Computer History essays

Computer History essays Computers and computer technology is something that has changed the way some people live, communicate and get their information. In the early beginning, computers were nothing like what we have today. One of the things that was used a very long time ago was just some string with beads on them that helped add and subtract. The name for this was the Abacus (Huxley 136). The Analytical Engine was pretty much a giant calculator built in 1812 by Charles Babbage and is considered the basis for the modern computer (Evans 37).Now days people use computers in many different ways. In most places like grocery stores, computers track the inventory by using bar coded and scanners, check the customers credit, and transfer funds electronically. There are also computers in cars that help regulate fuel flow and increase gas mileage. Scientific research use computers to solve complicated mathematical problems and build models that would be to expensive to build in real life. Computers are used in the military to encode or unscramble messages and to keep track of supplies (Microsoft Encarta).The way a computer works is complicated because it has many parts that work together in it(Evans 15). The physical computer and the stuff in it that makes it work is calledhardware. The hardware includes things like the memory, input devices like the mouse and keyboard, and output devices like the monitor and printer that let the computer present information to the user. Software is the programs that run the computer. It is used to perform a certain type of task (HC).The operating system is the software that makes the computer work. The most popular operating systems are Microsoft Windows and Macintosh. These to systems use a graphical user interface, also called GUI. The graphical user interface is a display that uses tiny pictures called icons to represent different commands. To start those commands, the user just has to click the picture with the mouse or...

Complete List of Extracurricular Activities 100s of Examples

Complete List of Extracurricular Activities 100s of Examples SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips How do you like to spend your time after school? Did you know that how you choose to spend this time could be one of the most important ways you shape your future? Extracurricular activities are a critical component of your college application, and you need to impress colleges with your interests. But you might not know what good extracurricular activities look like or what you should be spending your time on. We've got you covered here in our guide of hundreds of examples of extracurricular activities. Read on to get some inspiration for how to spend your valuable free time during high school! What Is An Extracurricular Activity? An extracurricular activity can be almost anything that isn’t required for high school credit or paid employment. These activities will become very important later, such as when you are applying to colleges, because they help you develop your talents, interests, and passions. They can also teach you practical skills like time management. With so many options out there, all students should be able to find an extracurricular that they are interested in and can develop a passion for! Remember that extracurricular activities do not have to be sponsored by your school, so you should also consider things that you do with your family or within your community as viable options. Below I've listed many popular activities that you may not have thought of as extracurricular activities. Take a look at the list and see if your activities are already on the list, or if anything you hadn't considered before catches your eye. Of course, this list isn’t complete, because you can turn almost any interest into an extracurricular. If you are actively involved in something that you don't see here - meaning you spend a significant amount of time doing an activity that is allowing you to develop a talent or interest, be a leader, or help out your community - then you should definitely consider that an extracurricular activity, as well! What doesn't necessarily count as an extracurricular? An interest of yours that's very self-centered. You can't justget abelly button piercing and expect colleges to be wowed. It should be an activity that demonstrates a talent or contributes value to other people. There's a spectrum here, though - improving your hair qualityisn't really an extracurricular. But starting a Youtube channel around beauty tips or creating a club for teen health enthusiasts definitely does. But if you're still unsure if something counts as an extracurricular, or you need some inspiration, then read on for our complete list of extracurricular activities. How Should You Use This Extracurricular Activities List? Not sure how you should use this list of extracurriculars? Just follow the six steps outlined in this section, and you'll be on your way to choosing the best extracurricular for you! Step 1: Brainstorm Extracurricular Ideas What are your interests? Have you always wanted to try out something related to art, but weren’t sure if it would be worth your time, or if it would be viewed favorably by a college admissions team? Keep in mind that colleges don’t really care about what kind of activity you are doing - instead, they want to see that you are doing something that you are passionate about. So make a list of all of your interests - both things that you are already interested in and other areas that intrigue you and you'd like to learn more about. Step 2: See Which Extracurriculars Fit Your Interests Look through the list below and see if any of the activities match your interests. You may see some ways that you hadn’t thought of before to pursue an interest! Keep in mind that there can be a lot of different outlets for each interest you have. For example, if you want to play an instrument, you can take private classes, play in your school’s marching band, play in a community concert band, or work as part of the orchestra for your school’s next musical. Step 3: Research Different Extracurricular Options Research to see if these activities are available at your high school or in your community. If there is something you are very passionate about that’s not already offered, consider starting up a group of your own. But if you aren’t sure that the interest will stick and you only want to try it out, it’s probably best to find a different outlet for your curiosity. Step 4: Join Some Activities The next step is to start doing activities! But how many should you do? If you are a freshman, I would recommend trying out a bunch of different activitiesup to ten if there are that many you have an interest in. The idea at this stage is to sample a variety of extracurriculars. Once you start to get an idea of which activities are going to really help you develop the interests you are most passionate about, you can dedicate more time to those and drop the others. Step 5: Narrow Down Your Extracurriculars If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior, you should hopefully already have an idea of the kinds of activities that you want to focus on. Make a list of the top five activities that interest you. If you have the time to try out all five, go for it. This will give you a bit of time to experiment and see what’s most of interest. If you don’t have time, try to narrow down your top five to three activities. Step 6: Increase Your Impact in a Few Activities Remember to not spread yourself too thin, especially if you are above freshman year. It’s more important to spend significant time in each activity than it is to have a long list of activities. Choose activities that will allow you to make a meaningful impact, either in your own development, or in the community. Extracurriculars List by Category This list is organized into categories to make finding an activity that matches your interests easier. However, we recommend at least skimming all the extracurricular options below, even if you think they're categories you're not interested in. You never know what might catch your eye! Note: not all schools will offer formal clubs in all these categories. If you see something you're interested in that your school doesn't offer, try joining a community group or even a national or online group to explore the interest further! Many of these topics are available as summer camp activities, as well. You can also consider starting a club at your school if you are looking for a way to get involved in something you are interested in while also showing leadership and initiative. Academic These activitiesare based on a certain academic subject, and include both clubs (groups to discuss and practice certain subjects) and competitive teams. Academicteams have competitions that take place at all levels, from local to national. Clubs Adopt-A-Physicist Architecture Club Astronomy Club Biology Club Chemistry Club Economics Club Electronics Club Engineering Club English Club Distributive Education Clubs of America History Club Life Sciences Club Literature Club Literary Magazine Club Math Club Mu Alpha Theta: Math Honor Society National Honor Society Peer Tutoring Poetry Club Physics Club Psychology Club Quill and Scroll Robotics Club Science National Honors Society Trivia and Quiz Clubs Web design/coding club Writing Club Academic Competitive Teams Academic Decathlon Academic Triathlon American Mathematics Competitions American Regions Math League Caribou Mathematics Competition Chemistry Olympiad Clean Tech Competition Creative Communication Poetry Contest EconChallenge Educators Rising FIRST Robotics Competition High School Innovation Challenge Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Kids Philosophy Slam Math League National Academic Quiz Tournament National French Contest National History Bee National Spelling Bee Odyssey of the Mind Poetry Out Loud Questions Unlimited Quiz Bowl Science Bowl Science Olympiad Other Trivia and Quiz Competition Teams Art These activities will allow you to express yourself artistically - on paper, through a lens, on stage, and through several other media. Unleash your creativity! Animation Anime/Manga Club Art Club Art: drawing, painting Blacksmithing Cartooning Ceramics Drama Club Fashion design Graphic Design Jewelry Making Photography Sculpture Sewing High School Theater Program Community Theater Program Video Game Development Club Weaving Woodworking Cultural and Language These activities may help you reconnect with your roots, or allow you to get a taste of the world's diversity without ever leaving home. There are many other cultural and language-related activities that you can participate in. Some of the most common ones are listed below. African American Student Alliances/Clubs American Sign Language Club Chinese Club French Club German Club International Food Club Latin Club Pacific Islanders Club Russian Club South Asian Student Society Spanish Club Student Diplomacy Corps Community These activities will allow you to get involved in your community. 4-H Community Festivals Do Something Habitat for Humanity JUNTOS Key Club Kids Helping Kids Leo Club Mountaineers Club Sisters on the Runway Government Interested in making a difference in your school, community, or on a larger scale, through policy? Try a government-related activity to see if this could be a career interest for you! Community Youth Board Student Council Student Government Community Government Leadership These activities could be a fit if you're a natural leader, skilled at motivating, directing, and inspiring others. National Beta Club Peer Leadership Group Media If you love writing and communicating, consider getting involved in a media activity to help bring news and information to your school or community. School or local magazine/journal School or local newspaper School or local radio station School or local television channel School or local web site Work on a movie Yearbook Committee Military If you are interested in learning about discipline, teamwork, and leadership, then you may be interested in a military-based extracurricular activity. Civil Air Patrol Junior ROTC Music If you want to try playing an instrument or singing, there are many opportunities to try music-related activities. These are usually available both in your school community and in your wider community. Any musical interest club School Chorus/Choir Community Chorus/Choir Church Chorus/Choir Chamber Music Group Concert Band Ensembles Singing Lessons Marching Band Jazz Band Orchestra Solo music Your own band Tri-M Music Honor Society Performance Art Love to ham it up? You'll find there are many outlets both in your school and in your community to get on a stage and make an audience laugh and cry. Comedy Club Choreography Classic Film Club Dance Film Production Club International Thespian Society Miming Puppetry Slam Poetry Club High School Theater Group Community Theater Group Religious You can usually find these groups in your community. Church groups Fellowship of Christian Athletes Jewish Student Union Missionary work Youth Groups Roleplaying/Fantasy Did you know your love of fantasy can also be an extracurricular activity? Participating in one of these groups can show a dedication to many different creative skills. The Civil War Reenactors Dungeons and Dragons Club Gamers Club LARPing (Live Action Role Playing) Renaissance Faires Social Activism These groups may have chapters in your school or in your community. If there's a cause you're passionate about, seek out the local group that supports it. Amnesty International Animal Rights Club Breast Cancer Awareness Cancer Foundation Environmental Club Fair Trade Club Gay-Straight Alliance Girls Lean International NOW – National Organization for Women SADD – Students Against Destructive Decisions Save Darfur Special Interest You will often find these groups in your school or supported by the community. If you have a special interest in something that you can't find a local group for, consider creating one or join a national group. You can communicate with other people who have the same interest online, and attend meet-ups throughout the year. Boy Scouts Chess Club Equestrian Club Entrepreneurship Club Girl Scouts Horticulture Club Model Railroads Quilt Making Speech and Political Interest If you have a knack for recognizing faulty logic and destroying opponents' arguments, try one of these clubs. Many schools will sponsor these groups and some of them are competitive on local and national levels. Debate Club Euro Challenge Foreign Affairs Club Forensics Team High School Democrats of America High School Fed Challenge Junior Statesmen of America Mock Trial Club Model Congress Club Model United Nations National Speech and Debate Association Speech Club Teenage Republicans Young Democrats of America Sports and Recreation You probably already know about the sports teams at your schools, but there are also many opportunities to participate outside of those. Try doing extramural sports, join a club league in your community, or consider coaching a youth team. Baseball and softball Basketball Bodybuilding Cheerleading Climbing Club Cycling Dance Team Fencing Football Golf Gymnastics Hiking Club Hockey Intramural Sports Lacrosse Martial Arts Ping Pong Club Quidditch Clubs Skate Board Club Skiing Soccer Swimming Tennis Track Field Ultimate Frisbee Club Volleyball Water Polo Yoga Club Technology A love of technology can take you far. If you have strong knowledge in a particular area, try sharing with the online community. The bonus of these activities is that anyone with an internet connection can do them - no need for a school-sponsored club! Blogging Personal Web Site Social Media YouTube Channel Volunteer There are a lot of ways to make a difference in your local community. Look for volunteer groups in your school, your church, or elsewhere in your neighborhood. There are many websites, such as Volunteer Match, that can help you find a local community service project that is of interest to you. Adopt-a-Highway Animal rescue Best Buddies International Church outreach Hospital volunteer International volunteer program Mentoring Red Cross Club Tutoring UNICEF High School Clubs Volunteer Fire Department Work with a local charity Work with a local soup kitchen Final Word If none of the above activities are for you, you're still in luck. Why? You can always create your own extracurricular activity! Did you know that almost any hobby can be turned into an extracurricular activity? Starting a business or a website, volunteering, or any unusual hobby can be turned into something that you can write about for college. And if it’s unique enough to not be on this list, you can be sure that it will be something new for the college admissions committee, as well! What matters most is that it’s an outlet for your passion, creativity, and leadership. So instead of thinking you don’t do anything interesting, take the opportunity to find a new passion, or to turn something you already love into an activity you can share with the world. If you have any questions or want to see something added to this list, leave a comment below. // What's Next? Now that you know what extracurriculars look like, read about how to write about extracurriculars on your college application. Did you know that you can use community service work to help pay for college? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to win community service scholarships. Want your extracurriculars to really stand out?Check out our guide of three amazing extracurricular examples that are sure to impress colleges.

Art presentation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Art presentation - Essay Example the artist’s work is the uniquely create how the interaction between the individual and the way their presence alters the overall energy of their surroundings. I am from Hong Kong, but due to studies, I have lived in several places since high school. The places are Hong Kong, Newfoundland; Canada, Seattle, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, San Diego, and Pennsylvania. These have also become my influence because of their beauty, activities, and generally how different subjects in such an environment interact to bring out the social and cultural aspects of the place. I am inspired by the power of emotion in people. As such, I like to create works that display people’s the subjects’ emotions under different circumstance. I believe that individuals can communicate a lot with emotions more than they can communicate with words. Finally, on culture, I am from Hong Kong, and the Chinese culture that I grew up in stresses the value of harmony and simplicity. Additionally, the culture also has a preference for lively colors. Thus, I integrate these ideas into my artworks to portray the beauty of objects and the natural surroundings of

Executive Remuneration Principles and practice Coursework

Executive Remuneration Principles and practice - Coursework Example There was a big financial crisis in 2007. The remuneration practices for the executives in large financial institutions and industrial firms played a large role in that crisis.1 The main slogan of these debates was "there should be a fair compensation". The meaning of this line can be implied in the following ways 2 : For gaining a big profit, the managers or the agents interest does not necessarily match with that of the shareholders.3 They run the show according to their convenience and satisfaction, even if that hurts the shareholders sentiments. This can cost the firm to lose a strategically important acquisitions offers and even a takeover decision as well. This might increase the value of the shareholders but the position of the managers will be at stake. If we look into the matter in this aspect, then a fair remuneration is that which is given as per the market condition and value. This should be decided by a healthy negotiation. The second important factor in this regard is disclosure or precisely a better transparency.4 This is also important as far as the accounting is concerned. This acts as an important monitoring tool that deals with the fairness of remuneration. This is beneficial for the company as well as the market authority and the stakeholders that help them put forward a stren uous auditing activity. The people who are in charge of remuneration decision, decide on the remuneration that may not be a fair one and also it lacks transparency. Improvement of the corporate governance policies makes the task of decision-making easier. Promoting fair regulators, negotiations and also few best practices act as boosters to this step.5 There are chances that new and improved decision steps are being added. The purpose of this is not only limited to the creation of an independent board that has an internal remuneration committee, but also to allow the shareholders to be an important part of the remuneration process.6

Use of Texting in Parent and Child Relationships Essay Example for Free

Use of Texting in Parent and Child Relationships Essay Starting in the late 1980s, The European public telephone network and the European Community and European Telecommunications Standards Institute developed the GSM, which is most similar to what we call â€Å"cell phones† today. This phone drastically changed the communications world with the ability to place international calls, send SMS texts, and even had luxuries like caller ID and voicemail, which we all take for granted now. This phone started a revolution that is still changing everyday, with newer and better phones releasing every month with the latest technology and sleek designs. Texting has its own language, customs, and ways of doing things. There are known rules when it comes to texting, which I believe makes it rhetorical. Text messaging is a new medium of expression, one that is changing the dynamic of communication rapidly, especially between parents and their children. The controversy over parental control versus a child’s freedom has now become an even more complex issue with the introduction of cell phones in the equation (Ling 119). While some believe that texting negatively effects their children because parents may not pay enough attention to their children or that texting doesn’t give children the social skills they need, on the other hand I will argue that texting gives children autonomy while giving them the ability to stay in close contact with their family and keep intimacy, if done in balance. Many argue that texting has negative consequences on the parent and child dynamic, for example that parents do not pay close enough attention to their children anymore because of texting, and that children do not know how to properly speak face-to-face with people know because they have grown used to texting. In a journal entry from the Wall Street Journal, Worthen argued that the increase use of cell phones and texting in the past decade has caused an increase in injuries among small children. Nonfatal injuries have risen 12% from 2007 to 2010, and people over 13 owning iPhones or Blackberries has increased from 9 million to 114 million from 2007 to 2012 (1). This increased use of cell phones among adults does not necessarily mean it causes injuries in children, but the lack of attention parents are now giving could be the cause of more childhood injuries. This striking statistic is something people use to argue that texting is detrimental to society. Also, in an interview on Fox, Dr. Karen Ruskin says teenagers are now having trouble communicating with people face-to-face because of the increased use of technology. However, she says that if parents balance their children’s time on the phone and their time talking to each other and talking to other people, there should be no problem with communication. Texting in the parent and child relationship depends on the balance between the time spent on the phone and the time spent with each other, and if that is in balance, texting can be beneficial for their relationship. With the new technology of texting, parents are finding it difficult to balance giving their children independence while still keeping intimacy in their relationship as they grow older. Through interviews with different parents, Jeffrey Zaslow found that the balance is about staying busy, so when you do talk it is more intimate and understanding. He also said that parents are finding that their children in their twenties are still texting their parents often, and parents are becoming afraid that their child will never grow up and leave home. However, he said this is very normal because the twenties is a time for tons of huge changes and that texting their parents is a firm and stable ground they can fall back on (2). Texting changes the dynamic families use to communicate with each other, and keeping the parental status without being distant is a new problem parents have to face. The balance between letting your child have the independence of having a cell phone, while still keeping a close relationship is a fine line, but if it is done correctly I can allow relationships to flourish. It may be difficult for parents to learn this new form of communication, but it can help parents to touch base with their children often and keep in touch when separated. Families are pulled in different directions every minute of every day, and with more and more distractions and more responsibilities as we grow older, still communicating regularly can be difficult, but with the ease and efficiency of sending a text in only a minute, communication is still possible. Texting allows families to stay close and keep personal relationships at all times. In my personal interview with my mom, she said the most difficult problem we have about staying in touch is finding time for both of us to call each other and have a conversation, in our schedules. A lot of the times I will be in class when she can talk, or she will be in a meeting when I can talk, so we have learned that it is more effective for us to text each other all day whenever our schedules allow us so we stay informed on each others lives and keep our relationship (Bostic). In another study on the dynamics of texting in the family, and how a mobile diary can be used to study family dynamics, it was found that that family members prefer texting as their mode of communication amongst one other (Rà ¶nkà ¤ 2010). This further enforces the fact that texting is beneficial to families. Texting gives you the freedom to talk whenever your schedule allows you, like when you are on the go or waiting in line. It gives you the independence to talk whenever you desire and to whomever we desire. The balance between independence and intimacy in a parent and child relationship with the factor of texting has been argued for years now, but I believe texting is beneficial and helps keep personal relationships. It gives children the independence they need from their parents to make their own decisions and form their own opinions, while still giving parents a medium to communicate and stay in close contact with their children at all times. Texting matters in society because it is affecting socialization of future generations. We are now a more fast-paced society that relies heavily on technology as a means of communication, and texting allows people from all around the globe to keep in contact and share their thoughts, feelings, ideas, and messages to people from totally different continents, countries, and cultures. Works Cited Ling, Rich. The Mobile Connection: The Cell Phone’s Impact on Society. San Francisco: Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2004. Print. Rà ¶nkà ¤, Anna. â€Å"Capturing Daily Family Dynamics Via Text Messages: Development of the Mobile Diary.† Community, Work Family 13.1 (2010): 5-21. Print. â€Å"Social Media Impact on Children.† Youtube. Fox Friends First. 12 Jun. 2012. Web. 8 Oct. 2012. Worthen, Ben. â€Å"The Perils of Texting While Parenting.† Wsj.com. Wall Street Journal, 29 Sept. 2012. Web. 12 Nov. 2012. Zaslow, Jeffrey. â€Å"’I Love My Parents’: How Close Families Balance Intimacy and Independence.† Wsj.com. Wall Street Journal, 21 Dec. 2006. Web. 6 Oct. 2012.

Terrorism - Towards An Understanding :: essays research papers fc

I am in complete disagreement with Corrado and Cohen's theory of political terrorism. I believe that political terrorism is committed by dominant, aggressive males in positions of power, acting with other dominant, aggressive males for more power, money, or status, and without regard to the spiritual nature of human kind. I believe that dividing political terrorism into state or anti state terrorism, does not get to the root cause of terrorism. To uncover the true cause of terrorism, I believe involves identifying motive and personalities of those "terrorizing". In most cases it is dominant, aggressive males who hold positions of power in either the political, economic, or military arenas, and who manipulate events to suite themselves, e.g., Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, and in more recent times, Slobodon Milosovic. Those that fight against dominance and aggression, I believe should be called revolutionaries. For example, the Irish Republican Army. The North of Ireland harboured a protestant streak of dominant, aggressive males, who in attempt to hang on to power, unleashed the horrific events of Bloody Sunday, and many other uncalled for acts of aggression. These acts where sanctioned by politicians, in both the North of Ireland and England, who acted in conjunction with both the Royal Ulster Constabulary, and the British Army. On Bloody Sunday, the British soldiers deliberately aimed and killed young men, they believed most likely to be members of the Irish Republican Army, at the peaceful, albeit illegal, demonstration. "...all the deceased where men, and nine of them were under the age of 25." It was an effort to stop what has almost come to pass. A fair assembly of politicians, who represent all layers and fabrics of the society. The event is still under review. The actions of the Irish Republican Army has eventually destroyed the positions of power that the dominant, aggressive males abused. But I do not be lieve that we should label those who fought for a better life as terrorists. People who put their lives on the line for true justice, I believe should be referred to as a Revolutionaries. We are exposed to new conflicts now, almost on a daily basis, and no two situations are ever identical. This makes the breakdown of a typology extremely difficult. The typology which defines "political terrorism", according to Corrado and Cohen, has eleven different categories, in order to encompass all of the different situations. These typologies may be useful in a security setting, but in order to get to the bottom of the problem, I believe that rather than complicating the issue with many meanings, it should instead be simplified and attributed to one of two choices.

Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” Essay

Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is a story based on the traditional beliefs and customs of the Ibo tribe. Achebe portrays a realistic view of Africans, particularly the Ibo tribe, which opposes the view that a reader may have formed after reading other works, such as Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. Although Achebe describes the fact that the tribe does not primarily consist of savages, the reader still needs to keep an open mind about the ideas that are presented. The reader may at first be appalled at some of the beliefs, but it should be brought into consideration that they are lead chiefly by traditions and customs. Many of these traditions and customs derive from their ideas on certain events, being patriarchal, and religion. The Ibo culture involves a number of celebrated events. The Week of Peace comes at the end of the relaxed season and before the harvest and planting season. This is a time where all members of this society shall live in complete peace no matter what the circumstances. If this peace is broken, it is to be called a great evil and consequently will be punished. Achebe provides a case in point, which will be discussed later in the essay. Another Ibo occasion is the Feast of the New Yam, which resembles Thanksgiving in the American culture. This feast is to honor their earth goddess, Ani, as the American holiday is celebrated to give thanks and honor our God. â€Å"Men and Women, young and old, looked forward to the New Yam Festival because it began the season of plenty-the new year†(page 36). This excerpt from the introduction of chapter five shows the significance of the occasion. Following the New Yam Festival is the popular wrestling match. This event is more of a tradition as it occurs annually on the second day of the new year. â€Å"There was no festival in all the seasons of the year which gave [Ekwefi] as much pleasure as the wrestling match†(39). This supports Achbe’s effort to express the excitement for the friendly competition. By these examples, the reader may infer that the Ibo tribe can be described as somewhat mundane, but Achebe also goes into detail about the people of the tribe. The Ibo tribe can be depicted as profoundly patriarchal. This is where the reader may begin to feel repelled as Achebe describes man as being venerated as leader and describes women as gentle, weak and obedient to their men. The  women’s job was in the house cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the children. The men’s job was out hunting, fighting, and raising difficult crops such as yam. The men were also allowed to beat their wives, who in return could not defend themselves. A prime example of this masculine dominance is the main character, Okonkwo. Okonkwo defies any sign of weakness, including the female race. The Ibo society defines a man who is weak or acts feminine as agbala, which means â€Å"woman†. â€Å"But [Okonkwo’s] wives and young children were not as strong, and so they suffered. But they dared not complain openly†(13). This quote reinforces Achebe’s idea of masculinity. Although the Ibo culture may express dominance in the male race, their power does not exceed that which is given to the many gods they worship. Religion in the Ibo culture can be illustrated as polytheistic. Their tradition has a God for every phenomenon. This society does not use kings or police to discipline its people, like many other societies, but instead they use spirits. Their highest spiritual and judicial authority is Egwugwu. There are not any written laws so the decisions on punishments rely on the gods. â€Å"Okonkwo broke the Week of Peace by beating his wife and was punished, as was the custom, by Ezeani, the priest of the earth goddess. Okonkwo was said to â€Å"have committed a great evil†(30). â€Å"The evil you have done can ruin the whole clan. The earth goddess whom you have insulted may refuse to give us her increase, and we shall all perish†(30). This shows how much the tribe respects and depends on their gods. The Ibo religion also comes with many superstitions. The largest of the superstitions is their personal chi, or Supreme Being. The chi is unique for each tribe member and allegedly determines his or her success and character. â€Å"Man could not rise beyond the destiny of his chi†(131). It would be of no value to challenge one’s chi. Other superstitions includes warning the children not to whistle on dark nights for fear of evil spirits. Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is about the specific culture of Africans, in this case the Ibo tribe. It portrays an accurate analysis for those who may have believed Africans as being savages. The Ibo society value an adherence to their cultural traditions, as do other cultures, which makes them greatly  civilized. Although some of the traditions practice may seem quite shocking to the reader, the society cannot be described as mindless or barbaric. The Ibo tribe is a very complex society with unique values and meaning. Achebe fulfills his purpose in disclaiming the stereotype of ferocious Africans.

Organizational Behavior Essay

Organizational Behavior Instructor: Rachana Misraraj December 10, 2012 Organizational Behavior Analysis Organizational Behavior is the study and application of knowledge about how people, individuals, and groups act in organizations. â€Å"Organizational behavior is a misnomer. It is not the study of how organizations behave, but rather the study of individual behavior in an organizational setting. This includes the study of how individuals behave alone, as well as how individuals behave in groups(Werthiem, 2004). † The purpose of organizational behavior is to gain a greater understanding of those factors that influence individual and group dynamics in an organizational setting so that individuals and the groups and organizations to which they belong may become more efficient and effective. The field also includes the analysis of organizational factors that may have an influence upon individual and group behavior. Much of organizational behavior research is ultimately aimed at providing human resource management professionals with the information and tools they need to select, train, and retain employees in a fashion that yields maximum benefit for the individual employee as well as for the organization. The purpose of the paper below is to analyze the organizational behavior of my current or former employer (current: Street, Water, and Sewer Department for my town), by describing how each of the components listed below influences the behavior of the organization in a negative or positive manner, and they include, the Type of culture (Pluralism, Dualism or Salad bowl? ); Modes of communication (Describe the dominant communication form used, e. g. written or verbal); Nature of authority (recognized social rank); Motivational techniques (Describe the motivational driving forces e. g. Intrinsic or extrinsic used to influence productivity and performance? ); Areas of EQ incorporated (Describe how the organization embraces the theory of emotional intelligence); and How are the components of a virtual organization embraced? (Explain how the organization embraces new paradigms such as teleworking and virtual offices? ). Grasping a complex and knowledgeable understanding on why, when, where and how, organizational behavior functions and operates, can provide great tools and skills to an individual or organization to better manage behavior and productivity within a company. I currently work for as a laborer for the Water/Sewer department for my county/town. As a member of the STREET department which is responsible for the maintenance and repair of City roads and right-of-ways; maintenance and repair of drainage located on City property; installation and maintenance of signs and roadway markings; and removal of snow and ice. The Employee’s operates, maintains and repairs various machinery, tools, and equipment. As for the water department, this position is responsible for maintenance and repair of City’s WATERLINE system. Installs any and all new additions to the existing distribution system as well as performs necessary maintenance and or repairs to any part of the water distribution system. Performs miscellaneous duties such as operating and repairing equipment, general clean up, concrete finishing, painting, etc. Uses various hand tools, power tools, heavy equipment and machinery. As a member of the WASTEWATER(Sewer)Department which is responsible for maintenance and repair of the City’s sewer line system. Employee performs necessary maintenance, repairs, and/or replacement of sewer system components. Employee uses various hand tools, power tools, heavy equipment, trucks, and machinery. Employee performs miscellaneous duties such as operating and repairing equipment, general clean up, concrete finishing, painting, etc. Good communications skills are required as this position frequently deals directly with the public. The primary hours of this position are Monday through Friday during the day; however, extended shifts and overtime on weekends, evenings, and holidays may be required. Therefore organizational behavior skills are a must. Type of culture (Pluralism, Dualism or Salad bowl? ) Culture can be defined as the cultivated behavior that is socially transmitted. It involves the accumulation of knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, experiences, religion, relations, concepts of the universe, values, meanings, roles, notions of time, relations, material possessions and objects acquired and a way of life of a group of people throughout the generations. When it comes to the type of culture on my job I would have to describe it as a pluralism type of culture. This refers to the type of culture whereby smaller groups of people within a large society tend to maintain their unique culture identities and their values, behaviors and identities are well accepted by the wider society or culture. The minor groups of people participate fully within the dominant society while still maintaining their cultural differences. It involves coexistent of different cultures in a location without the domineering of one particular culture. The human differences that exist are accepted by the majority and hence it eliminates discrimination in the form of racialism or sexism. It can also be refereed to as multiculturalism (Henry, 2011). † Within the three departments that I participate and work in, there are 5 different nationalities of workers who coincide within the organization, and they include African American, Mexican, Caucasian, Latino, and American Indian. Each and every one of these individuals, have their own way of living, eating, etc.. But when everyone clocks in in the morning, we are all one cohesive group, who knows that the main goal is to come to work, be safe, respect your fellow co-worker, get the job done in a professional manner, and most importantly be in the best interest of the tax payers and the town in general, while at the same time excepting who each individual is a person, where they come from, and their cultural differences. This influences the company in a positive manner because, it incorporates good behavior on the job, respect for the job, positive progress for the people participating at the job, and goal completion. Modes of communication (Describe the dominant communication form used, e. g. written or verbal) â€Å"Communication consists of transmitting, receiving, and processing information. In organizations, communications flow between individuals, between levels in the organizational hierarchy, between departments, and between the company and outside publics. Effective communication has often been linked to interpersonal and company success (Baak, 2012). † Communication is of high importance on any job, especially the one that I work for, due to the risks that are associated with the work and projects that we take on. Even though we may use written communication from time to time, describing what our daily goals and tasks are, verbal communication is the dominant mode of communication throughout the organization. Whether it be verbal or non verbal, both revolve around the importance of everyone, working in sync with one another and most importantly working safely around your fellow co-worker. One example is, when we are replacing larger water lines (12 inches in diameter) within a trench, which may be at a depth of 2ft to 14ft. Therefore, when a worker is in the trench digging around and locating the pipe, there must to be a competent person at the top of the trench looking for cracks or imperfections in the walls, where a potential cave in could happen, injuring or killing the person in the hole. So, verbal communication is regularly used when there is no machinery running, and you have to alarm the workers of a dangerous situation. And non-verbal communication is used, when a gas powered saw is in operation to cut a pipe, in which, the worker cannot hear you verbally, thus non verbal actions and communication are used to alarm the worker of potential danger and they are pulled out of the trench before anything catastrophic occurs. On that note, this influences the company on a postive level, because, both verbal and non-verbal communication is the dominant and vital mode of communication, that provides protection for a safe work environment. Nature of authority (recognized social rank) The nature of authority is also very important on my job because, each individual respects the fact that one should not go over the next persons head of authority, or having curiosity about a co-workers way of life without discussing it with them first. Because, there are individuals on the job who have been there 20 years, 10 years, 5 years, etc, therefore when you join a team or a group of people, you become part of that organizations social system, and you must adjust and relate to that world of work. â€Å"The variables in an organizational system operate in a working balance called social equilibrium. Individuals make a psychological contract that defines their personal relationship with the system. â€Å"When they contribute to the organization’s success, we call their behavior functional. The broad environment that people live in is their social culture, and a major change in it can lead to cultural shock. People need to accept and appreciate the value that cultural differences can contribute to the success of an organization (www. angel fire. com). † â€Å"Other important cultural factors include the work ethic and corporate attitudes toward social responsibility. Role is the pattern of action expected of a person in activities involving others. Related ideas are role perceptions mentors, role conflict, and role ambiguity. Status is the social rank of a person in a group, and it leads to status systems and possibly status anxiety. Organizational cultures reflect the assumptions and values that guide a firm. They are intangible but powerful influences on employee behavior. Participants learn about their organization’s culture through the process of socialization and influence it through individualization (www. angel fire. com). On that note, the nature of authority can be both positive and negative, because, from a negative standpoint it can be used for growth in power in domination. But from a positive standpoint, it can be sued for uplifting other coworkers, by improvising their skills, capabilities and more importantly, their motivational drive on the job. Motivational techniques (Describe the motivational driving forces e. g. Intrins ic or extrinsic used to influence productivity and performance? ) Due to the constant and unpredictable adjustments that my organization goes through, behavior can change in a instant, with each and every individual on the job. Therefore, motivational techniques are a concurrent thing, on a day to day basis. â€Å"There is no doubt that motivation is the driving force by which humans achieve their goals. Motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is driven by an interest or enjoyment in the actions required to achieve a goal, without relying on external rewards or pressures (Amin, 2011). † In my organization the motivational driving force is intrinsic, because pride is everything to a man more than anything, therefore everyone on the job feels a sense of obligation to achieve the goals presented to them to their best ability. Productivity and performance stays at an all time high and positive level, thus, whatever daily goal is presented to us, is handled with confidence and integrity. Our motivation consist of reminding ourselves that what we do, is what we enjoy to do, what we do is appreciated by the tax payers & family and most importantly we enjoy knowing that our skills and capabilities are worth the time and effort that we put forth to learn and achieve the skills and tools to complete present and future organizational objectives. Areas of EQ incorporated (Describe how the organization embraces the theory of emotional intelligence) Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to perceive, control and evaluate emotions. Some researchers suggest that emotional intelligence can be learned and strengthened, while others claim it is an inborn characteristic. And it consists of four branches that include perceiving emotions, reasoning with emotions, understanding emotions and managing emotions (Cher ry, 2012). † Based on the high demands of my job, my co-workers and myself included, may at times have high emotions about whether something on the job is not going right, and show some form of frustration without even knowing it sometimes. Therefore my our organization constantly issues EQ (emotional intelligence ), reminder courses, that helps the crews keep a stable mind set when working in dangerous areas, and if something goes wrong, we use the EQ tools to control and manage our emotions for the sake/safety of our well being the others that are around. EQ classes have been very positive for the organization over the past 5 years, and every since the integration there have been no altercations, accidents, or incidents on the job at all. A 100% success rate. How are the components of a virtual organization embraced? (Explain how the organization embraces new paradigms such as teleworking and virtual offices? ) â€Å"Traditional brick and mortar businesses may become a thing of the past. Today’s modern workplace has embraced the virtual environment. The ultimate goal of the virtual organization is to provide innovative, high-quality products or services instantaneously in response to customer demands (Hamilton, 2012). On that note, my organization has embraced the components of a virtual organization on a very positive and useful level. For example, in the Water/sewer department, we are responsible for the distribution of bills/and cut-off notices for the water use throughout the city. For decades, this task was done by hand; by hand I mean driving to each and every house in the city, knocking on the door, and handing the customer their water/sewer bill for that month. Ever since the company embraced the compo nents of a virtual organization, these tasks are now obsolete. Now we contact the customers, through email, text messaging, and voicemails. When the customer has a question about their bill, they are able to contact the office and have a videoconference with the workers in the water/sewer department, to discuss whatever problem they are having with their water/sewer bill, or their water/sewer in general. My organization has also embrace the concept of a virtual organization in the street department. When there is a down power line, streetlight, street sign, blocked up drain pipes, etc. my organization has integrated a beacon system that alerts us when any of these incidents have occurred and in what area. All we have to do is acknowledge the beacon alert, log on to our computers, locate the problem, and proceed to fix the issue at hand. Integrating the components of a virtual organization has been immensely helpful and positive to our over all daily tasks and duties. In conclusion, Organizational Behavior is the study and application of knowledg e about how people, individuals, and groups act in organizations. The purpose of organizational behavior is to gain a greater understanding of those factors that influence individual and group dynamics in an organizational setting so that individuals and the groups and organizations to which they belong may become more efficient and effective. Culture can be defined as the cultivated behavior that is socially transmitted. It involves the accumulation of knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, experiences, religion, relations, concepts of the universe, values, meanings, roles, notions of time, relations, material possessions and objects acquired and a way of life of a group of people throughout the generations. When it comes to the type of culture on my job I would have to describe it as a pluralism type of culture. Communication consists of transmitting, receiving, and processing information. In organizations, communications flow between individuals, between levels in the organizational hierarchy, between departments, and between the company and outside publics. Effective communication has often been linked to interpersonal and company success. The nature of authority is also very important on my job because, each individual respects the fact hat one should not go over the next persons head of authority, or having curiosity about a co-workers way of life without discussing it with them first. Due to the constant and unpredictable adjustments that my organization goes through, behavior can change in a instant, with each and every individual on the job. Therefore, motivational techniques are a concurrent thing, on a day to day basis. Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to perce ive, control and evaluate emotions. Some researchers suggest that emotional intelligence can be learned and strengthened, while others claim it is an inborn characteristic. And it consists of four branches that include perceiving emotions, reasoning with emotions, understanding emotions and managing emotions. Traditional brick and mortar businesses may become a thing of the past. Today’s modern workplace has embraced the virtual environment. The ultimate goal of the virtual organization is to provide innovative, high-quality products or services instantaneously in response to customer demands. All in all the purpose of the paper above, was to analyze the organizational behavior of my current or former employer (current: Street, Water, and Sewer Department for my town), by describing how each of the components listed below influences the behavior of the organization in a negative or positive manner, and they include, the Type of culture (Pluralism, Dualism or Salad bowl? ); Modes of communication (Describe the dominant communication form used, e. g. written or verbal); Nature of authority (recognized social rank); Motivational techniques (Describe the motivational driving forces e. . Intrinsic or extrinsic used to influence productivity and performance? ); Areas of EQ incorporated (Describe how the organization embraces the theory of emotional intelligence); and How are the components of a virtual organization embraced? (Explain how the organization embraces new paradigms such as teleworking and virtual offices? ). Grasping a complex and knowledgeable understanding on why, when, where and how, organizational behavior functions and operates, can provide great tools and skills to an individual or organization to better manage behavior and productivity within a company. References Amin,. (July 21, 2011). Motivate your team intrinsically or extrinsically? Retrieved on December 10, 2012 from http://blog. 7geese. com/2011/07/21/intrinsic-vs-extrinsic-motivation/ Baack, D. (2012). Organizational behavior. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc Cherry, K. (2012). What Is Emotional Intelligence? Definitions, History, and Measures of Emotional Intelligence. Retrieved on December 10, 2012 from http://psychology. about. com/od/personalitydevelopment/a/emotionalintell. htm Hamilton, D. Dr. (April 23, 2012). Today’s Organizations Embracing Virtual Business. Retrieved on December 10, 2012 from http://drdianehamilton. wordpress. com/2012/04/23/todays-organizations-embracing-virtual-business/ Henry,. (April 4, 2004). Culture Definitions and Types. Retrieved on December 10, 2012 from http://language. ezinemark. com/culture-definitions-and-types-17b25a011fd. html Wertheim, E. G. (February 22, 2004). Historical Background of Organizational Behavior. Retrieved on December 10, 2012 from http://ehcweb. ehc. edu/faculty/ljcumbo/downfiles/historyofOB. pdf http://www. angelfire. com/blues/cannonsessays/org_behavior/ORGANIZATIONAL_BEHAV

Health Promotion Pamphlet Essays

Health Promotion Pamphlet Essays Health Promotion Pamphlet Paper Health Promotion Pamphlet Paper Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). (White and Traux, 2007, p.182) It is a blood borne disease and is mostly asymptomatic (even for years in many patients). â€Å"Most people dont feel sick when they are first infected with hepatitis C. Instead, the virus stays in their liver and causes chronic liver inflammation. However, hepatitis C is a chronic illness (it does not go away.)† (Hepatitis C, familydoctor.org) Signs and Symptoms Hepatitis C is asymptomatic hence usually people are diagnosed for hepatitis C when they consult the doctor for some other illness and elevated LFT’s become the first indicators for this disease. As described above hepatitis C does not show any signs and symptoms initially, however, under chronic stages symptoms like â€Å"jaundice, fatigue, decreased appetite, dark urine, right upper quadrant pain and elevated liver function tests (LFT’s) etc†. (White and Traux, 2007, p.182) Transmission Hepatitis is blood borne disease hence â€Å"breaching the skin and infecting the bloodstream is the most common way that a person contracts the virus.† (Fabry and Narasimhan, 2006, p.16) â€Å"The transfusion of blood and blood products, as well as the transplant of organs that have not undergone viral inactivation, are all potential sources of HCV transmission.† (Epidemiology article) Use of intravenous drugs and sharing needles with potential patients of hepatitis C is also a major cause especially where drugs availability and usage is common. However, everyday practices like â€Å"sharing razors, toothbrushes, tattooing (with needles) and body piercing.† (Hepatitis C, family doctor.org) Sexual transmission of this disease is also possible. Unprotected sex with multiple partners is usually one of the reasons of hepatitis C transmission. â€Å"Mother-to-infant transmission of HCV has been observed globally, but the risk has typically been less than 5%, unless the mother is co-infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). There has been no association between HCV transmission and breast-feeding.† (Epidemiology article) Hospital acquired infection from infected medical instruments or surgical instruments and is possible in areas where sanitary and sterilization techniques are compromised (like developing and under developed countries). Long term dialysis is also a cause of hospital acquired infection. 70-80% of those infected develop chronic infection, which results in cirrhosis in about 20%, typically after a 20-30 years silent period. Prevalence [or Epidemiology] â€Å"Based on the statistics that are available, it is estimated that 3% of the world population is infected with the hepatitis C virus. Most populations in the Americas, Europe, and South-East Asia have HCV prevalence rates of fewer than 2.5%. In the Western Pacific regions and parts of South America,  prevalence rates are higher between 2.5-4.9%. In contrast, in populations in the Middle East and Africa, HCV prevalence has been shown to range from 1-12%.† (Epidemiology article)

How to Provide Needed Planning and Research for Dissertation

How to Provide Needed Planning and Research for Dissertation How to Provide Needed Planning and Research for Dissertation A dissertation is an academic task where a student is required to come up with a topic, plan and execute a project based on that topic and explain what he/she did and the findings. The most important stages to consider when preparing a dissertation include choosing a topic, coming up with research questions, planning the research for dissertation efficiently, being organized and using specified methods while conducting the study and finally reporting the research. Let us take a more in-depth look at these stages. Choosing a Topic In most cases, a minority of the students can clearly come up with research questions that enable them to address their research topic effectively. Majority of the students usually arrive here with several ideas in their mind but with no specific research question. With deadlines approaching fast, these students start panicking and becoming anxious. To ensure this does not happen, first, a student should talk to his or her friends, teachers or parents concerning the topic choice. Comments and feedback will serve as a guide but you need to make the final decision. Also, study other written materials in your field of study. Skim through other research papers in your library to find the most capturing topic. Additionally, focus on what interests you and be critical. Find out what you are skeptical about that needs to be studied further. A research study can either extend a previous study, explore an area that was not appropriately researched. Coming up with Research Questions Once your choice of topic has been accepted, start turning your topic into something meaningful. It is crucial to come up with a research problem at the beginning of your project. Doing this will keep your project on the right track. Revise your research problems as you get more information about your topic. Your research problem(s) should be focused regarding the subject, aspect and period of time. Research problems can be converted into questions to make your focus clearer. Planning Your Research Effectively A student should prepare a research proposal before preparing the project. A research proposal is a detailed document with around 2500 words describing your project and how you are going to undertake it. A proposal will help you think through your project. Next, you should create a research plan. It is wise to calculate how many days you have till the date of submission and then to draw a chart that shows what you will individually do on those days. It is essential to be realistic when planning. Being Organized and Strategic Each student is given a supervisor to help in providing ideas. Since academics are busy people, it is essential to arrange meetings with them early enough and have a subject to discuss on. Always be punctual. No one likes to be kept waiting. Undertake a literature review to gain more insight on your topic. It mainly involves reviewing materials that have been published (softcopy and hardcopy). Collect your data and record it accurately. Reporting the Research At this stage, you should start writing your research. It is important to have enough time to write and revise your project. Always communicate with your supervisor as you progress. Most researches start with an objective question. Reflect on the topics and the theories you have covered in your syllabus. Start searching for any relevant information that reflects on your chosen subject. You will notice that as you focus on your topic and read more articles, your perspective on the research will start evolving. Therefore, you should change your research content as new information comes to light. Start creating plans and milestones to be achieved for you to complete your paper on time. Schedule meetings with your supervisor and ensure that you attend all of them. You should understand your institutions’ guidelines on collecting information and compiling it. The following is a general outline of a research paper: Chapter One involves the purpose of the study and its significance. Chapter Two is the literature review. It involves compiling information related to your topic using both softcopy and hardcopy. Chapter Three involves describing your research methodology. In Chapter Four, you list and describe your conclusions in detail. Section five involves discussing your findings and areas of future research. After completing your study, submit it on time to the chair of your institution so that you can defend it before a panel and revise your corrections after that.

Information Management for Nurses Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Information Management for Nurses - Essay Example Health informatics can also be described as the way a health practitioner familiarizes himself or herself with use of technology in response to information, methodologies and data organization process when offering health services. Impact of informatics on nursing Informatics allows nurses to offer more professional and effectual care to their patients. In health institutions, nurses form the largest population of healthcare professionals (Aiken, Sochalski & Lake, 1997). They normally use information when giving health care services. Nursing practice and quality of patient health care have improved as a result of the introduction of informatics. Currently, hospitals and other healthcare organizations are employing informatics nurse specialists and consultants to assist in the planning and execution of information systems (Koch & Kralik, 2006). Nurses playing informatics roles are providing solutions to information technology solutions and medical procedures that will aim at internati onal provision of proper health care to patients (Ballard, 2006). Health service institutions, society, and governments in the civilized nations are determined deliver safe, intellectual, cheap, faultless, and opportune healthcare services. Moreover it is expected that there will be enhanced effectiveness, quality and clients’ vigorous involvement in the health care process. Informatics entails technology use in empowering citizens about the effective management of their health and wellness especially chronic diseases like diabetes and ageing (Hannah, Ball, & Edwards, 2010). Currently, nursing is focused on the use of information technology (IT). This acts as the fundamental way that effectively supports the nurses in their work setting (Hannah, Ball, & Edwards 2010). IT is of significant importance, in that it enhances proper utilization of the available resources. There is reduction in time spent in the care and filing of patient’s records which results to an increas e in the time taken when caring for clients. Organized admittance of information and facts results to safe and excellent care. Nurses are equipped with appropriate tools for data organization, provision of facts, and effective understanding (Ballard, 2006). The arrival of the Clinical Information Systems (CIS), especially the electronic records and Clinical Decisions Support (CDS) appliances allow all nurses to develop the nursing profession in various stages. IT systems facilitate the collection of distinct and proven data (Hannah, Ball, & Edwards 2010). They also indicate the work experience and spontaneous facts about the nurses which were previously recorded on paper. Furthermore, the relations accounts, culture, setting and societal issues, past incidents, views from patients and families, as well as the potential for creating a lifetime innovative appreciation and care among people are shown (Ballard, 2006). CIS is escalating its impact on nursing practice. Nursing as a profes sion is growing, with the increasing chances for full study of computerized clinical settings. There is no apparent proof demonstrating that the CIS has essentially enhanced nursing efficacy (Hannah, Ball, & Edwards, 2010). Research has shown that bedside workstation and central stations desktops yield a 24% decrease in the amount of time that the nurses use in making the records. However, basing