural dimension into the instruction, research and service maps of the establishment † Altbach ( 2004 ) merely states that â€Å" internationalization is the procedure of establishments reacting to globalization † which implies that internationalization of instruction is the reply to globalization or at least a agency of capitalizing on the state of affairs. Is this a sudden phenomenon? Well non truly. For a figure of old ages pupils have traveled outside of their ain states in order to progress their higher instruction. High income states have provided grants and extra wagess to both instructors and pupils. Within the UK the entire figure of non-UK pupils for 2008/09 was 368,970, compared with 325,985 in 2007/08, an addition of 8 % . The strongest growing was in full-time taught graduate student programmes, up 17 % for non-UK pupils ( UK Council for International Student Affairs, Statistics on Higher Education ) . Coupled with this increased mobility of pupils universities have taken stairss to reexamine their plans and specific institutional schemes in order to ease the execution of an internationalised course of study ( Haigh, 2002 ) . In order for UK HE establishments to encompass internationalization they appear to concentrate on increasing pupil quotas by intentionally enrolling greater Numberss of international pupils. Other assorted activities are encouraged including diversifying bringing manners ; ‘internationalising ‘ course of study ; bettering the quality of the pupil experience and escalating international linkages and coaction. Besides the outgrowth of new types of suppliers such as international pools and for-profit universities in the instruction market organize portion of this dynamic image. However, as Harari ( 1992 ) stated in an article on internationalization, â€Å" holding many international pupils on a campus does non do that establishment international † Why is there such a thrust towards internationalization of instruction? With the rapid escalating demand for HE driven by an emerging planetary cognition economic system and the demand for instruction to prolong development with the intent of farther heightening planetary citizenship. This should ensue in a greater capacity of alumnuss with a high degree of cultural apprehension and perchance an enhanced perceptual experience of planetary and intercultural personal businesss, if Throsby ( 1998 ) is to be believed. Another issue with this rapid demand is that the domestic supply can transcend the capacity of many states taking to intense competition for topographic points within HE. Internationalization is non without its unfavorable judgments as increased pupil mobility can take to a encephalon drain from the state of pupil beginning and a encephalon addition for the receiving state. Recent World Bank publications progress the statement saying that encephalon circulation may be a more appropriate term than encephalon drain, adumbrating that this is what happens when HE pupils do non return to their state of beginning but other skilled workers emigrate from the having state ( Ozden and Schiff 2006 ) .Lifelong LearningAs alteration within the cognition economic system can be rapid, employers are unable to trust entirely on new alumnuss as a chief beginning of new accomplishments and cognition. This demand to keep a current labor force gave rise to adult instruction policies of the eightiess. However since the 1990s this term seemed to vanish and Lifelong Learning assumed prominence. The accent, as the name suggests, is that everyone should be able to larn through out their life span and that we need to go on the acquisition procedure in order to better people ‘s abilities and skill sets at that place by leting them to work more expeditiously in their several countries. Education and preparation establishments need to be able to fix workers for womb-to-tomb acquisition as it is important in enabling workers to increase societal capital therefore assisting to construct human capital, increasing economic growing and stimulating development. Lifelong acquisition is widely considered to be a transformational procedure, both for the person and for the wider community. For persons the battle with new larning can take to improved wellbeing, perchance taking to fresh personal success. For our society the acquisition can be cardinal in unlocking economic success and a agency to an fresh national individuality. Policies and Practices – The official desire to spread out acquisition can be traced back through educational policies, studies and white documents. The three foremost studies on HE and Lifelong Learning were Dearing, Kennedy and Fryer. Dearing Report – Higher Education in a Learning Society: This study set out a vision for 20 old ages of making â€Å" a society committed to larning throughout life. † ( Dearing Report 1997 ) . This was a committedness that would necessitate non merely persons to prosecute with, but besides the province, employers and suppliers of instruction throughout the UK. The chief purposes of the study were to do recommendations on the hereafter form, size and support of HE in order to run into the UK ‘s educational demands. It besides made recommendations in to widening engagement within HE. Kennedy Report – Learning Plants: This study prepared by the Committee on Widening Participation chaired by Baroness Kennedy set out a extremist vision to promote a return to instruction grownups who have few if any educational makings. The study contains some convincing testimony for the instance that â€Å" acquisition is the key to economic richness and societal coherence † ( Kennedy 1997 ) . This study besides makes recommendations on future support and widening engagement. The authorities responded to the study by saying they were committed to the constitution of a learning society in which all people have chances to win and that they were looking to increase entree to acquisition ( DfEE 1998 ) . Fryer Report – This study was compiled by Professor R.H Fryer and discussed similar subjects to those raised in the Kennedy Report of the same twelvemonth. The primary focal point was to show a deficiency of Lifelong Learning civilization observable within the British educational system at the clip of roll uping the study. Professor Fryer besides argued that the UK could non be considered a learning society as it possessed neither a Lifelong Learning nor a preparation civilization ( Fryer 1997 ) . These three major studies argued for the importance of a broadening of engagement and womb-to-tomb acquisition. This was to hold a bearing on a Green Paper by David Blunkett that placed greater accent on womb-to-tomb acquisition and requested that the educational system expand the acquisition age in order to see grownups as willing scholars and persons that were really in demand of farther instruction. This brought alterations to the national course of study in order to supply for grownup scholars ( Tight 1998 ) . Further responses from the Government were to denote a figure of schemes to convey greater Numberss into Further and Higher Education, a figure of 500,000 by 2002. Enterprises such as the University for Industry and Learning Accounts were designed to turn to skill lack issues by heightening womb-to-tomb acquisition chances and the acceptance of National Learning Targets was seen to show an official desire to spread out larning. Policies to help in accomplishing these marks included the basic accomplishments plan to better grownup literacy and numeracy and encouragement to employers to supply entree to more preparation within the workplace. Table 1 – Entire Part Time Students within the United Kingdom 2002 -2009 ( HESA 2010 ) Since these studies and policies were implemented there has been a steady rise in the figure of portion clip pupils within the United Kingdom, as shown in Table 1. The tabular array shows a combined growing of 68 % from 2002/3 academic twelvemonth until 2008/9 academic twelvemonth within portion clip pupil Numberss, a marked increased in popularity of portion clip survey. This would look to correlate with the rapid growing highlighted within the internationalization treatment earlier in this essay. Unite this with Numberss of international pupils lifting from 278,225 in the academic twelvemonth 2002/3 to 368,970 in academic twelvemonth 2008/9 ; a growing of 75 % ( HESA 2010 ) suggests that the commodification and marketisation of HE is demoing marks of success. The impact of globalization and the aspirations of Lifelong Learning are prevailing in the rhetoric of the studies and policies. Each one discusses the importance of Lifelong Learning as a contemplation of the realization that larning must be more active, more structured and long term. All the pieces must mesh if UK PLC is to stay competitory. The suppliers and donees, including society at big, must lift to the challenge of making and prolonging an environment which encourages and supports Lifelong Learning in order to guarantee economic prosperity now and in the hereafter. So what may be the future aspirations of Lifelong Learning? The purposes of Lifelong Learning UK set out in their 2008 -2011 Strategic Plan ( LLUK 2009 update ) include raising employer battle, demand and investing in accomplishments by offering free advice and literature for any one interested or involved in womb-to-tomb acquisition. In its 8th published paper the Inquiry into the Future of Lifelong Learning Commission articulated the demand for a wide principle for public and private investing in womb-to-tomb acquisition, but they besides stated that the UK, by international instruction criterions, has a really Lifelong Learning friendly environment ( IFLL 2009 ) . The Government ‘s 2009 White Paper titled â€Å" The Learning Revolution † recognised the profound importance of increased engagement and grownup acquisition. It besides discussed the benefits of farther larning assisting people to develop and perchance take to deriving farther makings. However all this was the rhetoric of the old authorities and was published prior to the General Election. The studies, policies and patterns reviewed for this essay seems to hold repeating subjects running though them, specifically the instance for increased larning peculiarly among less skilled grownups. But this seems to be tempered by puting the load on the person to make and fund, to a certain extent, the chance to larn. Some of the study recommendations attempt to undertake lacks in employer proviso. Employers should be encouraged to increase larning chances perchance by supplying entitlements to larning during working hours or possible entree to support for larning and larning installations being increased. This last suggestion does look less probably in the visible radiation of the disbursement reviews that are presently on traveling.DecisionThe purpose of this essay was to research the extent of impact globalization has had on the policies and pattern of HE, concentrating on womb-to-tomb acquisition. It is apparent that globalization has and is go oning to extensively consequence the planetary acquisition society and economic systems. This is peculiarly apparent in the enlargement of the cognition economic system with employers puting greater demands on persons to keep a current and flexible cognition base. In easing this continued larning the person must prosecute in virtually changeless accomplishment sweetening through acquisition. This in bend leads to a greater demand for womb-to-tomb acquisition from academic establishments and an increased enthusiasm for the acquisition throughout workers callings. This has led to the realization that the increased accent and hungriness for womb-to-tomb acquisition can be viewed as a consequence of globalization. Other cardinal countries such as the continued marketisation and internationalization of instruction have lead to seats of larning developing their educational merchandise or, as argued by Smith ( 2002 ) , the single scholar, as a salable trade good that entreaties to all possible pupils within the planetary small town. In order to analyze policies and pattern within Lifelong Learning it has been necessary to reexamine certain studies that were perceived as pivotal in the development of Lifelong Learning. This was necessary in order to understand the alterations taking topographic point within our ain society that have influenced the increased engagement in Lifelong Learning in order to keep a bridgehead within a knowledge-based economic system. If these countries were non explored so the enterprises that have sprung from recent authorities policies such as the aspiration for a â€Å" Learning Revolution † would non be realised. Lifelong acquisition is non merely a method but a civilization that needs to be embraced if continued professional development within UK PLC ‘s labour force is to prevail. HE has a positive function to play in set uping the cognition base during beginning of acquisition and moving as a supplier of farther larning chances such as distance and unfastened larning throughout an persons life-time. HE besides has a duty to widening engagement in acquisition, by luring nonchurchgoing scholars and those who may non hold engaged with larning earlier in their life-times back into the cognition civilization. Despite the positive rhetoric conveyed within the studies and Government white documents there still remains an component of incredulity about the ability to accomplish all that is pledged. Improved employer proviso and support with single support could stay a stumbling block in the journey to the realization of Lifelong Learning aspirations. As David Blunkett stated in the Government 1998 Green Paper â€Å" Learning is the key to prosperity – for each of us as persons, every bit good as for the state as a whole † So why should society merely experience accountable for educating the immature? Even with the increased force per unit areas of marketisation and internationalization the principal of instruction should concentrate on educating the immature in order to fix them to go on this acquisition procedure throughout their lives.

An Act of Kindness in Langston Hughes’ Short Story, Thank You MaAm

An Act of Kindness in Langston Hughes’ Short Story, Thank You Ma'Am Storyteller Aesop once quipped, â€Å"Any act of kindness, no matter how small, is never wasted.† This truth is illuminated in Langston Hughes’ short story, â€Å"Thank You Ma’am,† when a woman helps a boy from the wrong side of the tracks get back on the right path, even though he has wronged her. The woman’s merciful yet firm stance enlightens the mischievous boy about the error of his ways. Ultimately, a little generosity and kindness will go a long way. As the story begins to take shape, Roger is a misguided young man, as yet untouched by the woman’s kindness. He fails in his attempt to steal a purse from Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, and is already paying the price. Says the author, â€Å"The large woman simply turned around and kicked him right square in his blue-jeaned sitter. Then she reached down, picked the boy up by his shirt front, and shook him until his teeth rattled† (Hughes 1). Evidently, Mrs. Jones is taking matters into her own hands to discipline the wayward boy, rather than leaving it up to the police. She punishes him for his wrongdoing with the sole intent of discouraging him from making similar mistakes in the future. In this way, it is her concern for his welfare and future that makes her take such stern action. Another instance of Mrs. Jones compassionate, nearly maternal, attitude towards Roger plays out when she confronts him verbally. She remarks, â€Å"You ought to be my son. I would teach you right from wrong. Least I can do right now is to wash your face. Are you hungry?† (Hughes 2). Whereas most people would resent their attackers, Mrs. Jones wanted to care for Roger and even take him under her wing. It is a telling fact indeed that her priority was to tend to the boy, not report him to the authorities. Conclusively, Mrs. Jones exhibited tremendous generosity toward Roger, and it has made all the difference. Later, Mrs. Jones continues her motherly role towards Roger, even softening up a bit. She â€Å"did not ask the boy anything about where he lived, or his folks, or anything else that would embarrass him. Instead, as they ate, she told him about her job† (Hughes 4). Noticeably, Mrs. Jones was considerate of the boy by speaking to him in a friendly manner, discussing a carefree topic with him to ease his mind and establish a caring relationship with him, as though he were her son. In another example of her hospitality towards Roger, she says, â€Å"Now here, take this ten dollars and buy yourself some blue suede shoes†¦ The boy wanted to say something other than ‘Thank you, ma’am’†¦but although his lips moved, he couldn’t† (Hughes 4). Astoundingly, Mrs. Jones gave the boy the money he had tried to steal from her in the first place—along with a valuable lesson. As for Roger, he was clearly moved by her charity and dumbstruck to s ee that anyone could be so forgiving; he had obviously learned his lesson. All in all, Mrs. Jones showed great mercy towards Roger and was rewarded with the satisfaction of knowing that she had positively impacted his life. As Aesop brilliantly remarked, â€Å"Any act of kindness, no matter how small, is never wasted.† Langston Hughes shines the light on this reality in his short story, â€Å"Thank You Ma’am.† Roger is surprised to receive compassion and mercy from a woman he had wronged. He comes to see the error in his ways thanks to Mrs. Jones’ profoundly caring nature towards him. Conclusively, even a little kindness and hospitality can change a person’s life.

Planet Saturn Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Planet Saturn - Essay Example Atmosphere is also important, and the stripped away gaseous outer layer would need to be replaced with an oxygen rich atmosphere to be capable of supporting life. The atmosphere is not only for breathing however. It also serves as a protective shield from dangerous energy, and thusly the new atmosphere of Saturn would have to have the same property. Saturn currently has no water, and could not sustain liquid water due to its extremely hot core and the resulting surface temperature of, which would have to be lowered for life to survive in the first place. This planet is too far away to be in the â€Å"habitable zone† where the sun could support life (Jones, Sleep, & Underwood, 2006). A reduced orbit would accompany a shortened distance from the sun and would match well with the plane of the Earth (producing similar seasons). The density of Saturn’s core would somehow need to be lessened so that life would not be crushed by its gravity. This gravity would also interfere w ith other planets if Saturn were closer to the sun, leading to a whole new array of problems regarding ideal location. Additionally, the magnetic field of Saturn (slightly weaker than Earth’s) would not be strong enough to produce a magnetosphere capable of protecting the planet’s

Renaissance Art Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Renaissance Art - Research Paper Example The other monumental form of Gothic architectural style is the Bourges Cathedral in Bourges, France. The two works of art exhibits unique style and details, though similar in most ways, they also differ in many aspects, which forms the main basis and argument of this paper. Gothic style came into existence at around 1145 BC, a time when cathedral stylists were transforming from circular arches. The style was an expression and symbol of new faith growing out of medieval Christianity and mysticism (Monteith, nd) .Abbot Suger being the father of Gothic architecture had an intention of creating a church in honor of God by use of light to illuminate the building through tinted glasses. Suger knew that the beauty of the structure could in the mind of a viewer be viewed as symbolizing heaven. The tinted or colored glasses were considered to stand for precious gems. The two Cathedrals that depict Suger’s ideas are the Notre Dame de Chartres and Bourges Cathedrals. The Notre Dame de Ch artres Cathedral was build between 1146 and 1512 BC in France by Guy Nicot. Since the architectural style of the building is considered three dimensional, it was built with bearing stone and masonry. In the construction of Chartres Cathedral the masons used butters and vault style design. ... The Cathedral too had all its one hundred and seventy windows tinted. The tinted windows created a dark and rich colored interior with the balance between the light and the darkness giving a unique style illuminating the building. Other details of the Chartres Cathedral are Christ sculpture and pointed spires which were new design to Gothic architecture, with Chartres Cathedral mainly exhibiting this style. Like the Chartres Cathedral, the Bourges Cathedral portrayed most of the same designs and techniques. Being build between 1196 and 1250, Bourges Cathedral is a three dimensional building made from masonry and stone. Advanced techniques were employed through construction of sexpartite designs. The cathedral had two dimensional ribs and six bays for support, this contrasted with Chartres cathedral that had only four bays for support. The builders of Bourges Cathedral also used arcades and flying buttresses acting as arches in an innovative way to support the wall structures. Compari son of Bourges to Chartres Cathedral reveals that both structures had tinted windows with the Bourges’s windows having a design of hagiographic circles and stories of last judgment and the Old Testament (Ma?le, 1958). Both Cathedrals portrayed an expression of new faith growing out of medieval Christian mysticism and theology. Chartres cathedral was used for concerts, meetings and religious plays. It was the sole building that could hold large crowds and most importantly, it was a place of worship. Bourges Cathedral also was used as a place of worship and was dedicated to Saint Stephen. In the construction of both cathedrals, sculptures were used to symbolize mysticism and theology. Architects of the structures had a sole

English Speech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

English Speech - Essay Example But despite that swearing has always been an inseparable part of our culture, and most others for that matter, so even those of us who would wish to ban swearing as such will likely have to come to terms with its existence while man exists. So, on ground of this, let us take a closer look at the phenomenon of swearing and its place within our and other cultures. We start with defining this term. Swearing is normally understood as a profane expression through usage of a word or phrase normally associated with indecency. At the same time, quite ironically, swearing once signified telling the truth by making an oath. At this point we can immediately see how both those definitions of swearing combine in the real life and give us a better hand at defining what swearing actually is - a formally obscene verbal expression, which nevertheless may uncover a truth about our feelings as far as it conveys our emotions. Therefore, swearing clearly belongs to a group of cultural habits of a given s ociety, and different societies allow for a varying degree of freedom of expression of its members. However, it is here that the real difficulty may arise because in the modern globalized world, where we often communicate with representatives of other cultural traditions, cultural diversity creates potential for confusion due to the differences in attitudes to swearing and to the existence of different forms of swearing. For instance, you should always keep in mind that if you call a Chinese person a turtle, which is maybe not the most pleasant comparison for people in our society but still definitely not an insulting one, then you may become his or her worst enemy, because this innocuous creature represents one of the worst offences in China. Or, speaking about a much closer to us British culture, using the word 'bugger,' acceptable in the United States, would cast a shadow on your politeness as you would be understood as talking about a sodomite. If you were to live before 1934 you could even be imprisoned for uttering this word (Bryson 1991, p.224). And, as we have mentioned the history of attitudes to swearing, it must be noted that we are quite lucky today that we have a relative freedom of expression, because in the nineteenth century there were such intense attempts to clear out English of swearing that even some traditional words from the old English were being changed, like transformation of 'titbit' into 'tidbit' (Bryson 1991, p.221). So, as we can see, the phenomenon of swearing went as far as even modifying our language. But what fuels the mentioned longevity of the presence of swearing as seemingly unavoidable cultural trait of most societies is its arguably positive ability to serve as a channel through which we may relieve our feelings. Ironically, the very forbidden status of profane words and expressions makes them very emotive, which then perpetuates their forbidden status. And what works is normally extensively used, therefore most people from time to time express their anger, dissatisfaction, or other impulsive emotion with the help of swearing, which, paradoxically, sometimes is sufficient to dismiss the cause of our vexation as a thing of the past. Of course, this does not concern damnable, sorry for this term, cases when some people are so accustomed to swearing that it constitutes a large part of their language. After all, to turn our mother tongue into a continual swearing would mean to strip swearing of the large part of its power. The

Create a STRONG THESIS FOR The last Report on the Miracles at Little Research Paper

Create a STRONG THESIS FOR The last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse - Research Paper Example Every point of repeating the use of these symbols Erdrich regulates the narrative by rephrasing the Catholic symbolism to suit a specific syncretism perceptive. This gradually obliterates the preceding tensions, which existed between the Catholic customs and the Ojibwe customary religion. Erdric brings the symbols to an ultimate synergetic declaration in the character of Father Damien. Moreover, Erdrich applies recurrence of Catholic symbolism to explore questions of gender and cultural distinctiveness, which are entrenched within the religious history of Catholicism and Ojibwe customary religion. Introduction This is one of the remarkable novels of Louise Erdrich, where he takes her readers through the saintly realm and on an astounding expedition of soul searching. The novel presents a challenge and adjusts our ideas about issues such as the deep meaning of gender and purpose for religion. This essay seeks to answer the question â€Å"does Louise Erdrich succeed in using repetitio n of religious symbols to fit specific syncretism view?† As a point of departure, Louise Erdrich argues her association with the faith of her custom, the Catholicism of her father and her mothers’ Ojibwe traditional religion. Erdrich accepts that, religion is a profound power, which people magnetize around the central faith system (Louise, 106). However, Erdrich notes that, individual loyalty to both is difficult. In an interview, with Katie Bacon, Erdrich confirms that, there is no existence of worry in his life concerning the two structures of belief (Katie, 11). This change in response presumes that Erdrich has undergone a complete metamorphosis on reconciliation. Looking directly at Erdrich’s application of religious symbolism over the course of her novel â€Å"The last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse†, she seems to have created a relationship between the two structures of belief. This allows her to move from a conflict point of complementary synergic acceptance to a point of balance (Louise, 107). It is imperative to note that, this change of mind to a reconciliatory tone is not by theological synthesis of the beliefs upheld by the two religions, but it comes from Erdrich’s aptitude to find a way to budge past the agonizing chronological association, which existed amid the two systems of beliefs. The change in perspective is mirrored in Erdrich’s application of religious symbolism in her novel. In the novel â€Å"The last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse† numerous of Aldrich’s religious arguments arrive at a sort of culmination. Use of Baptism Within this Baptismal prospect, Erdrich presents a substitute but practicable understanding of baptismal symbolism. Erdrich achieves this by describing the baptism of Lulu Nanapush. Nonetheless, in her second adjustment of the prospect, Erdrich decides to portray the events from the viewpoint of Father Damien. It is notable that, Father Damien ‘s recitation completes a trajectory of narrators that begun in The Beet Queen, with Wallace Pfef. At first Erdrich perceives the Christian baptism from A German-American view then explores the Ojibwe view through the eyes of Nanapush and reaches that a point of religious syncretism through the recitation of Father Damien who embraces both Catholic and Ojibwe customs (Louise, 113). The three viewpoints explored belong to men or a masquerading male such as for the case of Father Damien. These men are not able to sire children. Following this predicament, the power

BUSINESS LAW Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

BUSINESS LAW - Essay Example Constitution, Article III, Section 2, Clause 1, and 28 United States Judicial Code 1332(a)(2). U.S. Const. art. III, 2, cl. 1. grants federal judicial power over all cases that are between a U.S. State or the citizen of a U.S. State and any "foreign States, Citizens or Subjects". 28 U.S.C. 1332(a)(2) provides for jurisdiction over a civil action that is between the citizen(s) of a U.S. State, and the "citizens or subjects of a foreign state". The plaintiff attempted to sue Albert Khalily and D.A.Y. Kids Sportswear, Inc., in the Southern District of New York, on the basis of alleged breach of contract. Both defendants were incorporated in the State of New York. The plaintiff claimed the right to bring suit in a U.S. court under 28 U.S.C. 1332(a)(2), which grants jurisdiction to the court over civil disputes between U.S. citizens and "citizens or subjects of a foreign state". During the breach of contract case, in June 1996, the court, of its accord, brought up the issue of whether it had proper jurisdiction over the matter. After the parties involved had briefed the issue, in August 1996, the court dismisssed it on the basis of lack of jurisdiction, having determined that, for the purposes of diversity jurisdiction, Hong Kong is not a "foreign state", and, therefore, the plaintiff cannot be considered a "citizen or subject" of one. (a) No. Issue(s): (a) Does "Hong Kong" merit the legal status of a "foreign state", thus allowing Matimak the status of a "citizen or subject of a foreign state" for the purposes of alienage jurisdiction; (b) Does Matimak have the status of a "citizen or subject" of the United Kingdom because of the Hong Kong's status as a "British Dependent Territory", when Matimak brought suit; (c)Does every non-U.S. citizen, in fact, have the right to claim alienage jurisdiction, when engaged in a civil dissent with a U.S. citizen Holding: (a) No. Hong Kong is not recognized a "foreign state" by the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government, therefore, Matimak is not a "citizen or subject of a foreign state" for the purposes of alienage jurisdiction. (b) No. Matmak is not a "citizen or subject" of the United Kingdom because the United Kingdom does not recognize corporations founded in Hong Kong as its "citizens or subjects". (c) No. Only the "citizens or subjects" of foreign states which are recognized as being sovereign states by the U.S. Government may claim alienage jurisdiction. Reasoning: (a) The definition of "foreign state" is not explicitly provided within the Constitution, nor in the relevent law. However, 13B C. Wright, A. Miller & E. Cooper, Federal Practice & Procedure 3604 (1984) holds that the generally recognized definition of a "foreign state", for purposes of U.S. legal status is a state that is recognized formally by the Executive Branch of the Federal Government. The Court used this definition to provide a ruling on the question of alienage jurisdiction in Iran Handicraft and Carpet Export Center v. Marjan International Corp., 655 F. Supp. 1275 (S.D.N.Y.), aff'd, 868 F.2d 1267 (2d Cir. 1988). At that time, the Court determined that because only the President has the power to receive Foreign Ministers, formal recognition of "foreign states" is solely the realm of the Executive Bra

Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema - Research Paper Example On the other hand, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema is due to an injury to the lung’s vasculature. Treatment for pulmonary edema is aimed at enhancing the respiratory function, treating the underlying cause, and avoiding more damage to the lung. In severe cases, pulmonary edema can result in respiratory distress, heart attack, and even death. Considering that cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE) is a type of pulmonary edema, the paper will focus on cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Lungs contain numerous small and elastic sacs referred to as alveoli (Luks, 2013). During gaseous exchange, these air sacs take in oxygen and blow out carbon dioxide. In normal cases, the respiration occurs devoid of any problems. However, in certain situations, the alveoli may be filled with fluids in place of air, thus preventing oxygen from being absorbed into the bloodstream. This results in a condition called cardiogenic pulmonary edema (Murray, 2012). Conventionally, cardiogenic refers to the left ventricle causes. In this case, cardiogenic pulmonary edema is as a result of failure of the heart’s left ventricle to effectively eliminate blood from the pulmonary circulation. As noted by Cleland, Yassin, and Khadjooi (2010), this may be attributable to increased pressure in heart leading to a fast or slow heartbeat, and accumulation of fluids. CPE is caused by problems in the heart muscle, valvular problems, and renal artery stenosis. When the mean pulmonary pressure increases from the normal of 15 mmHg to over 25 mmHg or is

GLOBAL POLITICAL ECONOMY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

GLOBAL POLITICAL ECONOMY - Essay Example He decided to focus on the ‘supply of money instead of keeping the interest rates low’ (Rugman 2003, p.110). In this way, the lowering and the stabilization (at low levels) of the inflation were set as the new priorities of the US monetary policy. Through the above practice, interest rates in US were increased from 11% (as in 1979) to 20% (in 1980s), a fact that led to a series implications for the US economy, as explained below. The changes in the US monetary policy as developed in 1979 have been considered as a key point in the American economy, affecting the practices developed by US monetary policy makers up today. The effects of the US monetary and fiscal policies on the country’s economy are discussed in this paper. Emphasis is given on the fact whether these policies have strengthened America’s position in the global economy or not. It is concluded that such target was achieved but not without implications. The high level of the country’s debt is an issue that should be addressed in order for the growth of the country’s economy to be real – in all its aspects. 2. U.S. ... Through the decades, the effects of U.S. financial and monetary policies on the country’s economy have been differentiated, in accordance with the local political and social conditions but also with the economic environment in the global market. In any case, the stabilization of inflation at low levels, a key target of the monetary policy makers of 1979 has been achieved. However, periodically, the use of the above policy, i.e. targeting on low inflation, has been proved to be a rather inappropriate practice in order to face the market pressures, a fact which has been highlighted in the literature. In order to understand the effects of the US financial and monetary policies since 1979 on the American economy, it would be necessary to refer to the historical development of these policies, i.e. their range of appearance. Then, their effects on the American economy could be identified and evaluated – taking into consideration the conditions in the global market. One of the key characteristics of the update of the US monetary policy of 1979 has been the following one: emphasis has been given on lowering the inflation and keeping it on low levels. A strict monetary policy was used as a tool for achieving the above target (Allen 1999, p.170). The initial effect of the above policy has been the significant increase of the ‘LDC (less developed countries) borrowing rates’ (Allen 1999, p.170). Because of the above practice, the country’s economy has been negatively affected – the recession of 1981-1982 has been unavoidable. In this context, the initial results of the economic reform of 1979 in US – referring to the increase of the priorities of the country’s monetary policy, as described above – had been negative. A similar assumption is developed in

Music Appreciation Essay Example for Free

Music Appreciation Essay Sound any sensation that is perceived by the aural senses. Physically, sound is vibrational, mechanical energy that moves through matter (usually air) as a wave. The Hearing Process – Vibration, resonation, transmission, reception, interpretation, music appears. Pitch – relative highness or lowness of a sound, speed of vibration. Tone – a sound that has a definite pitch. Interval – the distance in pitch between any two tones, ex: half step. Accent – emphasis on a certain tone. Tone Color/Timbre – quality of sound that distinguishes on instrument or voice from another. timbre contrast, one instrument vs. another. Dynamics- Associated Terms – Degrees of loudness or soften in music: Pianissimo (pp) – very soft Piano (p) – soft Mezzopiano (mp) – moderately soft Mezzoforte (mf) – moderately loud Forte (f) – loud Fortissimo (ff) – very loud Crescendo – gradually get louder Decrescendo – gradually get softer Chordophones – make their sound when a stretched string vibrates. there is usually something they makes the sound reverberate such as the body of a guitar or violin. the strings are set into motion by either plucking, strumming or by rubbing with a bow. Membranophones – Any musical instrument that produces sound primarily by the way of a vibrating stretched membrane. Ex: timpani Roto toms non-pitched drums snare drum (S. Dr.) tenor drum (T. Dr.) field drum (F. Dr.) bass drum (B. Dr.) Tom-Toms Bongos Timbales (Timb.) Conga Drums Tambourine Idiophones – Ex: Marima Crotales Steel Drums Cymbals (cym.) Suspended Symbol Hi-Hat Finger Symbols Triangle (trgl.) Anvil (anv.) Cowbells Tam-Tam (t.t) and other Gongs Sleigh Bells (sl.b.) Bell Tree (bl.t.) Brake Drum (br. dr.) Thunder sheet (th. sh.) Rachet (rach) Wood Blocks (w.bl.) Temple Blocks (t.bl.) Claves (clav.) Castanets (cast.) Maracas (mrcs.) Guiro Whip (wh) Aerophones – any musical instrument that produce sound primarily by causing a body of air to vibrate. 1st class: where the vibrating is not contained in the instrument itself. Ex: Harmonica 2nd class: where vibrating air is contained by the instrument. Ex: Flute Identify Basic String Instruments – Violin Viola Cello Double Bass Renaissance Lute/Music Dulcimer The Koto-Koto Music The Sitar Identify Basic (Wood)Wind Instruments – Piccolo Flute Clarinet Bass clarinet Oboe English horn Bassoon Identify Basic Percussion Instruments – Timpani Xylophone Snare drum Bass drum Cymbais Identify Basic Keyboard Instruments – Piano Pipe organ Harpsichord Notation/Identify Basic Symbols Staff/Identify Lines and Spaces Time Signature Meter-7,6,5,4,3,2 Downbeat Tied vs dotted rhythms Syncopation Tempo Metronome Arpeggio Half-Step Whole-Step Texture Polyphony Monophonic Homophonic Heterophonic Counterpoint Key Major vs minor vs chromatic scales Key Signature Modulation/Key Change Chord/Progression Harmony Consonance Dissonance Dominant Chord Tonic Chord Sub Dominant Chord Musical Form/Ternary/Binary Phrase/Antecedent/Consequent Cadence Melody/Theme Must Be Prepared to Write Scales and A Chord Progression I –IV-V-I on the staff. Be prepared to insert the Minor chord. Four flats or sharps is the max. . Must be prepared to identify musical instruments and the families they belong to.

Oman Telecommunication Company

Oman Telecommunication Company Introduction Brief History The Oman telecommunication company is the most reliable and unique telecom and multimedia service provider in Pakistan which is also known as Omantel. The world call telecommunication limited is also the Omantelscompany. The companys word:- â€Å"WorldCall launched its business in June 1996 with payphone operations. A fundamental shift in technology and industry, innovation and dedication led us to growth in diversified businesses with a range of services designed to serve the needs of the local market. From Cable Broadband to Wireless Broadband, from Cable TV to Video on Demand, from LDI services and fiber optic network to wireless local loop telephony, WC has crossed a number of milestones. WC offers an array of services under three major service categories i.e. Data, Entertainment and Voice.† WorldCall Telecom Ltd. became an associate company of Omantel after acquisition of major share holding by Omantel in 2008. Today, WorldCall Telecom has become more innovative, dedicated, and reliable company in Pakistan. Status of Omantel:- Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) is the largest communication service provider in Oman. Any telephone call you make, local or international, the SMS Messages, or internet services, Omantel is the major and larger provider. Situational Analysis In 1996 First Capital Securities Corporation commenced to incubate payphone operation named WorldCall Payphones Limited. The new venture stood first in a communication revolution that was yet to hang on the country. WorldCall perception of a changing business environment placed them at the lead of a demand-led explosion of payphones all over the country. WorldCall introduced their first payphone in June 1996. They were one of the largest fixed line payphone operators. With the expansion in telecom they have continued to innovate. Over the years they have invested heavily in new technologies and businesses. In 1998 prepaid calling cards were launched by WorldCall Phonecards under the brand name Hello. In the following years WC provided its dial-up internet services through WorldCall.com. In 2000 WorldCall in Multimedia segment established a Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) network in Lahore thus becoming the first Multi-service operator in the country, providing cable television and Internet-over-cable. WC cable TV in Lahore, is the last but largest entrant till now. In 2003 WC launched a state of the art HFC network operation in Karachi under WorldCall Broadband Limited. These are the largest and only national networks capable of three features at the same time (cable TV, high speed internet/data and telephony). WorldCall Telecom Limited got Wireless Local Loop (WLL) license in the post deregulation auction to provide WLL telephony in all 14 telecom regions of Pakistan primarily in the 1900 MHz band. It has partnered with Samsung for a CDMA 2000. WC started service from Lahore in June 2005 which is now available in over 40 cities. WC also acquired an LDI license and service commenced at the end of 2004. WTL enjoys significant edge over competition due to unused fiber optic capabilities available in the telecommunication sector. In April 2008, Omantel had acquired 65 percent shares of WorldCall Telecom Limited for $200 million. The CEO WorldCall Mr Salmaan Taseer led the WorldCall delegation Salman Taseer said that WorldCall is the first company to launch payphone cards, High HFC System and local loop in the country. WorldCall is positioned in a unique way being the only real Multi Service Operator (MSO) in Pakistan telecom landscape with proven track record and established market position in various segments of its operations. WorldCall also enjoys leadership position with consistent growth in its market share for broadband connectivity and cable television. Focus of rollout will principally target broadband segment with sustained growth of voice services. This planned expansion coupled with initial investment would see a decent inflow of capital into Pakistan. Omantel is a publicly traded telecom company based in Oman with diversified operations. However, acquisition of majority stake in WorldCall is its first overseas venture. Structure of WorldCall Location of offices Location of Head Office WorldCall Telecom Limited 67-C III, Gulberg III, Lahore, Pakistan Tel: (92 42) 5872633-38 Fax: (92 42) 5755231 Wireless Local Loop Main Office Ibrahim Trade Center (Near Barkat Market) 1- Aibak Block, New Garden Town, Lahore (92 42) 8464646 www.callwireless.com.pk WLL Helpline (92) 0800-19111 WC Net Helpline 109, UAN (111-111-965) Number of Total Employees:- As of December 2010, around 1800 total employees work for WorldCall. (More than 3000 before downsizing after acquisition of WorldCall by Omantel, however these decisions were taken by the Omani top management) Legal Status and Nature of Business The Group consists of: WorldCall Telecom Limited WorldCall Telecom Limited (the Company) is a public limited company incorporated in Pakistan on 15 March 2001 under the Companies Ordinance, 1984 and its shares are quoted on the Karachi and Lahore Stock Exchanges. WorldCall Telecom Ltd. groups principal activity is to provide telecommunication services. It operates through two business segments: Telecom segment provides operation and maintenance services for payphone network. Broadband segment provides internet over cable and cable TV services. The Group operates mainly in its domestic market. The Company commenced its operations on 01 December 2004 and is engaged in providing Wireless Local Loop (WLL) and Long Distance International (LDI) services in Pakistan, operation and maintenance of public payphones network and re-broadcasting international/national satellite/terrestrial wireless and cable television and radio signals as well as interactive communication and to establish, maintain and operate the licensed telephony services. The Company has been licensed by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) for these purposes. Worldcall Telecommunications Lanka (Private) Limited (the Subsidiary) was incorporated in Sri Lanka and is a joint venture with Hayleys Group to operate payphones. The principal activity of the Subsidiary is the operation and maintenance of public payphones networks. Payphones are installed at various shops/commercial outlets. The Company holds 70.65% of voting securities in the Subsidiary. Type of Ownership A Subsidiary of Omantel Before the acquisition and restructuring of WorldCall, the WorldCall group was consisted of following companies: Worldcall Communications Limited Worldcall Phone cards Limited Worldcall Multimedia Limited Worldcall Broadband Limited Omantel decided to consolidate WorldCall into a single company and as a subsidiary of Omantel. Foreign Subsidiary Worldcall Telecommunications Lanka (Pvt.) Limited is a foreign subsidiary of Worldcall Telecom Ltd. Key Players Historically Salman Taseer remained the key player in WorldCall as a Leader, CEO and Chairman.After the completion of acquisitions Omantel plays important role at corporate level but WorldCall lacks any leadership personality like Salman Taseer. CEO of the Company The current players are Babar Ali Sayed (CEO) former LDI Director Operations. First time in the history of WorldCall the CEO is from Technical Department, unlike previous CEOs with background in Finance and Chartered Accountants. A current picture of MR. Babar Ali Syed is below: Board of Directors Mr. Mehdi Mohammed Al Abduwani Mr. Talal Said Marhoon Al-Mamari Mr. Bernhard Heinichen Mr. Samy Ahmed Abdulqadir Al Ghassany Mr. Zafar Iqbal Mr. Aimen bin Ahmed Al Hosni Mr. Saud bin Ahmed Al-Nahari Mr. Shehryar Ali Taseer Mr. Asadullah Khawaja (nominee Arif Habib Securities Limited) Vision and Mission Statements VISION:- We at WorldCall are committed to achieving dynamic growth and service excellence by being at the cutting edge of technological innovation. We strive to consistently meet and surpass customers, employees and stake-holders expectations by offering state-of-the-art telecom solutions with national international footprints. We feel pride in making efforts to position WorldCall and Pakistan in the forefront of international arena. MISSION:- In the telecom market of Pakistan, WorldCall to have an overwhelming impact on the basis of following benchmarks: Create new standards of product offering in basic and value added telephony by being more cost effective, easily accessible and dependable. Thus ensuring real value for money to all segments of market. Be a leader within indigenous operators in terms of market share, gross revenues and ARPU within five years and maintain the same positioning thereafter. Achieve utmost customer satisfaction by setting up high standards of technical quality and service delivery. Ensuring the most profitable and sustainable patterns of ROI (Return on Investment) for the stake-holders. ANALYSIS of MISSION STATEMENT WHO ARE WE?  § Be a leader within indigenous operators in terms of market share, gross revenues and ARPU within five years and maintain the same positioning thereafter. WHAT WE DO?  § Create new standards of product offering in basic and value added telephony by being more cost effective, easily accessible and dependable. Thus ensuring real value for money to all segments of market. WHERE ARE WE NOW?  § Achieve utmost customer satisfaction by setting up high standards of technical quality and service delivery. Now in term Components:-  § Customers  § Product services  § Markets  § Technology  § Concern for survival growth and profitability  § Philosophy  § Self concept  § Concern for public image  § Concern for employees Suggested Correct Vision Statement:- To be a leader in a telecom industry by being at cutting edge of technological innovation. Goals Objectives of WorldCall 2010:- GOALS:- To redevelop an infrastructure which help company to implement multi destination LDI operations To expand the wireless broadband network To secure advertisement revenue share through cable TV network OBJECTIVES:- To secure international terminations from the major countries of Europe and USA; and establishments POPs (Point-Of-Presence, Switch, Router, Billing system) using co-location. To establish head-ends (main transmission source) in 14 major cities of Pakistan. WorldCall plans to expand its EVDO service in all the 50 major cities of Pakistan. External and Internal assessment PESTE(L) ANALYSIS The Telecom sector all around the world and especially in Pakistan has experienced a tremendous growth in the last few years. The telecommunication sector of Pakistan was awarded the status of industry in 2005 and since then it has been one of the fastest growing sectors of Pakistan quite eminent from various factors such as the mobile density reaching 61.7% in December 2010 and the number of mobile subscribers reaching 102 million. (Source: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Annual report 2010). Political factors The political environment of Pakistan is getting unstable uncertain day by day so only the government decision and initiative measures are very important. Decline in foreign investment is also the reason of political instability. PTA is highly autonomous govt. organization and has shown the moderate continuity in the policies regardless of changes in the political environment. PTA is striving hard and trying its best to provide equal competition opportunities in Telecom industry. Govt. can announce unexpected tax changes in Telecom industry. PTA convinced the government that raising taxes will not result in more money coming in the reverse is actually true as the Pakistan government got less revenue. Economical factors The ever increasing economical issues like inflation and the growing debt of Pakistan. The disposable income of people getting low due to the price inflation of consumer goods services. PTA report 2010 tells that telecom sector of economy is in a good shape and growing. Inflation is controlling by state bank and under strict eyes but unemployment rate is going up and up with the increase of level of poverty. High interest rate ~13% Decline in Telecom share in total GST due to low tariffs. Social factors Telecommunication is used in the professional and private sphere now days. Better telecommunication services and telecommunication is now becoming essential part of people lifestyle. Now people have become habitual of consuming new technology products. Internet has become a real working tool; people use Internet at home, at work. People are interested in more than just â€Å"Plain Old Cable/TV† technologies†¦ like Digital Cable TV, Video-On-Demand, and Personal Video Recorders not just plain old TV due to frequent use of internet. Young generation is getting more interest in wireless telecommunication and spends more time in online social activities like chatting, social networking. Telecommunication becoming an integrated part of our social life style. People now like to use Facebook on their pc and on mobile, allowing them to connect with their family and friends anytime anywhere. Internet becomes an integral part of people social-lives. Online gaming is growing rapidly and the ever increasing gaming competition all over the world and in pakistan as well. Technological factors Telecom sector have technology with which they can compete in Pakistan and now companies are investing in their infrastructure to not only expand but also to upgrade their existing structure. Currently mostly companies are providing Multi-media Messaging Services (MMS), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Virtual Private Network (VPN), Pocket Stocks, Conference Calling, Wallpapers Animated pictures Polyphonic ring tones (WAP), and Voice Mail at low price and some are also providing feature that one can see TV channels on their cell. Individuals and companies are recognizing the benefits of mobility of wireless broadband. The expertise of IT and Telecom industry has greatly reduce cost and time on the usage of products and services. For example, new VoIP technologies are changing the cost structure of the LDI business. Upcoming future wireless broadband technologies are changing the trends of internet usage. Pakistans telecom industry is one the fastest growing industries even compared to other countries. Innovations and development in telecom technologies has played a major role in the overall growth. Innovations and Developments in IT and Telecom can create and motivate new demands. Like Video Conferencing induced more demand for companies interested in online business meetings. Now a day, firms are in search of reliable information systems. And for this telecom technologies playing vital role. Environmental factors The telecommunication towers spoil the view especially of tourism places but no attention is paid towards this. Ecological Factors Natural Obstructions in Wireless Transmission Infrastructure usage facing difficulty due to the conditions of land. Legal factors Corruption and bribery in legal authorities suffers a telecom companies a lot to face difficulties PTA is the telecom industry regulator and their some objectives are: Telecom sector changed from monopoly to competition Protection of the rights of the companies competing with incumbents and to provide safeguards the interest of the users of the telecommunication services. The unbiased laws of telecom sector to establish healthy competition in market. Porters five forces model Threat of New Entrants Telecom is a very capital concentrated industry, entry into this industry means that the firms need access to huge amount of capital mainly to cover the fixed costs to lay and maintain a physical network (infrastructure, fiber optic cables etc) to the premises of customers. As it is mandatory for the firms to get approval/licenses from PTA, which is both costly, and a tiresome job. Although companies in this industry mostly tended to monopolies regulated by the government up to price controls and moderate to heavy taxation. The telecom industry is already dominated by major players and smaller manufacturers have to struggle, due to high setup costs and market dominations threat of new entrants is low because of: Ø High Government restrictions or legislation Ø Telecom licenses, rights, regional licenses Ø Expected Mergers and Acquisitions Ø High fixed costs Ø High Capital requirements Ø Aggressive competition Bargaining Power of Suppliers There is intense competition between suppliers because of multi-million dollar contracts between Pakistani firms and mostly foreign suppliers. List of suppliers who intensely compete with each other to reach contracts with their business customers. Sometimes suppliers show flexible behavior to maintain the long term relationship with their profit oriented customers. In an telecom industry the manufacturers of telephone switching /switch board equipment, fiber optic cables, network equipment, and billing software makers are low. The prominent names in this industry include Cisco, Alcatel-lucent, Ericsson, Hawawie, ZTE, Samsung, Nortel and Motorola. With the outcome of economic crises and excess capacity and falling demand, the suppliers do not have much power and have to negotiate gently with the telecom companies because of: Ø High availability of substitute inputs Ø Competitive suppliers of telecom equipment Ø Low degree of differentiation of inputs, due to high component standardization. Bargaining Power of Consumer Consumer have high power because customer influence in pricing and shifts towards other sellers if he/she is not satisfied with the quality or price of the product or services. Consumers have very high buying power in telecom sector because though they have many options to choose from especially in Voice segment. Firms are now more concentrating on providing after sales services. Most of the products in the telecom sector industry have not much difference while some may have considerable differences. The increasing trend of communication like email, instant messaging, is declining the importance of voice services. Ø Switching to another product is simple Ø Customers are price sensitive Ø Consumers have high product knowledge Ø Switching costs are low Ø Availability of existing substitute products Plenty of choice of several technologies and other communication means available, enhanced the buyers power. Threat of Substitute Products There are many substitutes available in market. In case of unsatisfactionwith any of the feature customers can easily switch to the other because he/she has the almost exact or the same kind of substitutes. Many of the substitute products and services have emerged in voice, data and entertainment in telecom due to the technological breakthroughs. Switching power is high in telecom sector characterize by high technological developments and fast availability of alternative substitutes. Some of these are more convenient and offer far greater value to the consumer and have diminished the importance of traditional fixed line phones. Substitutes include Broadband, Wireless broadband, DigitalTv, IP Telephony, Mobile phones, Satellite, Email, and Instant Messaging etc. Rivalry among Competitors Due to growth opportunities and government focus on the telecom sector, there is a strong likelihood that competition will gradually increase as new firms enter the industry. there are many existing competitors of world call. The intensity among current rivals is intense and they are mostly competing on technological bases to create competitive advantages. Industry rivalry has become extremely intense with the emergence of new competing firms leading to price cuts across the industry. Ø Companies can only grow by stealing market share away from competitors. Ø Telecom industry with a very high growth. Ø Advertising intensity and spending are very high. SWOT ANALYSIS Strengths Technical infrastructure HFC-cable Product range Working in major cities Reputation Balanced sales Reliable wireless broadband Weaknesses High dependence on Voice segment Weak marketing Lacking a proper long-term strategy Weak brand positioning Less focus on short-term profitability Infrastructure varies from location to locations ERP implementation taking too long Opportunities Demand increased for backhaul network Cross-sell in major cities Increased demand for LDI and Broadband Privatization of government telecom projects PTA delayed 3G licenses Threats Economy instability CaTV operators alliance Threat by WiMax or other 4G technologies Government policies Increased consumer churn rate Heavy Price competition SWOT Matrix BCG Matrix Core Competencies Analysis The core competences that we have analyzed are Strong Dark Fiber Largest (hybrid fiber coaxial) HFC/Cable Operator (CATV, IOC, VoIP/MSAN Telephony) in Pakistan. Premium WLL and LDI operator in Pakistan. Specific Specialties Worldcall has taken the lead in introducing innovative telecommunication services in Pakistan: Supervised Payphones business model in Pakistan which is now being followed by many other operators largest fixed line payphone infrastructure. The first company to introduce prepaid calling card services in the country. Worldcall developed the first ever broadband HFC convergence Infrastructures in Pakistan the only operator in Pakistan and one of the few in the region to provide a triple play (CATV, broadband internet, telephony) Worldcall was the first operator in Pakistan to commission a state of the art next generation network (â€Å"NGN†) covering long distance international (â€Å"LDI†) inbound and outbound, local loop (â€Å"LL†) / wireless local loop (â€Å"WLL†) telephony services. This is a fully converged architecture enabling wireless solutions and hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) telephony. Strategies Undertaken at: Corporate level:- As the other firms have strategies, WorldCall also has strategies at different levels. In corporate level strategies they basically discuss the current business status as well as the future of the current business. Then they decided in meetings, that in which sector they have to add something and in which sector they want to remove something. They are mainly concerned with: What kind of businesses they want themselves in? How they should manage all sectors or businesses? Types of diversifications they are following Related Business Diversification WorldCall mainly focus in Related Business Diversification. As many good and effective service of WorldCall the broadband service of WorldCall has good growth and opportunity. In this same line of business they diversify their business and there diversification is very much effective for them. They are introducing new and new things in this same line of business that have so many opportunities now a day in Pakistan. WorldCall has made its place in the current market by offering several and unique services. People want now a days some modernized services and WorldCall is properly working to promote these kinds of services. Some of the services are as follows (Video on Demand, cable TV, internet over cable). Currently the Company has several ongoing projects like HFC cable, Point-To-Point corporate broadband services, VSAT (satellite broadband) and DigitalTV which are in the different phases of roll out, all aimed at provisioning of sophisticated data and video services. Reasons for re lated diversification:- To reduce the risk!!! High Compatibility with technical infrastructure!!!!! Support some losses in other segments!! Defensive Strategy WorldCall in September 2009 completed the divesture of its foreign subsidiary WorldCall Lanka. They thought that this should be no more in their business. Forward Integration Although in a very poor state WorldCall is using Franchising as their forward integration strategy, however they do not have much control on their franchises. Product / Service Portfolio Management WorldCall has successfully introduced True Video-On-Demand technology. They have also started WorldCall Wireless Broadband with EVDO technology in the product portfolio. Another very effective service was pay phones and in 2009 officially phased out. Product Development Strategy The product development strategies are one of the most important strategies that should be in business if you want to survive in the market or in the business world. Worldcall is also using product development strategies as it involves development of telecom services and products. They have first mover advantage in CDMA2000 based EVDO wireless broadband. CDMA2000 represents a family of ITU-approved, IMT-2000 (3G) standards and includes CDMA2000 1X and CDMA2000 1xEV technologies. They deliver increased network capacity to meet growing demand for wireless services and high-speed data services. CDMA(code division multiple access) is the fastest growing wireless technology and it will continue to grow at a faster pace than any other technology. It is the platform on which 2G and 3G advanced services are built. Market Development Strategy In market development strategy you have to develop your market, worldcall has developed its market after making analysis. For example WorldCall EVDO Wireless Broadband was initially launched in Karachi followed by Lahore to other major cities including Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan and to inclusively to 50 major cities of Pakistan. Same is the expansion of Cable TV service to major cities of Pakistan. Business level strategies WorldCall offers many services under than head of 3 Major Business Segments WorldCall Data WorldCall Voice WorldCall Entertainment WorldCall Data (EVDO Wireless Broadband) WorldCall is following differentiation strategy for WorldCall EVDO wireless because the size of market is large and the product is differentiated for its performance and mobility. WorldCall Voice (LDI Services) WorldCall is following cost-leadership strategy in LDI because of intense and dynamic price competition in LDI market WorldCall Entertainment (Video On Demand) WorldCalls relatively new service is using â€Å"Focus-Value Strategy† because the target market is very small and product offers high degree of control with respect to traditional cable TV. MARKET ANALYSIS Telecom Sectors according to PTA : The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has forced the incumbent fixed-line and broadband operatorPakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL) to enter a formal interconnection agreement with rival operators in the xDSL broadband market. The broadband operators, many of which are small and privately owned, have petitioned for reasonable access to PTCLs fixed-line network to help them reduce costs and offer more competitive tariffs. BMI(Business Monitor International) has consistently identified cost as being the single largest barrier to growth in the Pakistani broadband market. In India, where the government is actively pushing for growth, broadband services are available for US$8 per month. In Pakistan however, such services average US$16 per month. With the countrys mobile operators electing to deploy wireless broadband mainly in urban areas, customers in many smaller population centres have little or no high-speed access to the internet. Broadband Growth Now Possible

Allisons Foreign Policy Models

Allisons Foreign Policy Models Graham Allisons Essence of Decision offered alternative conceptual models on foreign policy decision making and a specific discussion on the Cuban missile crisis; and has been one of the influential book in history of foreign policy analysis. It gives a significant contribution to political science study, as it has been heavily cited in most international relations textbook and also discussed by foreign policy analysts. However, despite the models strong influence in foreign policy study, it has been heavily criticised by foreign policy analysts about its utility and value in decision making analysis. Number of criticism has risen regarding Allisons conceptual framework, ranging from its originality until the problem of evidences that have been used by Allison in explaining the Cuban Missile Crises. Cornford and Horelick, for example, argue that Allisons model is not wholly original work, rather than it is developed from previous study. Moreover, another group of criticism have questioned the account of the Cuban Missile Crises that explained by Allison. Despite these two criticisms, there are number of criticism that will be discussed in the following section. By looking at number of criticism about Allisons model, there is a big question about the usefulness of the model in foreign policy decision making process analysis. This essay aims to evaluate the utility of Allisons conceptual policy in foreign policy decision making. This essay will also critically discuss each of the three models by looking from some perspectives. Moreover, taking into account that this essay relies on Allisons Essence of Decision, this essay will also look at the decision making process regarding the Cuban Missile Crisis. Allisons Conceptual Framework Model I: The Rational Actor (RAM) Model I is the basic yet critical conceptual framework that mostly utilized in foreign policy decision making analysis. RAM is the best model in explaining and predicting of an individual behaviour, as well as purpose generalization in states action. The model reduces the organizational and governmental political complications by looking at government as unified actor.  [1]  Thus, a complete-informed government -regarded as black box- will process information to optimize rational action. The internal structure within decision making process will calculate theà £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬pros and cons, and afterward, rank all the options by their chance to succeed.  [2]   Its feature of being simple and easy to utilize, RAM could be useful when a state has limited or even no available information about the enemy. Moreover, RAM which stresses on interaction among states, will immediately produce prudent decision after considering the pro and con. Therefore, since it does not require much information to analyse a case, RAM would be very suitable in a crisis situation. Its simplicity in analysing a case makes RAM one of the popular methods in foreign policy decision making process. On the other side, some foreign policy analysts argue that in the real foreign policy formation, number of external and individual interest factor will eventually impact the policy making process. Moreover, RAM tends to ignore a large state with complex bureaucratic nature that has various kinds of departments with their own different political and ideological perspectives.  [3]  Therefore, along with the argument that intra-national factors are very importantà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦yet critical when one is concerned with planning policy, Allison has proposed so-called, Bureaucratic Politics Model.  [4]   Model II: Organizational Process Difficulties will arise when the cases that are going to be examined is not the behaviour of an individual or a state with simple bureaucracy model, but the behaviour of one organization or government with a complex structure inside. Therefore, Allison provides two alternative conceptual frameworks that will open up the black box to evaluate internal structure inside the government, which is later known as Model II and Model III. Model II or Organizational Process Model focuses on the existing organization and their standard operating procedures (SOP) for gaining information, defining possible option and implementing programme.  [5]  Each organization has its own mission and function and series of program are developed to carry out those missions. In defining feasible option, Model II is restricted based on SOP that they believe, will enhance performance and efficiency. Moreover, Model II is not optimizing rational actor, as model I does, but rather, it is satisfying decision making actors. Its account that foreign policy outcomes are derive from bureaucratic programs, routines and SOP, produces some advantages. It emphasizes the importance of domestic political influences in foreign policy decision making process that sometimes missed out in RAM. Therefore, model II reminds the analysts that the policy was formed not only by a high level decision-maker, but sometimes it is formed by organization.  [6]   Nevertheless, a set of criticism has arisen in the utility of model II. Its emphasis on organisational culture may ill-serve higher level officials and finally can lead to impair the analysts understanding of organizations and their behaviour.  [7]  Even though this kind of problem does not occur for most of the time, but we can take it as a consideration of the effectiveness of the model II. Model III: Governmental Politics Governmental politics or government bargaining model focuses on key individual decision makers with their great influence in deciding on organizational action. Moreover, the model assumes that decision makers have different perceptions, priorities, commitments and also organizational positions (where you stand depends on where you sit).  [8]  Therefore, model III assumes that governmental actions are the result of a political bargaining process among key players. Furthermore, bargaining and negotiation processes will result in satisfying rather than optimizing decision making result. It obviously explained because personal ambition of key actor may diverge from public policy position and may lead to personal power considerations when making decision.  [9]   Between Allisons three conceptual frameworks, model III adds important detail about domestic politics that obviously, cannot be found in model I. In addition, model III does not only explain the roles of key individuals, but it also explains why sometimes individuals are working at contrary purposes to the interest of the government as a whole. Lastly, model III gives us explanation why policy sometimes appears to be irrational if we look it from a unitary government perspective. Nevertheless, model III also received many critics, especially on the complexity of the model. It is focus on individual key actor that makes it difficult to study and analyse. Moreover, it requires too many variables, some variable are unknown and it is hard to apply for other countries with unclear bureaucratic politics inside. Criticism toward Allisons conceptual framework Allisons conceptual framework has been attacked by number of criticism, varying from the originality of the model, different interpretation of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the US political system, and also methodological criticism. As Stephen D. Krasner has argued that Allisons model à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦is misleading, dangerous, and compelling.  [10]  Therefore, in this section, number of criticism of Allisons model will be critically discussed and assessed. Some foreign policy analysts, such as, Cornford, Horelick, Ball and Art have claimed that Allison did not present a completely brand new approach to analysing foreign policy process; but rather it just development from previous theories. Cornford has claimed that organisational process mode is previously done by writers such as, Simon, March and Simon, Cyert and March.  [11]  Furthermore, Cornford has claimed that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Model IIIà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦is pure Neustadt.  [12]  Horelick et al. supported Cornfords argument by suggesting that the bureaucratic model is closely related to previous work done by Kremlinologists.  [13]  Ball and Art also mentioned names of analyst that originally make the bureaucratic policy model, such as Huntington, Hilsman, Schilling, and Neustadt.  [14]   Nevertheless, Allison has dedicated a section in his book to acknowledge previous scholars that become his foundation in developing his methods. He is fully aware that he utilized and developed earlier scholars work as he mentioned in his book, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦this encourages much repackaging of existing theoriesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ã‚  [15]  Therefore, he identifies a group of writers such as March and Simon, Barnard, Cyert and Simon and so on for foundation of model II.  [16]  Furthermore, Allison also acknowledged his intellectual debt to previous scholars that related to model III paradigm, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦model III variety have attracted increasing attention since 1960à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ the publication of Presidential Power by Richard E. Neustadt.  [17]  Moreover, Bernstein has argued that the model is a helful summary of earlier decision making research to present a practical mode of analysis and guide to understand business and organizational decision.  [18]  Hence, we coul d argue that Allisons originality does not claim the originality of development of the model. The originality does not lie in his model, but rather in his approach to apply his models consistently to one particular case study, the Cuban Missile Crisis.  [19]   Another criticism can be seen from methodological perspective; numbers of similarities between model II and model III have shaped ambiguity between those two models. In many occasions, some foreign analysts will combine model II and model III to analyse a case study, including Allison himself. In his article with Halperin, Allison combines those two models and become one major model the bureaucratic politics paradigm- as an alternative model to RAM.  [20]  As Cornford argues that the three models is not totally incommensurable model to analyse foreign policy making process.  [21]  Therefore, even though Allison distinguishes three kinds of model in foreign policy analysis, those models is not easily separable in their actual application. In bureaucratic politics model, decision is not arise from one unitary actor, but through some bargaining between organisation structures with their own agenda. Model II and model III have identical characteristics that enable them to be grouped as bureaucratic politics model. The two models are similar in a sense that both models focus on departments and organizations inside the decision maker; however, it is slightly different, in a sense that, if model II will reach a decision through Standard Operation Program, model III will make a decision through bargaining between various players within government. Despite the insignificant difference between those models, they are usually combined as the bureaucratic politics model.  [22]   However, Caldwell has raised bureaucratic politics models major problem regarding the use of evidence and data. The model requires detailed data that hardly available in term of quantity and quality. In addition, Caldwell argued that there is huge possibility for analyst to imposing the model on the evidence rather than testing the model against it. Therefore, bureaucratic politics model has significant problem in analysing the data and evidence, since previous empirical problems show that data was made to fit the model.  [23]   Allisons alternative model has also been argued that it eliminated decision-makers responsibility toward the policy. The strong criticism has risen from Steel and Krasner, which argued that no one, even the President, holds responsibility of the policy as the outcome from bargaining process among bureaucratic groups. As Steel argued that, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦where everyone is responsible for a decision, no one is responsible.  [24]  The same argument also comes from Krusnet who argued that bureaucratic politic eliminates the importance of election: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Elections are a farce not because the people suffer from false consciousness, but because public officials are impotent, enmeshed in a bureaucracy so large that the actions of government are not responsive to their will.  [25]  In contrast, Smith argues that criticism regarding the elimination of bureaucrats responsibility à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦is only valid to the extent to which the President is unable to get his wishes carrie d out.  [26]  In some cases, the President still has the power and responsibility in deciding the final decision and for most of the cases, the President will be the one who chose the key group of decision maker. Therefore, even though Allisons model can be an excuse for bureaucrats, we can argue that the criticism from Steel and Kranser is not applicable for all cases and need to be modified. Furthermore, following previous criticism, there is criticism about Allisons model utility to other countries. Even though Allison clearly points out his intention to present two additional frameworks to other countries foreign policy analysis (not only limited to the US and Soviet Unions policy making)  [27]  , a group of writers has argued the inability of the model to analyse foreign policy behaviour in other countries, to be precise, un-industrialized countries. As Hill has noted that there is a growing consensusà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦over the inapplicability of the insights of Allison, et al. to foreign policy-making inside less modernised states.  [28]  Migdal has also argued that the model cannot be applied to the countries that do not have stability of organizational structure, routine, and even bargaining process.  [29]  Moreover, Brenner also argues that Allisons model is not a universal model and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦more distinctive in the United States than elsewhere.  [ 30]  Despite all criticisms regarding its utility to other countries, Weil has proved, in fact, the model could be utilised in the North Vietnamese foreign policy analysis; as he has noted that examining North Vietnamese foreign policy decision making from a governmental politics perspective complements understanding gained from a rational actor analysis.  [31]   Nevertheless, some analysts have argued that the model is not even applicable to the Soviet Union, although the Soviet Union foreign policy has been heavily discussed in Essence of Decision. It is not only because the model requires more specific information than is available, but also as Dawisha has noted that the bureaucracy in some countries (e.g. the Soviet Union) is fundamentally different from its position in the United States because the persistent influence of the Communist Party.  [32]  Therefore, there is a doubt about the utility of Allisons model in other countries, as Wagner has pointed out, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the extension of Allisons model III to other countries may be a less straightforward enterprise than he implies.  [33]   Case Study: Singapores Defence Posture Change In the early 1980s, Singapore announced a major important change in its defence policy, from a defensively deterrent strategy (poisonous shrimp) to a more actively deterrent strategy (known as the porcupine). In an article done by Pak Shun Ng, he applies Allisons model to analyse Singapores domestic decision making process. Pak Shun Ng treats Singapore as unitary rational actor to utilizing model I (RAM); the military organisations as the unit of analysis for model II; lastly, the military and political party leadership (including senior military leaders and civilian leaders of Singapores ruling party, the Peoples Action Party (PAP)) as units of analysis for model III.  [34]  The article argues that model II and model III provide the most reasonable explanation of the change in Singapores defence position in the 1980s; while model I has failed to fully explain the change in its defence posture from a poisonous shrimp to a porcupine. Model II first reveals the appropriate developm ent of both Singapores military capability and military planning ability. Furthermore, model III then proves details how the Singapore Armed Force (SAF) could announce the change convincingly to improve its stature among Singaporeans and foreigners by persuasive them that Singapore has appropriate capability to defend and survive any potential threat.  [35]  Even though the article heavily honours the utility of Allisons model, but it still proposes modification of the models in order to be able to analyse a decision making process in a small and non-western states under absence of crisis condition. Pak Shun Ng has argued Allisons assumption that policy is the outcome of bargaining process is not applicable policy making in reality. In fact, decision makers do not automatically have different missions.  [36]  Therefore he argued that political bargaining model assumptions are too restrictive to explain real-life government decisions sufficiently, they should be relaxed so as to increase the explanatory power of the model.  [37]  Furthermore, the case study of Singapores policy making shows the evidence of model II and III complete each other and make one alternative model against RAM. Therefore, it supports the criticism that previously discussed that Allisons models, especially model II and III, have strong similarities and hardly separate. Conclusion The essay has discussed Allisons conceptual frameworks, by looking at each model and its pros and cons. Moreover, a number of major criticisms about the utility of Allisons model have also discussed and critically assessed. The first criticism is regarding the originality of the model, which has been criticised that, in fact, Allison did not bring anything new to the table; instead the models are just developed from earlier scholarship. However, we can argue that the originality of Allison model does not lie in the formulation of the models, but at the consistency in applying the model to one case study, the Cuban Missile Crisis. Hence, the fact that it focus on Cuban Crisis has leaded us to the following criticism, the flexibility of the model to be utilized to other countries. Some foreign policy analyst have argued that Allisons conceptual framework is not applicable to other country that is not industrialized enough to have a complex bureaucratic politics, like the United States. A group of analyst also argued that the model actually is not applicable for country with strong influence of communist party, namely the Soviet Union, even though it is heavily discussed in Essence of Decision. Another criticism also attacked the relationship between Allisons model, especially model II and model III. There is an argument that model II and model III are hardly separated from each other, and in some cases, they are combined into one major model, the bureaucratic politics model. Moreover, problem arose from the model about the availability of the data. The bureaucratic politics model requires specific data and evidence that hardly available. The model has also been argued to eliminate responsibility of top level bureaucrats in policy making. However, we can argue that in some cases, the President will be the one who holds the final decision and responsibility toward the outcome (policy). In the final section of the essay, there is a case study about Singapores policy change in early 1980s. By looking at the case study, we can conclude that after some modification, we can apply Allisons model to small and non-western countries like Singapore. Moreover, after Ng modified the model to be more applicable to non-western countries, he argued that model II and model III give better explanation on the policy change, rather than model I. However, from the case study we can also point out that model II and model III are completed each other and hardly separated. This essay has discussed some general criticisms, aside from specific criticism about its utility on Cuban Missile Crisis. Even though its a complex model and has been heavily criticized by some analyst, Allison has successfully provided fresh yet provocative alternative conceptual frameworks in decision making process. Allison does not intend to supplant any previous model, rather just provide a supplement framework in decision making study. Furthermore, in his book, Allison strongly emphasized that the model itself is unfinished; therefore he encourages foreign policy analysts as well as the reader to join and carry on the discussion about the model. Moreover, even though it cannot be fully utilized in all states, as case study of Singapore has shown, with small modification, the model can be utilized and proved to give better explanation than RAM.