First Time Going to the Principals Office Essay

Your first time going to the principals office can be kinda scary because sometimes you never know what your being called down there for. The first time i went to the principals office is a day i will never forget. It was when i was in the 5th grade Feburary 12th i was sitting in class doing my work when my teacher called me up to his desk and told me to grab my things im going down to the principals office. I was so nervous/scared and didnt know why i was being called down. When i got down there it was a lady sitting at the desk calling other students names to go back and see the principal. I walked up to the desk and gave her my pass. She took the pass & told me have a seat and get comfortable because I’ll be waiting a long time until my name gets called. After she said that i got even more scared. As i was sitting there waiting for my name to be called i started to think about everything i had done that week so when it was my turn to go back there it wouldnt be a surprised to why i was being called down there. About 15 minutes went by before she called my name. When she called my name and told me it was time to go back i didnt want to i really wanted to run out the door and go back to my class. When i walked into his office the look on his face was distasteful. He told me to have a seat and said he have a couple questions to ask me. I told him okay. The first following question he asked me was â€Å"whats going on? â€Å". i didnt really know how to respond to that so i said â€Å"nothing is going on†. He opened his mouth to say something else to me, im hoping that its about why im down here. Before he could say anything i hurried and opened my mouth to ask why i was down here. He looked at me and started smiling and said your not in trouble you were called down here because there was a fight that happened earlier this week envolving two girls that you know and were really good friends with, and im wondering do you know what could have started the fight . All that worrying about whether i was in trouble or not went away. I told him i didnt know what could have started the fight. He asked me do i think that it couldve started in the class room during any of the activities we were doing, I said no. He said okay thats all i wanted to know I’ll write you a pass back to class. As he handed me the pass he asked me one more question, The question was why was i so nervous when i came into his office. I told him it was because i thought i did something wrong and because it took a long time for my name to be called. He said it took so long because of my last name, they were calling people in alphabetical order.

The Road by Cormac Mccarthy

The Road by Corm McCarthy is a novel set in a post-apocalyptic world following the path of a Father and Son. McCarthy is a highly celebrated award-winning author. He is 78 years old and has an 8-year-old son – an uncommon circumstance – underlining that for him, death is imminent and prompting him to consider the ideas discussed in his novel. In The Road, the father is undergoing a crisis of faith and so adopts an Existentialist view and creates meaning through his son – who therefore influences many of his actions.I found McCarthy use of techniques such as Juxtaposition and antithesis that counter the macabre images throughout the book with those of love between the father and Son both repulsive and fascinating at the same time. The earth is in a state of despair – there is no electricity, transport or access to food/ water. Much of humanity has turned feral, losing all sense of the moral code that makes us human. McCarthy uses the Mother and Father to sh ow conflicting choices made in this environment. The Fathers choice was to live because of the belief he has in his child, which he formed in his despair. If he is not the word of God than God never spoke. Because of the nightmarish situation the world has been placed in, he finds it hard to hold onto his religious beliefs concerning God and so instead looks to find another meaning in life to give him reason to continue – his son. If the son is not worth keeping alive then everything that he once believed in must be false. On the other hand, the mother takes a nihilistic view. â€Å"Why don't we talk about death anymore? Because it is here. There is nothing left to talk about. † She chooses to kill herself, as she believes that there is no point prolonging the inevitable. They will ape us, kill us and eat us. † This represents a grotesque corruption of parenthood. For the mother to take such drastic measures we realize the true gravity and hopelessness of the sit uation. However, even though the mother can see this clearly, the Father, who cannot give up hope while his son lives, cannot bear to let this hope die even though it may be in the child's best intentions. We can clearly see the effect the son has on his father because he has chosen to follow his belief system and fight to keep his son and therefore hope alive.The mother and father are both in the same tuition but choose to follow different paths. However, as McCarthy further explores in the novel, both of these choices will ultimately end in death. Through the son's actions, McCarthy suggests a different path to choose in this environment, while continuing to demonstrate the sons influence over the father. When they come across a shuffling, limping man who looks close to death the father insists that nothing can be done. â€Å"Can't we help him Papa? † The son shows a compassion and humanity that the father, in his quest for survival, lacks this.He chooses to treat everythin g, hostile or otherwise as a threat. This is an understandable mentality but as the son demonstrates to us certainly not the only one. Later in the novel, the pair come across a little boy and a dog on the road. â€Å"We should go get him, Papa. We could get him and take him with us. We could take him and we could take the dog. The dog could catch something to eat†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. What about the little boy? He sobbed. What about the little boy? † In this case, the boys kindness seems to go beyond Just compassion.He seems to see himself in the little boy (if not purely for any reason ether insists that they cannot trust a little boy Just like him might make him consider if they really are the ‘good guys' and ‘carrying the flame' -the only comfort he draws from their situation. McCarthy clearly shows us the son struggling to accept his father's mentality and starting to form his own based on compassion and his own innate goodness. The fathers crisis of f aith develops throughout the novel. Towards the beginning of the novel, we see how he had mixed feelings over God, as he felt abandoned in this hell on earth. How does the never to be differ from what never was? Even with the son to place his hope in, the father's crisis of faith is enough to make him question if god ever existed. To cope with the world he lives in he adopts the mentality of ‘shoot or be shot' and treats everything with suspicion and little compassion. However, we see exceptions to this rule where the sons influence is concerned like when they meet the old man Eli on the road and the father gives him food due to the sons pleading. But the real change occurs in the father towards the end of the novel when he knows he will die soon and accepts the son's mentality. Whatever form you spoke of, you were right. The father is beginning to understand the boys mind set. But immediately after this comes the death of the father and although showing the son truly alone, i t also represents the death of his mentality and his religion which acts as an external body of rules used as a moral code. This organized religion has broken down in this environment. However, the son demonstrates a different path based on an innate goodness inside us. God was meaningless to the boy, he came from a world he did not understand or belong to. The boy never needed the father for meaning – His innate goodness is meaning in itself.This mentality that the son can now carry on lends to the possibility of a future in this world that would be based on the assumption of an innate goodness in all of us that must be found in order to remain human. McCarthy is discussing the value of faith – something worth living for, a reason to try to survive in the harshest of Corm McCarthy discusses the relationship between father and son situations. In his novel The Road. The father choice to make the son his Warrant' to live shows the influence he has on him. ‘Glowing like a tabernacle. ‘ He literally sees his son as a odd like figure.However, McCarthy makes clear throughout the novel that the fathers choices he makes in an attempt to protect his son are, while understandable, far from admirable. The father constantly treats everything as a threat. The small boy they encountered was left behind because the father suspected a trap. He nearly killed the already half-dead man who stole their shopping trolley of supplies. The path offered by the son is the more morally correct and therefore human choice to make. It seems as if the author is counting on the existence of the innate goodness inside all of us.Although he discusses the worst of what we are capable of, he sets up the expectation that humanity will find the best of itself. It is clear that the sons influence over his father went as far as to start to break down the walls of his religious mentality but in order to see the true demise of his organized religion the father must die. As a 16-year-old living a pampered life, this novel is a bit of a slap in the face. McCarthy forces us to ask the hard questions. At your core, are you good? Does your compassion outweigh your selfishness and greed? I would love to say yes but I'm not sure that I can. The Road by Cormac Mccarthy The Road by Corm McCarthy is a novel set in a post-apocalyptic world following the path of a Father and Son. McCarthy is a highly celebrated award-winning author. He is 78 years old and has an 8-year-old son – an uncommon circumstance – underlining that for him, death is imminent and prompting him to consider the ideas discussed in his novel. In The Road, the father is undergoing a crisis of faith and so adopts an Existentialist view and creates meaning through his son – who therefore influences many of his actions.I found McCarthy use of techniques such as Juxtaposition and antithesis that counter the macabre images throughout the book with those of love between the father and Son both repulsive and fascinating at the same time. The earth is in a state of despair – there is no electricity, transport or access to food/ water. Much of humanity has turned feral, losing all sense of the moral code that makes us human. McCarthy uses the Mother and Father to sh ow conflicting choices made in this environment. The Fathers choice was to live because of the belief he has in his child, which he formed in his despair. If he is not the word of God than God never spoke. Because of the nightmarish situation the world has been placed in, he finds it hard to hold onto his religious beliefs concerning God and so instead looks to find another meaning in life to give him reason to continue – his son. If the son is not worth keeping alive then everything that he once believed in must be false. On the other hand, the mother takes a nihilistic view. â€Å"Why don't we talk about death anymore? Because it is here. There is nothing left to talk about. † She chooses to kill herself, as she believes that there is no point prolonging the inevitable. They will ape us, kill us and eat us. † This represents a grotesque corruption of parenthood. For the mother to take such drastic measures we realize the true gravity and hopelessness of the sit uation. However, even though the mother can see this clearly, the Father, who cannot give up hope while his son lives, cannot bear to let this hope die even though it may be in the child's best intentions. We can clearly see the effect the son has on his father because he has chosen to follow his belief system and fight to keep his son and therefore hope alive.The mother and father are both in the same tuition but choose to follow different paths. However, as McCarthy further explores in the novel, both of these choices will ultimately end in death. Through the son's actions, McCarthy suggests a different path to choose in this environment, while continuing to demonstrate the sons influence over the father. When they come across a shuffling, limping man who looks close to death the father insists that nothing can be done. â€Å"Can't we help him Papa? † The son shows a compassion and humanity that the father, in his quest for survival, lacks this.He chooses to treat everythin g, hostile or otherwise as a threat. This is an understandable mentality but as the son demonstrates to us certainly not the only one. Later in the novel, the pair come across a little boy and a dog on the road. â€Å"We should go get him, Papa. We could get him and take him with us. We could take him and we could take the dog. The dog could catch something to eat†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. What about the little boy? He sobbed. What about the little boy? † In this case, the boys kindness seems to go beyond Just compassion.He seems to see himself in the little boy (if not purely for any reason ether insists that they cannot trust a little boy Just like him might make him consider if they really are the ‘good guys' and ‘carrying the flame' -the only comfort he draws from their situation. McCarthy clearly shows us the son struggling to accept his father's mentality and starting to form his own based on compassion and his own innate goodness. The fathers crisis of f aith develops throughout the novel. Towards the beginning of the novel, we see how he had mixed feelings over God, as he felt abandoned in this hell on earth. How does the never to be differ from what never was? Even with the son to place his hope in, the father's crisis of faith is enough to make him question if god ever existed. To cope with the world he lives in he adopts the mentality of ‘shoot or be shot' and treats everything with suspicion and little compassion. However, we see exceptions to this rule where the sons influence is concerned like when they meet the old man Eli on the road and the father gives him food due to the sons pleading. But the real change occurs in the father towards the end of the novel when he knows he will die soon and accepts the son's mentality. Whatever form you spoke of, you were right. The father is beginning to understand the boys mind set. But immediately after this comes the death of the father and although showing the son truly alone, i t also represents the death of his mentality and his religion which acts as an external body of rules used as a moral code. This organized religion has broken down in this environment. However, the son demonstrates a different path based on an innate goodness inside us. God was meaningless to the boy, he came from a world he did not understand or belong to. The boy never needed the father for meaning – His innate goodness is meaning in itself.This mentality that the son can now carry on lends to the possibility of a future in this world that would be based on the assumption of an innate goodness in all of us that must be found in order to remain human. McCarthy is discussing the value of faith – something worth living for, a reason to try to survive in the harshest of Corm McCarthy discusses the relationship between father and son situations. In his novel The Road. The father choice to make the son his Warrant' to live shows the influence he has on him. ‘Glowing like a tabernacle. ‘ He literally sees his son as a odd like figure.However, McCarthy makes clear throughout the novel that the fathers choices he makes in an attempt to protect his son are, while understandable, far from admirable. The father constantly treats everything as a threat. The small boy they encountered was left behind because the father suspected a trap. He nearly killed the already half-dead man who stole their shopping trolley of supplies. The path offered by the son is the more morally correct and therefore human choice to make. It seems as if the author is counting on the existence of the innate goodness inside all of us.Although he discusses the worst of what we are capable of, he sets up the expectation that humanity will find the best of itself. It is clear that the sons influence over his father went as far as to start to break down the walls of his religious mentality but in order to see the true demise of his organized religion the father must die. As a 16-year-old living a pampered life, this novel is a bit of a slap in the face. McCarthy forces us to ask the hard questions. At your core, are you good? Does your compassion outweigh your selfishness and greed? I would love to say yes but I'm not sure that I can.

School Vending Machines

Dylan Norwood per. 5 #25 2-7-11 Vending Machines Did you eat anything today? â€Å"No. † Well how did you do on the test, not too good right? I believe that children who are’nt hungry do better on tests and focus more in school. Studies show that when children eat breakfist they do better in school. That’s true, but kids tend to get hungry right after breakfist. I think vending machines would be a good idea to have in schools; having vending machines would allow kids not to starve which willl cause children to focus in school.Well what about more trash on campus or too much children eating in class you wonder. Those issues can be easily resolved by putting more trash cans where children walk to their classes and also by the vending machine. I think the reason children don't focus in class when they're hungry is because they focus more on eating at lunch time instead of working on their classwork. If vending machines were at school, kids won't have to wait until l unch to buy food. Therefore kids won't be hungry during class, and they will focus more in school.You might think that kids will eat too much before lunch, but that's why I suggest we put a limit of how much you can buy. How can we do this you might ask? It's simple; by using children's school ID's to buy snacks would only lets them buy snacks three times a day. One of the most common issue is what will be in the vending machines. Most concerned parents are worried that schools would put a lot of unhealthy snacks such as cheetos, lays, chocolate, etc. Schools might put these things in the vending machines because it tastes good, and kids will buy them.I admit that it is true the majority of kids don't want to buy nutritious food because it doesn't taste good, but there are some other nutritous food like granola bars, fruit snacks, and many more. Parents will always try to think of new problems that concerns vending machines at school. I admit some problems the school might not be ab le to fix, but what matters most is it does more good than bad. I believe children that aren't hungry do better on tests and focus more in school.

Strength to love by martin luther king Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Strength to love by martin luther king - Essay Example It is therefore accurate to attach meaning of finding Christian version of interpretation of love to the book, within the context of a cold society in search of vital love lessons. In the definition of the actual meaning of the book for wider social interpretations, it is perhaps important to locate the historic time around which the author compiled his work. Martin Luther King Jr. as an African American living in the mid 20th century was not only a witness of massive social issues in the American society but also actively took part in advocacy of civil rights. America’s past within the context of social segregation and discrimination was full of cases of injustices ranging from mere intolerance to violent infringement of civil rights. The rebuilding of the society that was changing fast to adopt social reforms embracing human rights, social integration, and justice for every member of the human race was on the increase around the world. In light of the difficult circumstances exposed to the racial minority groups, the author had to emerge to the fore and contribute to regain cohesion based on deep convictions of love preached by the Christian faith. As highlighted above, the author’s target audience emerges not only from the title’s implied intention but also from the historic circumstances during the compilation of the book. The first impression created by the title is that the audience was in need of encouragement to gather strength, for which purpose definition manifests in the word love. In describing the injustices exposed to the racial minorities, particularly during the 20th century developments, it is clear that the book tackles important social and historic events in the United States. The culture of discrimination and social exclusion coupled to extreme human life violations exposed to the minorities had to end according to the author (King 8). Rebuilding hope

A critical evaluation of HRM and Organisational Behaviour theories and Essay

A critical evaluation of HRM and Organisational Behaviour theories and frameworks and link with performance - Essay Example The approach is practical and there is greater tendency to change towards an informal individualistic direction (Salaman & Et. Al., 2005). In the international context, HRM issues are quite prominent and therefore an in-depth understanding of such issues is quite significant. Various theories and frameworks of HRM are present which can be applicable for managing the people working in the international arena (Lucas & Et. Al., 2007). Best Practice HRM is considered as the notion that human resource practice tends to work in an effective way if they are introduced in correlated and equally reinforcing bundles (Redman & Wilkinson, 2009). The literatures on human resource management suggest that the policies and the procedures related to the functions of human resource must be coordinated with the business strategy (Rollinson & Et. Al., 1998). On the other hand, the term ‘organisational behaviour’ (OB) implies the study and the application of knowledge regarding how the †˜individuals’, ‘people’ and ‘groups’ behave in the organisation.... Changing Landscape of HRM and Organisational Behaviour It has been mentioned by Jamrog and Overholt in their study that since last 100 years there has been continuous shift in the role of the human resource professionals and there has been addition of more responsibilities in the work of these professionals. According to the research of the authors, there has been major shifts in the functions of HR and it has developed through numerous stages starting from medieval time to industrial revolutions, from scientific management to human relations movements and finally to current strategic business partner model. In the ancient times, the HR has mainly tried to focus its attention towards the administrative facets of the human resource management. However, in the recent times, the strident call forced the HRM to become a strategic business partner. It is quite significant to comprehend the differences between the Human Resource Management (HRM) and the Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM). When the traditional HRM is taken into consideration, it is noted that traditional HRM is generally transactional in nature and aims at providing administrative support to the people working in the organisation in terms of staffing, compensation, recruitment and benefits. It has been paradigm change from the administrative facets of the human resource management that has led to the development of SHRM. In SHRM, a new set of value added roles and responsibilities have been inculcated to functions of the HRM. The prime importance of the SHRM is that of the strategic business partner. It is the SHRM that helps the companies to achieve competitive advantage and therefore assist the business managers to plan

Comparing History and Historiography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Comparing History and Historiography - Essay Example Likewise, historiography is a complex part of history course that many students struggle to understand and lack confidence in discussing. This essay will aim to elucidate what history and historiography are, analyze differences between the two terms and discuss why it is essential to have an understanding of them. Definition of terms History can be defined as the study of past events and the originality, compilation, organization, and arrangement of information about these events. Additionally, history can be termed as the intellectual discipline that utilizes narratives to scrutinize and inspect a series of historical events, and aim at establishing the patterns of cause and the effect that verify them. Precisely, history is the study of past events whereby the authors and scholars of history are referred to historians (Stunkel, 2011). On the other hand, historiography can be defined as the study of how historians and other scholars construe the past primarily as a study of their wr iting. In addition, it can also refer to the different ways of understanding or interpreting historical events, groups or leaders, and also understanding the reasons why there is the existence of different interpretations and theories. Candidly, historiography is an intriguing field of discussions and arguments regarding preceding and present illustrations of the past (Jayapalan, 2002). Differences between History and Historiography The differences between history and historiography are numerous and miniature starting from the meaning of the words themselves to other ways in which the subjects are applied in the academic sphere and beyond. From the definition, history is the exploration of past events while historiography is the examining of how history is studied and transmitted. As a matter of fact, the discipline of history is not going anywhere (Watts, 1997). On the other hand, the decisive perspective of historiography is becoming more vital to the field of history through offe ring latest conclusion regarding the past events and people’s relationship to them. While historiography is a sub-discipline of history, history is a discipline itself, with other sub-disciplines such as chronological theories, social and cultural history, amongst others such as political and economic history, and historical anthropology. "History" is an academic discipline nevertheless it is also a frequently used the word that does not fundamentally represent academia. "History" can be used colloquially to mean any approved period of time or stories associated with it. On the other hand, "historiography" came into existence in1979, and was introduced by Stanford University professor and scholar Lawrence Stone. As a result, "Historiography" cannot be applied conversationally. As much as historiography is a sub-discipline of history, they both fall into diverse form of discipline due to their methodology. History is classified under humanities because of its emphasis on philo sophy, art, literature and other fields that are not sciences, whereas historiography is classified under social sciences because of its social scientific approach to history. Furthermore, history is a narrative when considering its nature and character, whereby it is portrayed history as sequential, chronological and logical storytelling. On the other hand, historiography is a "new history" which focuses on analysis and not on narratives, and it is "structural history" since it emphasizes more on the state of humanity than on the accurate, objective conditions. Therefore, historiography emphasizes on the "how," of the past whereas history on the "what." Hence, historiography is extremely focused and wide (Gustafson, n.d). Importance of understanding history and histo

Cooked Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Cooked - Essay Example For ten years, he learned cooking skills and he found that he could become productive in front of the stove. Certainly, there are downsides with being an inmate but the episode brought him focus and a goal, certainly a turning point in his life. After prison, life was difficult. Henderson had difficulty in getting a job. His dream was to become an executive chef and his lack of formal training and criminal record made it excruciatingly difficult to achieve his objective. He began his career as a dishwasher in Los Angeles. He had to exert extra effort and more hard work not just to prove his capability as a cook but also to prove that he is trustworthy. Even with achieving some semblance of success in Los Angeles, where he eventually became a sous chef, he encountered the same difficulty when he moved to Las Vegas. Everyone was impressed about his credentials but turned him down because he was a convicted felon. During this period, he was jobless for a longtime, which must be very frustrating especially when he has a family to support. For instance, he recalled a particularly heartbreaking experience: "At the Paris Hotel, they were introducing me to my staff before I told them about my criminal record. Then they told me to t ake a walk." It is really unfortunate what a criminal record can do to a persons prospect in life. A lesser man with no strength in character would probably took the easy way and go back to being a felon. Fortunately, Henderson is not such a

Analysis of an artwork Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Analysis of an artwork - Essay Example Alexandria, a Greek cosmopolitan city wherein dance and mime professions were prevalent during the ancient times1. The dancer is wearing a traditional Grecian dress called peplos with a woolen undergarment called chiton, and a cloak called himation2. Due to the pressure applied by her upper and lower limbs, the himation was drawn taut over her head and body causing the fabric to be draped in realistic folds and pleats imparting a feeling of softness and sheerness of fabrics, which also further enhanced the dancer’s figure which seems to be captured in an exotic and provocative pose. However, the face which was concealed in a veil seems to depict modesty with a hint of mystery. The contrasting emotions made the statuette unique and highly artsy. The dancer’s laced slipper also denotes daintiness and further magnified the femininity of the dancer. In addition, the statuette’s dimensions further established its function as a decorative element or a figurine probably commissioned by a rich patron of the arts. Details of the patron or the one who commissioned the bronze statuette was not disclosed though, but the Greek affluent populace at the time were quite known to appreciate beauty and were quite eager to enhance their homes with luxurious items made of bronze and other expensive materials3. In a comparison with a sculpture mentioned in Kleiner’s book, the â€Å"Peplos Kore† is an example of an Archaic style circa 530-525 B.C. and is made entirely of white marble with blue-grey streaks4. Like the Hellenistic bronze statuette, the material used is expensive. The sculpture also depicts a woman wearing the traditional Grecian dress called a peplos worn over a chiton, but without the himation as seen in the Hellenistic bronze statuette. The woman stands in the typical Archaic style of upright and frontal stance with the dress hanging in rigid and simple lines. The symmetrical patterning

Computer Architecture Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Computer Architecture - Research Paper Example It is important to ensure that all the learners comprehend the extent of the using an operating system before studying in details about the internal implementation algorithms and data configurations. This means that there is a relationship between both the use of operating systems (externals) and the designing and implementation (internals) of an operating system (Ramachandran and Leahy 136). Learning about the internal design has significance in different areas such as algorithm design and implementation, dependable programming, modern device development, caching material across the web, building virtual environments, network management, building secure and safe systems and others The main purpose of this application is to convey a comprehensive understanding of the algorithms and equivalent skill that is used within operating systems, it also involves the merging of the knowledge acquired in the course that would help the learners value the trade-os involved in the process that all ow the designing and implementing an operating system. The OSes are the main software systems that show various s/w engineering issues. Most of the OSes cause problems mainly in concurrency. For this reason, a number of people tend to end up writing OSes and provide modifications to the existing systems for example, Linux. Linux is embedded software for the normal hardware in the operating systems. Various subsystems that complete the functions & structures in the CPU Scheduling as well l as scheduling for the multiprocessors. CPU has different components such as registers (Ramachandran and Leahy 106). These are the transitory storage sites that could store the references to memory locations where the next instruction was carried out. It also allows the CPU to keep its eminence information. It also has the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU). Its purpose is to carry out the real implementation of complex arithmetical functions and logical operations on data. The ALU execute the four functio ns: add, increment, nand, and subtract. The CPU should also have the control unit that controls and coordinate the system’s different applications, codes and the Operating System’s instructions that are being implemented. It also allows the fetching of the code, and in the interpretation of the codes, that supervises the completion of the different instructions set. The control unit establishes the application instruction that is being processed and what to prioritize. It controls when instructions are implemented, and this implementation allows the applications to process data (Ramachandran and Leahy 225). The Instructions that are set are enhanced with interrupt support. The LC-2200-32 is the 32-bit computer that has 16 broad registers and a program counter (PC) register separately. All addresses are normally word addresses. The Register 0 is usually wired to zero. Likewise, it always translates to be zero and written as ignored. The LC-2200-32 processor enhanced wit h interrupt support instructions, and the FSM for its implementation. These guidebooks presume that one has familiarity with the LC-2200 data path. Software is currently all around and the need for individuals to design, develop, test, and retain excellent applications that extend to develop annually. Additionally, Software Design and Development involves the learning of methodologies, concepts, processes, and technologies that contribute to

Employee Relation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Employee Relation - Essay Example For instance, this strategy has attracted over 16% of professionals working in the private sector in 2014. Unions have developed several strategies for the attraction of new membership. One of the strategies is the development of a constant communication with the workers. This is one of the core activities adopted by trade unions. They maintain constant contacts with the members, especially in their workplaces. This helps in the attraction of new members through an assurance of the protection of their rights. The communication also aids in the creation of internal debates among the workers and the unions, for the identification of areas that are prone to limitations in terms of membership acquisition. These strategies have shaped the trade unions in relation to an increase in the membership base. In addition, different unions have created special committees that have specific roles that relates to a particular set of workers. For instance, most of the unions have created the women’s department that ensures the female workers of their representation and equal rights in the unions. This strategy has led to the implementation of particular processes for increased membership (Waddington, 2003). It also assumes that for it to succeed in attracting new members, the committees created need to address the issues of the particular groups. This has occurred in several unions that have considered the interests of the workers such as the improvement of their working conditions. The ultimate outcome is that the unions that have considered such interests have registered quite a huge number of new members. Finally, unions have developed interesting strategies that appeal to younger workers to persuade them into the membership (Hollinshead et al. 2003). For instance, the unions organize certain events, debates, and seminars that appeal

Benjamin Franklin Essay Example for Free

Benjamin Franklin Essay Can a man be as vast as a nation? Did the life-experiences and cultural contributions of a single individual play as pivotal a role in the establishment of American democracy and American culture as any written declaration, constitution, or law? Without a doubt, there are historians who stand at the ready to assert that Benjamin Franklin was just such an individual. Numerous books, scholarly articles, essays, encyclopedias, and even works of fiction have contributed and continue to contribute to the mythic status of Benjamin Franklin in American history. However, there is is good reason to reject any surface-level interpretation of Franklins important contributions to the founding of American Democracy, and read with great care the complex and extensive evolution of Franklins actions and stated philosophies over the span of a great many years. The resulting image of Franklin when the myth of Franklin and the historical Franklin are compared is one of a challengingly deep and complex thinker, and of a man who acted in keeping with his deepest philosophical, moral, and spiritual beliefs many of which were quite radical in his day and many of which were astonishingly traditional. The truth of the matter is that Franklins extant writings are so rich and voluminous that one can find almost any sort of Franklin one wishes to find, (Frasca, 2007) but, certainly, in comparing the historical Franklin to the mythic Franklin, important insight into American history and into the psychology of American culture can be gained. Franklins career can be said to have begun very early in his life, when he left school at 10 years of age to help his father (Franklin, Benjamin, 2007); not long afterward, he was apprenticed to his half brother James, a printer and publisher of the New England Courant, to which young Ben secretly contributed. After much disagreement he left his brothers employment and went (1723) to Philadelphia to work as a printer (Franklin, Benjamin, 2007). Franklins early life was later given its first boost toward mythic status with posthumous publication of Franklins Autobiography in 1791, not long after Franklins death. If the Autobiography helped to foster the mythic status of Franklin in American history, it was but one of the many examples of Franklins written contributions to American culture. During his active career, Franklin was immersed not only in science and history, but in philosophy and ethical theory as well. His popular writings contained both humor and moral axioms notably in his very popular publication, Poor Richards Almanac, which was In his day the great source of profit to every printer [ ] which was issued yearly, and which was the vade-mecum in every household that could spare the necessary two or three pence annually (Ford, 1899, p. 400). Franklins steady contributions to American popular culture during his lifetime included not only the folk wisdom of Poor Richard, but with much-needed humor for the American continent: In America, however, either because the immigrants had been recruited from the unfortunate and the religiously austere, or because the hardness of the conditions resulted in a sadness which tinctured the lives of the people, there seems to have been a practical extinction of all sense of the humorous. (Ford, 1899, p. 388) Against this background, Franklin himself often a deep-thinker and a moody person articulated the first instances of a natively American sense of humor. This fact is very important in evaluating both the mythical and the historical Franklin because the mythic Franklin remains empty of all but a few slight traces of Franklins triumphant career and reputation as a humorist. His status as such is very important because, as mentioned, it is Franklins cultural contribution to America as well as his political contributions which cements his status as a Founding Father and which has resulted in the extensive influence Franklin has held over American culture from its earliest beginnings. Franklin used humor in a very conscious way to pave the way for his more considered ethical and moral ideas; more importantly he seized the opportunity to define humor in America for generations: perhaps his most remarkable attribute is that the future historian of the now famous American humor must begin its history with the first publication of Poor Richard (Ford, 1899, p. 389) and, by doing so, Franklin placed himself in a key position to define through humor just what it mean to be an American. His capacities as a humorist do not seem to have been affected, but rather emerged naturally out of his personality. Franklin used humor to not only define himself and to partially define American culture, but as a method to settle scores or take shots at traditional beliefs or institutions: His irresistible inclination to screw a joke out of everything is illustrated by the scrapes he got himself into with his advertisers. Employed to print an announcement of the sailing of a ship, he added an N. B. of his own, to the effect that among the passengers No Sea Hens, nor Black Gowns will be admitted on any terms. Some of the clergy, properly incensed, withdrew their subscriptions from the Gazette. Yet this did not cure him of the tendency, and he was quickly offending again. (Ford, 1899, p. 394) Humor and literary works provided one means for Franklin to influence the development of early American culture and these aspects are slightly contained in the myth of Benjamin Franklin, with the humorous aspects downplayed. For example, Poor Richards Almanac is probably part of the Franklin myth in most peoples minds and they probably also are aware that Franklin offered axioms of wisdom in this Almanac, but many people are probably deeply unaware that Franklins gift for humor was not only an important part of his literary output, but an aspect of his personal philosophy and a method by which he engaged other people and also helped to resolved conflicts. Another aspect of the Franklin myth is that he invented electricity by tying a key to a kite-string. Like many myths, this myth has a basis in historical reality: His experiment of flying a kite in a thunderstorm, which showed that lightning is an electrical discharge[ ] and his invention of the lightning rod[ ] won him recognition from the leading scientists in England (Franklin, Benjamin, 2007) but it is a slim basis. What the lightning and key myth represents in a compressed form is the long and complex contribution to the natural sciences and to popular inventions which actually was a part of the historical Franklins career. In regards to his actual scientific achievements, Franklin is noted by historians to have been a brilliant inventor and adapter of existing technologies: He repeated the experiments of other scientists and showed his usual practical bent by inventing such diverse things as the Franklin stove, bifocal eyeglasses, and a glass harmonica (Franklin, Benjamin, 2007); he is regarded as having a very brilliant scientific mind and a keen sense of practical implementation of abstract ideas. These qualities are also present in Franklins philosophical and political ideas which will be discussed shortly and together, Franklins scientific, philosophical. and political vision actually coincide with the popular aesthetic already shown to have been a part of his literary output. In some ways, Franklins cultural contributions mirror a deeply democratic sense of purpose and fulfillment: the creation of common axioms, a common wisdom, along with useful technologies are not separate from Franklins political vision. Ironically, the egalitarianism which is inferred in Franklins guiding principles is less present on the surface in his specifically political writings. When specifically considering Franklins political beliefs and writings, it should be pointed out that Franklin was actually very different from the other Founding Fathers. He was older and more committed to the British Empire and certainly more cosmopolitan and urbane than they were (Morgan, 2005, p. 551) and because Franklin lived abroad for just under twenty years in England and having traveled a lot through Europe, Franklin was in many ways the least American of the revolutionaries (Morgan, 2005, p. 551). This duality in the historical Franklin is, of course, completely absent from the lightning and key mythic Franklin who is regarded as a Founding Father of American democracy. This last idea of the myth of Franklin is true enough, but as this paper has hopefully shown, the historical picture of Franklin is a more ambiguous and much more complex than the myth. This is an understandable condition because part of what myth does with historical events is to simplify them and streamline them so that the symbolic impact can be made more powerful and less diluted by alternate interpretation. It would be difficult if not impossible, for example, to generate a mythic vision of Franklin which included the historical reality that Franklin preferred the social and intellectual life of London to that of Philadelphia (Morgan, 2005, p. 551) or that his landlady, Margaret Stevenson, and her precocious daughter, Polly, provided Franklin with more compatible intellectual companionship than did his own wife and daughter (Morgan, 2005, p. 551) so these very real and very important aspects of Franklins actual life and his actual personality are absent from the Franklin myth. Yet these aspects, and others, are extremely important in helping to define and understand what exactly Franklin contributed as a Founding Father of American democracy. That his cultural contributions, whether humorous, literary, or scientific not only fostered his myth but actually altered the course and evolution of American society is demonstrable by way of historical evidence. What, then, were Franklins political contributions to the early American nation? Did Franklin evidence as much resourcefulness and thoroughness in his political career as he evidenced in his career as a printer, or humorist, or inventor? One very interesting aspect of Franklins life is that he dealt with not only the revolt of the American colonies against a British Empire which he loved, but also with the resulting estrangement from his own (illegitimate) son during the course of the war. Franklins actions at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War give a solid glimpse into his sympathies and beliefs at the time: As trouble between the British government and the colonies grew with the approach of the American Revolution, Franklins deep love for his native land and his devotion to individual freedom brought (1775) him back to America. There, while his illegitimate son, William Franklin, was becoming a leader of the Loyalists, Benjamin Franklin became one of the greatest statesmen of the American Revolution and of the newborn nation. (Franklin, Benjamin, 2007) As a statesman, Franklins contributions can be at least to some degree quantified and cited: he was postmaster general, a delegate to the Continental Congress, an appointee and signatory to the committee which wrote the Declaration of Independence, he was also sent to Canada with Samuel Chase and Charles Carroll of Carrollton to persuade the people of Canada to join the patriot cause (Franklin, Benjamin, 2007). The mythic vision of Franklin as a powerful statesman delivering powerful, moving oratory before the Continental Congress, or laboriously poring over draft versions of the Declaration of Independence are confronted by anecdotes of historical fact. An example of this is John Adams, who contemptuously described a Franklin from day to day sitting in silence, a great part of the time fast asleep in his chair and sighed that he was likely nevertheless to get credit for everything achieved by the Congress, (Lopez Herbert, 1975, p. 203). Again, Franklins political reputation was based not so much in his perception among his American colleagues, but in his foreign popularity and fame. His best tactic was not spell-binding oratory or intricate legalese, but in injecting a calm pronouncement or a bit of humor (Lopez Herbert, 1975, p. 203) into difficult political processes. The question still remains as to what Franklin, personally, believed about the American Revolution during the time of the revolt and afterward and whether or not Franklin can be accurately described as a firm believer in democratic principles. The historical facts suggest that Franklin held conflicting views about democracy and royalist rule. On the one hand, he advocated personal liberty, on the other, he seemed reluctant to dismiss with the notion of a royalist government altogether. As he wrote in the Autobiography, his feelings were not at all certain during the time of the approaching revolution: In our way thither I projected and drew up a plan for the union of all the colonies under one government, so far as might be necessary for defense, and other important general purposes (Franklin, 1914, p. 131) but here there is no mention of a constitution or a strong Federal government at all. Franklins own visions for a single-chamber congress and a weak executive council were rejected (Franklin, Benjamin, 2007) and, alter, although he objected to aspects of the final Constitution, he helped to direct the compromise [and] worked earnestly for its ratification (Franklin, Benjamin, 2007). The picture which emerges of Franklin as a politician is one of a man whose core-principles were challenged by the birth of a new government, but who fought resolutely on behalf of the new nation without regard for the degree to which it mirrored, exactly, his always-evolving personal beliefs. In addition to the differences which are evident between Franklin the myth and Franklin the historical figure in regard to his literary, scientific, and political contributions to American history, two other areas of Franklins life are absent from the mythological figure of Franklin: his religious and racial convictions. Of course, it is absolutely true that Franklins religious convictions and his views on race and ethnicity evolved throughout his lifetime. On the other hand, Franklins religious beliefs seemed to occupy a central place in his interpretation of his own lifes purpose and the meaning of his life. Where religion is concerned, Franklins most intimate beliefs depict a rather traditional point of view. Because of his personal experiences and personal fortunes, Franklin tended to view the arc of his life in rather conventional religious terms: Scattered through his writings are sentences full of gratitude to God for His favor in lifting him up from such a low to such a high estate, in bringing him substantially unscathed through the graver dangers and baser temptations of human life, and in affording him the assurance that the divine goodness, of which he had received such signal proofs in his career, would not cease with his death (Bruce, 1917, p. 51) these simple, but enduring, beliefs are easily compatible with many forms of American Christianity. That said, it would be very difficult to trace an influence from Franklin to modern Christianity, nor an influence of Christianity directly on the myth of Franklin. In both fact and in myth, Franklins traditional religious ideas are downplayed due, presumably, to their being conspicuously in keeping with the common ideas of Franklins time. Interestingly enough, Franklin retained his religious convictions at the close of his very eventful life and the fruition of his religious convictions strengthened him in old age and in death. As one of his biographers wrote: WHEN THE DAY CAME, April 17, 1790, he was ready. All his life he had been gingerly taming death, stripping it of its awe and power, clothing it in appealing metaphors of travel and bliss, humoring it, giving it a place in the family circle (Lopez Herbert, 1975, p. 308) and because of his receptiveness to deeply held religious convictions which were, nonetheless, not tied to any kind of dogma or strict adherence to religious doctrine, Franklins religious philosophies and his actual death are gestures, also, of a democratic sprit and and individualist. The conflict which the religious side of the historical Franklin presents for the mythic vision of Franklin is difficult to articulate. It has to do with the fact that, while Franklins individualistic take on Christian principles and religious ideas does, in fact, make a very compatible fit with the American notion of individual liberty, Franklins avoidance of traditional dogma and doctrine results in making his individualistic religious beliefs more difficult to define and express to a popular audience. Just as there is no easy mythical expression for Franklins humor, as there is for his scientific prowess, there is no ready mythic symbol for his peculiarly individualistic religious beliefs which are rooted in traditional Christianity. Just as Franklins religious attitudes fail to find mythic expression, his ambiguous views on race and racial prejudice also are a poor fit for the Franklin myth. The attentive observer of history will take into consideration that at various points in his life, Franklin was demonstrably racist and xenophobic: Franklin was clearly unhappy about the great number of Germans who were immigrating to his home town of Philadelphia, even though many supported him by patronizing his printing business (Lapham Saunders, 2005) and also, Franklin prior to the Revolutionary War grumbled about Philadelphias bilingual (English and German) street signs and complained that the Pennsylvania parliament needed to use translators (Lapham Saunders, 2005). In addition to these historical facts, there is evidence that Franklin was not only racist, but perhaps a bit paranoid about other races and cultures. He wrote on one occasion, That the Number of purely white People in the World is proportionably very small. (Lapham Saunders, 2005) which in and of itself might be considered merely an observation of fact until it is paired with Franklins words, which preceded the statement: Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them (Lapham Saunders, 2005). These kinds of historical details and indications of Franklins character have no place in the Franklin myth. Their impact on the historical influence of Franklin is one which is very complicated and fascinating because the evolution of Franklins thoughts and actions in regard to issues of race underwent a profound change throughout his life. Although Franklin seemed to regard one race being in conflict with another in some of his writings, he nevertheless, was chosen to be president of one of the first anti-slavery societies in America, (Lapham Saunders, 2005) and he went on to help to create black schools, assist free blacks to obtain work, promote family-friendly values, and improve the social conditions black children (Lapham Saunders, 2005). The most important aspect of Franklins views on racism is that his ideas evolved over his lifetime, becoming more tolerant and egalitarian as he grew older (Lapham Saunders, 2005), however, even such a dramatic and ultimately positivistic aspect of Franklins historical biography is left out of the Franklin myth. A letter to Franklin from his sister seems to encapsulate the very kinds of ambiguities and vagaries which the myth of Franklin exists to erase. His sister remarks of the American revolution: to Propagate Is stufed into them, it is Dificult to know whither Either Party are in the Right. for my Part I wish we had Let alone strife before it was medled with folowed things that make for Peace (Van Doren, 1950, p. 107) and from this letter and others like it, the modern observer is able to glean at least a partial understanding that ideas and conflicts in Franklins time were no more clear, no more black and white than they are in our own. In conclusion, while the myth of Benjamin Franklin, the man who discovered electricity with a key tied to a kite, the man who wrote the Declaration of Independence, a man who is one of the Founding Fathers of America, is a powerful and enduring myth, the historical facts of Franklins long and eventful life offer and a more authentic illustration of early-American philosophy, politics, and culture. The conflict between the myth of Franklin and Franklin the historical figure is rooted in the fact that historical truths are often ambiguous, complex and difficult to express succinctly, whereas myth, while sacrificing authenticity often makes a far more expedient impact on popular consciousness. Franklin the historical figure achieved a far greater influence practically over the development of American culture and American politics than the myth is capable of expressing; however, the historical facts of Franklins life also sometimes stand in stark opposition to the myth which they, at least in part, began. References Bruce, W. C. (1917). Benjamin Franklin, Self-Revealed: A Biographical and Critical Study Based Mainly on His Own Writings (Vol. 1). New York: G. P. Putnams Sons. Franklin, Benjamin. (2007). In The Columbia Encyclopedia (6th ed. ). New York: Columbia University Press. Ford, P. L. (1899). The Many-Sided Franklin. New York: The Century Co. Franklin, B. (1914). The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. New York: Macmillan. Frasca, R. (2007). Benjamin Franklin Unmasked: On the Unity of His Moral, Religious, and Political Thought. The Historian, 69(2), 359+. Lapham, S. S. , Saunders, A. (2005). Benjamin Franklins Evolving Views on Race and Ethnicity. Social Education, 69(1), 13+. Lopez, C. , Herbert, E. W. (1975). The Private Franklin: The Man and His Family. New York: W. W. Norton. Morgan, D. T. (2005). The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin. The Historian, 67(3), 551. Van Doren, C. (Ed. ). (1950). The Letters of Benjamin Franklin Jane Mecom. Princeton, NJ:

Family System Theory Essay Example for Free

Family System Theory Essay In my attempt to outline a family seeking therapy for domestic violence using the Family Systems Theory, I will first give a detailed account of the family history, and then embark on the problem before tackling the intervention strategy. Family History John married Jane 20 years ago.   At the time of their marriage, John had a well paying job which could support his nuclear family as well as his parents.   Johns parents were peasant farmers who actually had sold everything they had in order to pay Johns school fees.    Johns parents had placed a lot of hope in him before he contracted this marriage. This fact led them to discourage John from marrying Jane since they considered that John having spent the family resources in his education, he had every reason first to pay school fees for his young brothers.   To avoid clashing with his parents, John promised to handle both responsibilities (that is, caring for the younger siblings and his wife).   After lengthy deliberations the parents submitted to his observations and allowed him to go forward and marry Jane. On the other hand, Jane at the time of marriage was employed as a sales girl and earned amount that could see her through most of her needs.   Jane appeared to be a self styled lady depicting a lot of wealth.   Even though Janes parents were notoriously religious, Jane had an out of wedlock child which she was caring at her parents. This issue was however unknown to John. Jane did not bother or she ignored to disclose to John about this issue.   John only happened to know about the kid a few weeks to their wedding day.   This did not detract John from marrying her fiancà ©e. Jane was the last born in a family of six children, 3 girls and 3 boys.   Her parents were wealthy and of middle social standing.   This family not only was it capable of meeting basic needs but also some luxuries.   Her elder brothers were all married and comfortably settled down.   The two elder girls were also married to wealthy husbands who owned some assortments of luxurious properties including several vehicles.   Unlike Johns family, Janes family was in actual fact composed of well to do family members. It is important to note that Janes educational background was not pleasing as she had dropped out of school when she contracted her first pregnancy.   John however, had knowledge of her lovers, educational background and seemed to be contended with the situation.   At first, when Jane highlighted to her parents about her future prospects, they at first disapproved the marriage on the grounds that John could afterwards ditch her due to her first child or due to her educational standards.   Jane succeeded to bargain for blessing of the marriage through cheating her parents that John was aware of everything, thus there was no cause of worry. The Problem As noted earlier, few days after John married Jane, there was a misunderstanding over the first issue as John demanded an apology from Jane for failing to disclose fully her status.   This time the marriage was saved by the intervention of Johns parents who pleaded with him to shelve the matter and love his wife as before. Joy returned to these couples and within a period of 10 years, they had 3 more children inside the wedlock.   John managed to convince Jane to leave her job so as to concentrate with family matters, which included taking care of the children among others. This move however, was viewed by Johns in-laws negatively as they considered Johns salary to be insufficient.   They also had negative thoughts about the future status of their daughters marriage, as they had conviction that John would one day ditch Jane.   They rebuked Jane for being seduced to terminate her employment. During the 15 years into marriage, John was suspended from his employment under very queer circumstances.   What happened is that John, while supposed to be on duty, had that day requested a fellow workmate to play his part, while he attended to some family issues. Unfortunately, the same day, there occurred some robbery at his place of work and more particularly involving his department.   This called for his suspension pending investigation that was followed by his dismissal without terminal benefits. Upon dismissal John and his family moved to there rural home. Coping with life was not easy as the family had to readjust and face some of the realities of life. The family was in total economic disrepair and john for the sake of saving the situation sold most of his rag-tag assets. However the going was not smooth as these did not last the family for a ling time. As a way of escaping realities of life, John started to drink. This only served the purpose of increasing his problems. Upon being confronted by her wife he resorted to abusive language. The problem facing the family now is that as a result of John’s change of behavior Jane’s parents are blaming her for failing to listen to their instructions in the first place. Even though they have secured Jane something to see the family through basic needs, they are threatening to withhold the same if she keeps on sticking to this doomed marriage. On the other hand John’s children seem to be suffering from emotional distress due to the misunderstanding pitying the parents. The out of wed-lock daughter is considering that their father is battering her mother due to her presence in the family. John seems to be sinking deep and deeper in drug and substance abuse. He abuses his children through neglect as well as physically associating them. John’s parents seem to suggest that John made a mistake in marrying Jane for reasons which are not clear. The family is about to break-down as john is engaged in all manner of domestic violence. Sometime when drunk he raises the subject of the first daughter, a topic that Jane considers to have been dealt with in the past. He also sees Jane’s parents to be the source of all his problems as he associates them with wealthy bureaucrats who are out to play down his marriage. There is total communication breakdown in John’s family as well as between the extended family (in-laws). The family with the aid of a Good Samaritan is now seeking therapy. Remember Jane is cursing herself for having disrespectful to her parent’s advice. The same thing is also happening to John. This culminates into the children loosing hope. Therapy The therapy required here should encompass all the members of the nuclear as well as the extended family. First it is important to evaluate the family through scheduling interviews that involves with some members of this immediate family. This interview should include children as well as two significant members of the extended family. There is a need for the therapist to be a man and woman as to treat gender related issues on top of serving as role models for the family. The therapy being based on the family systems theory the family should be regarded wholly as being the unit of treatment. Therefore emphasis should be placed on communication processes. John’s family should be analyzed first. Therapist’s comments and remarks should be structured in a manner likely to help family members become more conscious of patterns or structures that had been previously ignored. Sessions should be structured in a way that members of the extended family can, eat together, so as to afford the most required ingredient of family to succeed-communication. By the end of the therapy members of this family including the IP (Identified Patient) should be seen to differentiate. Reference Nichols, M.P. Schwartz, R.C. (2006). Recent Developments in Family Therapy: Integrative Models; in Family therapy: concepts and methods. 7th Ed. Boston: Pearson/Allyn Bacon.

The Effects of Athlete Self-Confidence

The Effects of Athlete Self-Confidence 2.0 Introduction The purpose of this review is to provide a critical analysis of the available literature on sources, levels and importance of self confidence. It explores theories relating to self-confidence and the various measurements that have been used in recent years to assess this construct. The focus of the review will aim to analyse firstly self confidence and the importance of it among sport performers, it will highlight various studies and identify that self confidence is spilt into constructs, which in turn leads on to identifying self efficacy and sport confidence. The review will also look at different sources of sport confidence and which are most salient to elite and non elite athletes, and finally it will give a brief rationale to why the study is being taken out. 2.1 Self confidence Defining self-confidence within the sport psychology literature has emerged as a difficult issue (Taylor Wilson, 2005). However, Vealey and Chase (2008) defined self-confidence as the belief in ones abilities to achieve success, and is often identified as an important mental skill for success in sport by those individuals engaging in competitive sports, including both athletes and coaches. Self confidence is suggested to be the paramount contributor and the most critical cognitive factor affecting an athelets success (Spink,1990). Similarly, (Vealy et al 1998), suggests that self confidence is widely accalaimed by theorists, researchers, and practioniers as the most critical psychological characteristic influencing a sport performance. This ultimately suggests that self confidence is a subject topic central in influencing an athletes performance and in turn crucial in investigation. Lirgg (1991) similarly to Vealey (1998) stated that Self-confidence has been the subject of much research in recent years in the sport psychology literature (p,294-310). The perception of ones own abilities has been frequently cited as a mediated construct in attainment strivings and as a psychological factor affecting athletic performance. One of the most important relationship is between confidence and performance, from past literature Weinbourg Gould (2003,p,311) state is clear that there is a positive relationship between confidence and performance (Vealey 2001), however the factors affectiong this relationship are less known. Factors such as organizational culture, gender and age have been suggested as important. Taking into account relationships confidence has with different mediating factors, it is also important to recognise it as a complicated construct. Confidence has been operationalized in numerous ways (Feltz, 1988). It has been categorised into constructs such as self-efficacy (Bandura, 1986, 1977), perceived competence, sport-confidence(Vealey,1986 Vealey 1998 et al), expectancies (Rotter, 1954), and movement confidence (Griffin Keough, 1982) these have all been proposed as measuring an individuals perception of his or her abilities (Lirgg 1991). Self confidence affects the way one feels, thinks and behaves, and thus has an important influence upon sporting performance, Bandura.,(1997) Jones and Hanton,(2001). Self confidence might be something one feels one day therefore unstable or it may be part of oness personality. It has been thought by Clifton Gill, (1994) that a high level of self confidence is one of the most consistently reported psychological characteristics of elite athletes ( p,150). However, despite claims about the importance of self confidence to performance, Feltz (2007) declares that its relationship with performance has not been clear in much of the sport science research in turn suggesting areas for development in research. However in contrary to Feltz (2007) a psychological research study conducted by Jones et al (1994) and Edwards Hardy (1996) illustrate the importance of high levels of confidence in athletes success. The research presented a positive correlation between self confidence and skilled performers, however it is still in debate as to whether the relationship perceived is a casual or a direct one (Feltz 1988). Taking into account this literature review, it was copiously apparent that during conducting interviews Jones Hardy found that within athletes minds, self confidence was extrememly significant especially if they were to attain the levels of performance which they sought (Jones,Hardy Gould 1996). This in turn reinforces the consequence of self confidence on performance and how it must be present if success is required. An additional study that has been conducted to emphasise self confidence in athletes is Mahoney et al (1987) who carried out an experiment which identified psychologic al skills in elite and non elite performers. There use of instrumentation was a questionnaire they issued it to 713 athletes from 23 sports, the results proved that elite performers had higher and more stable levels of self confidence than the non elite athletes therefore was suggested that there were major differences factoring between elite and non elite performers. Another theory surrounding the notion of self confidence was founded by Feltz (2007) who identified the self concept theory, he emphasises that even though a number of terms are associated to self-confidence it should, however not be confused with the construct, and that Self-concept represents an amalgamated view of oneself that is developed during evaluative experiences and social interactions. In congruence with what Bandura has previously distinguished, Fetlz (2007) also recognizes however, that a global self-concept will not envisage the intra-individual variability in performance as well as self-confidence discernment which vary across activities and circumstances. Within the domain of self confidence there appears to be two main approaches to the study and measurement of self confidence in sport: sport confidence and self-efficacy. Sport confidence (Vealey, 1986) refers to the belief that an athlete possesses about his or her ability to be successful in sport in general (trait sport confidence) and in specific sport competitions (state sport confidence). Self-efficacy (Bandura, 1986) refers to an individuals belief in his or her capabilities to be successful in executing specific tasks and skills in specific situations, and is measured in terms of the strength, level, and generality of self-efficacy. Banduras (1986) self efficacy theory and Vealeys (1986) sport confidence model present quite diverse approaches to confidence. Self efficacy is very much a situation specific conceptuilaistion in comparison to the sport confidence model which is far more generalised. An explicit strength that the sport confidence model exemplifies is is its parsim onious approach, this is proven on the basis that its logical and in turn an accurate tool for sport psychologists to use. However at a more contextual level the specificity of self efficacy can be used more efficiently. Feltz and Chase (1998) stated that Vealeys notion of sport-confidence shares similarities with Banduras conceptualization of self-efficacy on the basis that they are both built around the social cognitive theory. Subsequently, both can be regarded as cognitive mechanisms through which individuals mediate their motivation and behavior within a goal context. 2.2 Self efficacy: Self efficacy is an identifiable and important attribute within sport. Coaches, players and psycholoigists all recognize the power-full and imperative effects that this psychological construct can have on behaviour, feelings and thoughts (Feltz,short Sullivan 2008) . It is important to understand that expectation of efficacy will by no means produce a desired performance, providing that the component cabilities are lacking. A study that has become increasingly accepted is that of Banduras (1977) self efficacy theory, this theory was initially progressed within the construct of social cognitive theory (Feltz Chase,1998). The theory proclaims that individual self confidence derives from self efficacy levels. Self efficacy simply represents a form of situation specific to self confidence (Hardy ,Jones Gould,1996). Feltz states that the terms self confidence and self efficacy have been used to describe ones perceived capability to accomplish a certain level of performance. Bandura defines self efficacy as; The conviction one has, to execute successfully, the behaviour required to produce a certain outcome and thus, can be considered a situational specific slef confidence. Whereas, Vealey (1986). Defines self efficacy as the belief or degree of certainty individuals possess about their ability to be successful in sport (p.222). Short Stewart (2008, p223) states that Self-efficacy is defined as beliefs in ones capabilities to organise and execute the courses of action required to produce given attainments (Bandura, 1997: p.3). Both self confidence and self efficacy relate to individuals perceived capability to aquire a certain level of perfromace (Bandura, 1986; Feltz, 1988). The fundamental principle surrounding the self efficacy theory is that different levels of self efficacy in turn predict actual performance assuming that necessary skills and incentives are present ( Weiss, Weise and Kilint 1989). Self-efficacy is not considered, by Bandura (1977, 1986, 1997), to be a synonym for self-confidence. However, many people concerned in area of sport psychology often use the terms interchangeably since the latter is far more familiar to athletes and those not in the academic arena. Short and Stewart (2008) claim that Bandura (1997) prefers the use of self-efficacy over self-confidence ( p.224). In relation to athletes Hardy, Jones and Gould (1999) suggest that elite athletes with high levels of self efficacy put under a high pressured situation should in turn allow them to maintain their commitments to difficult goals, and increase persistence. This will in turn allow them to attribute their failure to unstable factors appose to stable factors this therefore can draw comparison with how non elite athletes attribute their failure which inturn are down to factors such as; stable factors. Different people who inhabit similar skills such as an elite athelte, or undeniably the same person under different situations might perform poorly, adequately or exceptionally well depending upon fluctuation in their personal effeicacy beliefs (Hays et al, 2007). This is sustained by Bandura (1997) who states that self efficacy beliefs are an important contributor to performance accomplishments, whatever the underlying skill of the performer is (Hays et al 2007). Similar to other subject topics in sport psychology the focus of self-efficacy research studies has varied over time and is reflective of the paradigmatic evolution of the field, Short Sterwart (2008). Bandura (1997) states that the study of self efficacy beliefs in sport should not be limited to physical proficiency it can include all aspects of performance, like game situations, selecting effective strategies, predicting opponents actions, using imagery, managing pressure and distractions. Bandura (1977) questioned how efficacy beliefs are formed, Bandura (1997) theorizes that they are a creation of an intricate process of self appraisal and self persuasion that therefore depends on cogniotive processing. He then branded these sources as past performance accomplishments, Vicarious experiences, Verbal persuasion and Emotional arousal. According to Bandura (1986, 1997) past performance accomplishments is said to be the most significant source of efficacy information for athletes because they are based on their own experiences. There has been overwhelming support for the influence of past performance accomplishments on self-efficacy beliefs (Short Stewart, 2009). Moritz et al. (2000) established, that as an athelete increases thier experience on a specific task over time, performance consequently develops into a stronger predictor of self-efficacy than self-efficacy is of performance. Secondly there is Vicarious experiences, this is derived through observing and comparing oneself with others or with norms (Feltz et al., 2008). It is apparent that through sport, athletes will always be sizing themselves up against other athletes (Short Stewart, 2009). An example of this is based on Weinberg et al. (1980) results, Bandura claimed that a formidable-looking opponent instils lower efficacy beliefs than does one who loo ks less impressive (1997: 18). Consequently, an opponent who appears intimidating will as a result cause their opponents efficacy beliefs to instantly decrease in comparison to an opponent who did not exhibit those qualities. Another source of efficacy, verbal persuasion, takes place when significant others express their support for ones capabilities to succeed. This can comprise of, coaches positive feedback, parents encouragement, and self-talk. Verbal persuasion is an essential factor in motivating individuals to persist in their efforts, if persuaders assessment is within realistic bounds, although on its own is limited (Bandura, 1977). The last source is, physiological efficacy this can manipulate self-efficacy, due to the association people make between the level of physiological arousal/specific emotions and their performances. To illustrate this, an athlete can associate nervousness (e.g. sweaty palms) with a bad performance, feeling nervous about a game could lower his/her self-confidence. Therefore as a result of this it is apparent, that how arousal is interpreted by an athlete influences peoples self-efficacy. Performance accomplishments Vicarious experience Verbal persuasion Emotional arousal Efficacy expectations Maddux (1995) and Schunk (1995) have since proposed there are six sources of efficacy predictors. They have created a separate category for imaginal experiences instead of including it as part of vicarious experiences and have split physiological states from emotional states. Thus, developments from Banduras (1997) self-efficacy theory have led to more sport specific models being introduced (Vealey, 1986, 1998). 2.3 Vealeys Conceptual Model of Sport Confidence Although the theory surrounding self efficacy advanced the area of self confidence enormously it was applied through the wide field of clinical psychology. Vealey (1986) proposed a more applicable and conceptualised model, which has been evidently expanded within the discipline of sport psychology. Vealey believed that the sport confidence model would allow for a more consistent prediction of behaviour across the diverse sporting situations. Delving in more depth in to the subject topic of sport confidence shows that there are three constructs. Firstly trait sport confidence this is considered by (Weinbourg Gould 1999,p,286) the belief or degree of certainty individuals usually posess about their ability to be successful in sport A trait in an individuals personality is predominately stable. Then secondly state sport confidence is (Vealey, 1986, p. 223). state sport confidecnce which is defined as the belief or degree of certainty individuals possess at one particular moment about their ability to be successful in To further this model an extra construct was added, which is comepteive orientation, this progresses from the proposal that success means different things to different people. This construct accounts for individual differences in defining success in sport (Vealey,1988). Competitive orientation was incorporated within the model based on Maehr and Nicholls (1989) idea that success equates to different things and subsequently to different people. Vealey (1998) predicted that SC-trait interacts with competitive goal orientation to elicit a SC-state that directly influences behaviour and performance. Vealey developed three tools in which would allow to test the relationship shows within the model; firstly the state sport confidence inventory (SSCI), Trait sport confidence inventory (TSCI), and the competitive orientation inventory (COI). It has also become apparent that researchers have used the competitive state anxiety inventory-2 (CSAI2), to measure confidence levels in sport situation. A limitation of Vealeys (1986) conceptual model of sport confidence was that it withdrew from compriseing social and organisational factors on the development of athletes. For example, significant others such as coaches and families can have an momentous impact on many athletes confidence levels and research has supported that perceived cultural appropriateness of an activity has been shown to affect confidence levels in males and females (Clifton Gill, 1994; Lirgg, 1991; Lirgg et al., 1996). Vealey et al. (1998) suggested that athletes rely on sources of confidence depending on the activity they are engaged in. Therefore a new model was proposed by Vealey (1998). 2.4 Sources of sport confidence There have been two programmes of research that have investigated the sources of sport confidence. Sources of sport confidence can be defined as the sources that athletes use for judgment of their confidence, for example, where they derive their confidence from. Firstly, Vealeys model of sport confidence which was originally developed over 20 years ago, has now been refined to include sources of sport confidence. The model predicts that demographic, personality characteristics and organizational culture can influence athletes sources of sport confidence. Demographic characteristics include any personal characteristics, such as: age, sex, type of sport. Personality characteristics, attitudes and values of athletes comprise of competitive orientation and self-esteem. The organizational variables encompass motivational climate, competitive level, types of sport, goals, structural expectation of particular sport programmes (Vealey, 2001). Secondly Hay et al.s (2007) recently published a qualitative study on the sources and types of confidence in sport. Short et al (2008) drew comparisons and similarities with Banduras theory of self-efficacy (see table 1). In addition, they also contain unique sources that are specific to athlete populations. The connotation of investigating the sources of confidence in sport has been speculated to have practical and theoretical implications. Firstly theoretically, these sources provide a foundation for levels of self-confidence and subsequent affect (e.g., how an athlete feels), cognition (e.g., what athletes think about during sport) and behaviours (e.g., how an athlete responds). Then looking from a practical standpoint, self-confidence is viewed by numerous athletes as unstable; this over time would seem to be a function of the sources upon which confidence is based (Vealey Sinclair, 1987). It is crucial therefore that when assesing athletes that the investigator identifies the most important aspects to the athlete, before intervening to enhance that confidence. In Short Stewarts (2008) chapter it is identified that Vealey et al (1998) sought to recognize the sources of sport confidence for athletes. Her data was based on samples of high school and intercollegieate athletes. This instantly draws comparison with Hays et al (2007) who sought after sources and types of confidence for identified world class performers. Nevertheless they both illustrate similarities between each other as they both sought after the most important and most valued sources of sport confidence employed and utlised by athletes within a sporting context (shortStewart, 2008). During a study of 500 high school and collegiate athletes from a variety of sports, Vealey et al. (1998) identified nine sources of confidence. These were mastery (i.e., improving or mastering skills), demonstration of ability (i.e., demonstrating or showing off abilities to the opponents), physical/mental preparation (i.e., feeling physically and mentally prepared for competition), physical self-presentation (i.e., ones physical self-image), social support (i.e., perceiving support, positive feedback and encouragement from significant others in sport), vicarious experience (i.e., watching others perform successfully), coachs leadership (i.e., believing coaches leadership abilities), environmental comforts (i.e., familiar with surroundings in environment) and situational favourableness (i.e., feelings that situations are going their way) (see table 1). It is apparent that these sources overlap with the sources that were identified by Bandura (1997) highlighted in the self-efficacy th eory, though are more specific to the context of competitive sport, and also see that there is similairites with Hay et al (2007). Vealey et al. (1998) further examined which sources were the best predictors of sport confidence levels. Futhermore within Vealeys study it was found that several sources were deemed more important than others such as; physical/mental preparation,social support and mastery among was rated in their top five. Vealey also found that other characteristics had an impact on the sources, Vealey identified an aspect such as gender affected the salience of the sources of sport confiedence, (Vealey et al 1998). These nine sources formed the sub-scale structure of the Sources of Sport Confidence Questionnaire (SSCQ; Vealey et al., 1998). Presently, the SSCQ is the only questionnaire designed to assess athletes sources of confidence. Nevertheless, justification for the SSCQ is based upon high school and collegiate athletes and therefore can not be generalised for all athletic groups. Wilson et al.s (2004) study considered the sources of sport confidence in master athletes and even though results were similar, it was infact unsuccessful in replicating the nine sources of confidence in Vealeys et al. (1998) SSCQ. As an alternative then, there were fewer items and the situational favourableness factor was removed. Participants in phase four competed in a team sport. This inventory does not compute self-confidence as a multidimensional construct as it only accounts for the sources of sport confidence, and also does not take into account different types of sport confidence that is evident in more recent research on world class athletes (Hays et al., 2007). Hays et al (2007) suggested that the organisational culture of world class sport differed from other results within previous studies taken out by psychologists such as Magyar Duda,(2000) where they used intercollegiate athletes. It was proven that they differed in terms of where their confidence derived from and whether it is from alternative sources. Flecther,Hanton Mellalieu,(2006) who also identify that organizational culture of world class sport, reinforce that it is likely to differ significantly from that of high school athletes, due to reasons such as; world class athletes are constantly being subjected to additional organizational stressors that will most probably not be present in lower level competition, Hays et al (2007, p436). Demaine and Short (2007) also conducted a study on the sources of sport confidence to examine differences in the sources of sport confidence according to sport involvement factors (i.e., age, total years playing, playing time and athletic scholarship). Participants used were 265 female college basketball players they completed the TSCI and SCI. It became evident thro Results showed that the most popular sources, in order, were: social support, coaches leadership, physical and mental preparation, mastery, demonstration of ability, vicarious experience, environmental comfort, situational favourableness and physical self-presentation. The sources identified by athletes did not differ according to the sport-involvement factors; however, these variables together predicted sport confidence. All of the studies identified in this section refer to quantitative methods. More recently qualitative methodologies have been adopted. 2.5 Individual Differences As well as the research analysed above, many studies have been conducted to understand individual differences such as gender, performance level, and sport type. Results from studies that scrutinize gender difference in self-confidence have been ambiguous. Several studies present that male athletes demonstrate a higher self-confidence than female athletes (Meyers LeUnes, 1996; Trafton et al., 1997), yet, other studies account that there is no apparent gender difference (Cox Whaley, 2004; Perry Williams, 1998). Even though the disparity in the level of confidence between male and female still is uncertain, gender difference seems to subsist in sources of confidence. Within the study by Vealey et al. (1998), females perceived social support and physical self-presentation as more important than the male participants. Previous studies have supported this (e.g., Jones et al., 1991). Hays et al.s (2007) and Gill (1998) studies established that in fact male athletes sources of confidence centred around competitive outcomes. In contrast, the females identified good personal performances as a source of their confidence. However, looking aside from gender and any other characteristic said to affect ones self confidence, Williams (2006) states that if athlete is sufficiently motivated and have become aware of the relationships between their thoughts and behaviour they can in turn develop their self confidence. Self confidence is not only critical to sport performance but also to central to a wide array of behaviours in the wider world out side of sport. An additional individual difference is skill level, it can have a immense influence on levels of self-confidence. Early research conducted by Mahoney et al. (1977) established that the level of pre-competition self-confidence was one of the important differences between US gymnasts. It was reported that the Olympic qualifiers alleged higher, more stable levels of self-confidence in comparison to non-elite athletes. Studies by George (1994) and McPherson (2000); have also supported this statement. Another investigation by Perry and Williams (1998) looked into to the comparison of levels of confidence within different skill levels of tennis players (novice, intermediate, advanced). It was found that the advanced skilled level athletes had significant higher self-confidence than that of the intermediate and novice skilled athletes, however the difference between novice and intermediate athletes deemed no noteworthy difference. A study more recently investigated by Hays et al.s (2007) ex plored how important world class performers rated self confidence. It was exposed that for them have a sense of feeling self-confidence in turn was associated with a triumphant sporting performance, therefore when experiencing low levels of sport confidence, the athletes were probable to a poor performance. It is noticeable that Elite studies principally engage in male athletes (Gill, 1992) and therefore more studies including females would be desired. 2.6 Rationale The literature that has been conversed in this chapter demonstrates the predominate finding that those who possess high levels of confidence are more likely to be successful. The early quantitative research of Vealey has been used as a foundation of sport confidence, recently Hays et al (2007) identified the need for specific research to be specific to elite and non elite athletes. Individual differences such as gender, sport types and performance levels need further investigation. It is therefore the intention of the author to illustrate a comparison of elite and non-elite female netball players of their sources and levels of confidence along side with how important they deem it. It has been devised to try and illustrate the diversity between an athlete who plays under high pressure and strict regime to a player who plays socially, training once a week and occasionally competing in friendly games. Vealey (2001) suggests that more research is needed to fully understand how self confi dence is manifested in the unique context of sport (Hays et al, 2007, p,436).This therefore has a direct impact of the study being taken out as Netball is predominately female led and in relation to the study only female participants will take part. Hypothesis That elite will have higher levels of self confidence and non elite and that elite athelets will rate different sources of self confidence higher and lower than that of non elite ethelets and that there should be a considerable difference

Transnational Networks of Support for the Zapatista Rebellion :: Zapatista Rebellion Globalization Essays

Transnational Networks of Support for the Zapatista Rebellion Globalization, the term used to describe the dominant framework of international relations following the cold war, is affecting many aspects of politics and social experience. This is seen in the Zapatista rebellion and movement in Chiapas, Mexico that has benefited from globalization and transnational support. This paper examines the relationship of transnationalism and social movements with the Zapatistas as a case study. In particular, this paper argues that the Zapatistas are part of the anti-globalization cycle of protest. As a result, they have used the master frame of this cycle of protest and aligned that frame in light of their particular situation. Because this frame was resonant with transnational activists a network of support was formed, which pressures the government from above, increasing the chances of success of a movement. The paper concludes by examining the implications of the Zapatistas for social movement research, with particular regard for Tarrowâ €™s â€Å"strong thesis† about movements in a transnational era While the roots of the Zapatista movement stretch well back, the rebellion entered the public’s consciousness on 1 January 1994 when several thousand indigenous Mexicans, mostly Mayans, wearing ski-masks and carrying antiquated rifles and wooden sticks briefly seized several major urban centres in Chiapas, Mexico before withdrawing under pressure from the Mexican military. A cease-fire was declared on 12 January and since then the two sides have not directly fought one another. Since the cessation of hostilities, the rebellion has essentially transformed into a social movement.[1] The transformation was capped by a march on Mexico City March 2001 in which a caravan of Zapatistas, protected by the Mexican government, moved from Chiapas throughout Mexico to a climax in the zocalo in Mexico City. Subcomandante Marcos, the spokesman and de facto leader of the movement, addressed a huge rally and other comandantes addressed the Mexican Congress. Many observers compared this moment to Martin Luther King’s â€Å"I Have a Dream† speech during the American civil rights movement. (Klein 2001) Since the beginning of this movement/rebellion, the Zapatistas have demonstrated a unique ability to attract support from activists outside of Mexico. I refer to this support as transnational because it is rooted in no particular territory and spans much of the developed world.

The Art of Leadership Essay -- Papers Leading Personality Essays Paper

The Art of Leadership What is leadership? Leadership is having the ability to give guidance to those that will follow. Those that follow will help to complete the mission. Leadership is an immature science and the body of knowledge in the field has developed through a series of fits and starts. Leadership is a soft science, just as anthropology, sociology and psychology. It cannot be proven exactly what it is. Leadership is an art; the skillful application of leadership behaviors beyond techniques is much the same as the skillful application of brushstrokes by a master painter. Leadership is both rational and emotional. Some people take several years and even several classes and still can’t quite be a good leader. I even took a test, which more or less states that I need to relax and calm down. The test covers several different areas ranging from personality quirks to communication and even how I prefer to handle conflicts. Introduction This paper will be discussing several areas that were examined through the test on leadership and personality that was taken by the author. Some of the major points that will be discussed are how the author rates himself against others on his team or in his group. A couple of other major points that will be touched on are conflict management and communication skills. Also, the author will be covering some of his ideas on leadership and whether or not any one individual can perfect it. The author has quite a bit of experience in these areas and conveyed some of his ideas in this paper. Strategy Leadership is a social process shared among all members of a group. Leadership development comes t... ...e people to totally change their way of doing things but if there are some problems, I hope those individuals were able to pull some ideas out of this in the long run. Conclusion While writing this paper I concluded several different things about leadership. Most people are very mistaken when it comes to the topic of leadership. It is a common belief that everyone has the potential to be a good leader, which is not true. This is proven time and time again by people who try to start their own business and it goes under in one or two years because they don’t know how to get the most out of their employees and keep them happy at the same time. In the end, a leader will always accomplish the mission and never fail his subordinates. Bibliography: 1. Robbins, Stephen P. Organizational Behavior. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice. Hall, 2000.