Subject Content Knowledge For The In Field Assessment Education Essay

In 2002, teacher abrasion rates and keeping jobs ( Ingersoll, 2002 ) compounded the issue of out-of-field instructors, increasing the strain of run intoing the demands of puting a extremely qualified instructor in every schoolroom ( NCLB, 2001 ) . In President Bush ‘s 2006 State of the Union Address he pledged to make an extra 30,000 new mathematics and scientific discipline instructors to rectify for these deficits ( Bush, 2006 ) . Interestingly, in 2009 Ingersoll concluded that the instructor deficits were no longer the taking cause of the deficiency of high quality instructors but instead it was due to permeant school staffing and direction jobs. A Teacher deficits are still a major, nevertheless ; several research surveies have found that â€Å" extremely qualified † instructor shortages has become an even greater concern ( Blank, Langesen, Laird, DeMello, 2003 ; National Academy of Sciences, 2007 ; National Center for Education Statistics, 1997 ; Ingersoll, 2002 ; Rumberger, 1987 ; U.S. Department of Education, 2009 ) . Drum sanders ( 2004 ) concluded that 57 % of in-between school pupils were taught by a instructor who had non earned adequate college credits to declare a minor country of survey in a related field ; , 48 % of in-between school physical scientific discipline pupils were taught by a instructor missing a child in a related field. More late, a survey by Schools and Trust ( 2008 ) found that teacher mis-assignments totaled 27 % of the nucleus classs in the state ‘s high-poverty schools. Mis-assignment is the assignment of a certified instructor to learn in a content country that he or she does non hol d an indorsement or major, and therefore has deficient content command. Alternatively, these instructors may be considered partly out-of field. Out-of-field assignments are still rather common. In each of the six old ages of informations aggregation, Donaldson and Johnson ( 2010 ) found that anyplace from 57 % to 74 % of math instructors, 16 % to 31 % of societal surveies instructors, and 38 % to 48 % of scientific discipline instructors lacked a major in the field they were learning. Out-of-field assignments were most prevailing in the first one or two old ages of respondents ‘ callings ( Donaldson & A ; Johnson, 2010 ) . Despite a extremely qualified position, if a instructor is mis-assigned or learning wholly out-of-field they are missing the necessary preparation and cognition needed to decently turn to the demands of the pupils. Filling the schoolroom with quality instructors remains a primary concern within the educational system. Having extremely qualified instructors with cognition and background in their content countries and strong supervising from content leaders and decision makers is critical to the success of their pupils ( Garner, 2007 ) . The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education has claimed that teacher quality represents â€Å" the parallel development of learning cognition that is specific to the content being taught, every bit good as general pedagogical cognition † ( Hattie, 2008 ) . This research survey examined the differences in instructor quality when instructors are outside their primary field of survey. This step of instructor quality represents a contemplation of a instructor ‘s capable content cognition ( SCK ) and pedagogical content cognition ( PCK ) . The two cognition spheres of each instructor were measured both in math ( in-field tonss ) and in scientific discipline ( out-of-field tonss ) . Hill, Rowan, and Ball ( 2005 ) found that instructors ‘ mathematical cognition was significantly related to student achievement additions. Furthermore, there are several surveies that indicate instructors that have a grade majoring in mathematics are strongly associated with higher pupil accomplishment in high school and in-between school ( Aaronson, Barrow, & A ; Sanders, 2007 ; Frome, Lasater, & A ; Cooney, 2005: Goldhaber & A ; Brewer, 2000: Monk, 1994 ; Wenglinsky, 2000, 2002 ) . It has besides been shown that teacher subject-area enfranchisement is systematically and strongly associated with high school and in-between school pupil accomplishment ( Cavalluzzo, 2004 ; Goldhaber & A ; Brewer, 2000 ) . Several research surveies exist, sing either teacher effectivity, teacher quality, or pupil accomplishment, each of which step in some signifier or another both pedagogical content cognition and capable content cognition of the instructors ( Hauk, Jackson, & A ; Noblet, 2010 ; Saderholm, A Ronau, Brown, & A ; Collins, 2010 ) . Similarly, in this survey the research worker measured the capable content cognition and the pedagogical content cognition of instructors as the finding step of instructor quality. Specifically, in-between school mathematics instructors ‘ capable content cognition and pedagogical content cognition in mathematics were compared to their capable content cognition and pedagogical content cognition in physical scientific discipline. In this survey 21 in-between school mathematics instructors were given the Diagnostic Teacher Assessment of Mathematics and Science ( DTAMS ) Instrument for both mathematics ( Algebraic Ideas Assessment ) and Science ( Physical Science Assessment ) . The DTAMS instrument has been shown to be both a valid and dependable study designed to mensurate Capable Content Knowledge and Pedagogical Content Knowledge in math and scientific discipline ( Brown, McGatha, & A ; Karp, 2006 ) . Both Subject Content Knowledge and Pedagogical Content Knowledge have been used to mensurate teacher effectivity and finally a step of instructor quality ( Ball, Thames, & A ; Phelps, 2008 ; Hill, Ball, & A ; Schilling ; 2008 ; Manizade, 2007 ) . Once both Subject Content Knowledge and Pedagogical Content Knowledge tonss are established they were combined to organize a step for teacher quality. This was done for both in-field tonss and out-of-field tonss. After which the instructor quality tonss for both in-field and out-of-field were straight compared to bespeak the grade to which a instructor either additions or losingss quality. This research survey addresses the inquiry: What is the difference in quality of an in-field instructor compared to an out-of-field instructor – specifically in math as the in-field and scientific discipline as the out-of-field content country? Two features that continue to come up when reexamining surveies affecting instructor effectivity are the instructors ‘ natural cognition of the capable affair and their ability to transform that cognition into an prosecuting lesson for pupils. These properties of instructor effectivity are more normally referred to as capable content cognition and pedagogical content cognition. This survey may offer a more direct comparing of a instructor ‘s ability to utilize these traits outside their primary field of survey. The results of this survey may turn out to be important to the professional development community at big. Furthermore, the consequences of this survey may congratulate an of import research undertaking, titled â€Å" Measures of Effective Teaching † ( MET ) , sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Developed by research workers at Educational Testing Service ( ETS ) and the University of Michigan, the MET is designed to mensurate non-traditional facets of cognition particular to instruction. The research worker administered both the mathematics part ( Algebraic Ideas ) and the scientific discipline part ( Physical Science ) of the DTAMS study, designed to mensurate both the pedagogical content cognition every bit good as capable content cognition, to attest in-between school mathematics instructors. The studies were so scored by the University of Louisville Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Teacher Development ( CRMSTD ) staff. The tonss from the mathematics part of the DTAMS were used as the baseline tonss and referred to as the in-field tonss. The tonss from the scientific discipline part of the DTAMS were referred to as the out-of-field tonss. The grade to which the in-field tonss differ from the out-of-field tonss indicated the expected alteration in a instructor ‘s cognition domains when learning outside her primary field of survey. One of the primary restrictions of this survey stemmed from the size of the population. The appraisal in this survey was based on self-reported responses ; nevertheless, it is expected that since the participants are professionals their responses were echt. The population size is restricted for two grounds. First, each participant was expected to finish two studies that took about one hr each. This was a clip devouring undertaking, and it was hard to happen adequate in-between school math instructors that were willing to take part. Second, each study cost the research worker 10 dollars to be evaluated by the trained scorers from The University of Louisville Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Teacher Development. It should be noted that the participants were purely voluntary and were non compensated. Using trained scorers was necessary to guarantee the cogency and dependability of the studies.Problem BackgroundIt was reported that in 2000, 23 % of public in-between school pupils and 10 % of public high school pupils received their instruction in mathematics by instructors without a major or enfranchisement in math instruction. These Numberss are somewhat greater when looking at private schools ( Seastrom, Gruber, Henke, McGrath, & A ; Cohen, 2002 ) . Donaldson and Johnson ( 2010 ) found the Numberss to be more disturbing. With six old ages of informations aggregation, Donaldson and Johnson found that anyplace from 57 % to 74 % of math instructors, 16 % to 31 % of societal surveies instructors, and 38 % to 48 % of scientific discipline instructors lacked a major in the field they were learning. With new statistical and analytical methods used by a broad scope of research workers, grounds has been mounting that teacher quality can account for a big portion of discrepancy in student trial tonss ( Boyd, Lankford, Loeb, Rockoff, & A ; Wyckoff, 2008 ; Ferguson, 1991 ; Hanushek, 1996 ; Hanushek, Kain, & A ; Rivkin, 2009 ; Rockoff, 2004 ) . Quality instructors are indispensable to the success of any school plan. The two most of import properties of a quality instructor is their capable content cognition and their pedagogical content cognition ( Even, 1993 ; Hill, Rowan, & A ; Ball, 2005 ; Ma, 1999 ; RAND, 2003 ) . Teachers who have met the demanding criterions of National Board Certification and those who have generated higher â€Å" value-added † pupil accomplishment additions are far less likely to learn economically disadvantaged and minority pupils ( Cavalluzzo, 2004 ; Goldhaber & A ; Anthony, 2004 ; Humphrey, Koppich, & A ; Hough, 2005 ; Sanders & A ; Rivers, 1996 ) . As a consequence, high-poverty schools are more likely to be beset with learning vacancies in math and particular instruction, and much more likely to staff schoolrooms with out-of-field, inexperient and less-prepared instructors. ( Ingersoll, 2002 ; Mayer, Mullens, & A ; Moore, 2002 ; Strizek, Pittsonberger, Riordan, Lyter, & A ; Orlofsky, 2006 ) . The pattern of engaging instructors to learn topics that they are non qualified for is good documented and a serious hurt to the territories, the instructors and most significantly the success of the pupils. This is particularly true in high minority and high poorness countries. The dearth in the literature occurs when trying to quantify the grade to which an out-of-field instructor differs in abilities and strengths to instructors that remain within their primary field of survey. A few more recent surveies have shown that a decently certified instructor who is learning in their specific field of survey contributes greatly to the success of their pupils. Out-of-field instructors are significantly less successful in increasing pupil accomplishment ( Board of Regents, 2008 ) . Research has besides systematically and clearly pointed out that effectual instruction is a extremely important factor impacting pupil accomplishment ( Babu & A ; Mendro, 2003 ; Hanushek, Kain, & A ; Rivkin, 2009 ) . Furthermore when it comes to effectual instruction, research has found that teacher experience and capable content cognition has systematically shown important impact on pupil accomplishment ( Gordon, Kane, & A ; Staiger, 2006 ; A Rice, 2003 ; Hanushek, Kain, & A ; Rivkin, 2009 ; Rockoff, May 2004 ) . Effective instruction implies instructors have well-developed pedagogical content cognition, yet this cognition develops over clip ( Ball, Lubienski, & A ; Mewborn, 2001 ; Grossm an, 1990 ) . A turning figure of research surveies are trying to flesh out a relationship between capable content cognition and pedagogical content cognition ( Ball, 1990 ; Ball, Hill & A ; Schilling, 2004 ; Ball, Thames, & A ; Phelps, 2008 ; Hill, Ball, & A ; Schilling, 2008 ; Ma, 1999 ; Manizade, 2007 ; Shulman, 1986 ; Thornton, 2004 ; Wilson, Shulman & A ; Richert, 1987 ) . Shin, Koehler, Mishra, Schmidt, Baran, and Thompson ( 2009 ) demonstrated thatA the degree of pedagogical content cognition of a instructor contributes significantly toward effectual instruction and pupil public presentation. Furthermore, there have been an increased figure of research surveies trying to operationalize the step of instructor ‘s pedagogical content cognition by manner of a paper pencil system or online study ( Ball, 2003 ; Kromrey & A ; Renfrow, 1991 ; Shin et al. , 2009 ) . Saderholm, A Ronau, Brown, and Collins ( 2010 ) have late contributed to the hunt for instructor quality by formalizing the Diagnostic Teacher Assessment in Mathematics and Science ( DTAMS ) mathematics appraisals for middle-school instructors. The dependability and cogency of the DTAMS appraisals were ab initio established by using adept inquiry composing squads and referees every bit good as reexamining national criterions for content.A DTAMS measures both capable content cognition and pedagogical content cognition in several math and scientific discipline subjects. These subjects are straight related to teacher quality and pupil accomplishment. There were two distinguishable ( DTAMS ) appraisals that were utilized in this survey. The in-field ( mathematics ) DTAMS Algebraic Ideas appraisal measuredA memorized cognition, conceptual apprehension, higher-order thought, and pedagogical content cognition. The out-of-field ( scientific discipline ) Physical Science appraisal measured declaratory cognition, scientific enquiry and processs, conventional cognition, pedagogical content cognition, and scientific discipline, engineering, and society cognition ( Brown, McGatha, & A ; Karp, 2006 ) .Purpose of the StudyThis survey was designed to mensurate the alteration in a instructor ‘s capable and pedagogical properties if they were to learn outside of her field of survey. By understanding the grade to which a instructor ‘s cognition spheres change when learning merely outside of their primary field of survey, pedagogues and decision makers would hold a more clear apprehension as to the effects an out-of-field instructor m ay hold on his or her pupils. More specifically, this survey focused in on two closely related Fieldss, mathematics and physical scientific discipline. This offers an exceeding penetration as to the alone differences in both capable content and pedagogical content cognition that an out-of-field instructor would hold in the instruction of pupils. These differences could function as a pace stick for disposal and policy shapers as they consider the issue of engaging out-of-field instructors and ultimate success or failure of their pupils and schools. It has been good established that non merely is the quality of the instructor the individual most of import schooling factor foretelling pupil results ( Ferguson 1998 ; Goldhaber 2002 ; Goldhaber, 1999 ; Hanushek, 1999 ) , but that â€Å" the quality of a instructor can do the difference of a full twelvemonth ‘s acquisition growing † ( Hanushek, 1992, p.8 ) . Furthermore, many research workers and pedagogues agree that a combination of both capable content cognition and pedagogical content cognition are the primary properties of a quality instructor ( Ball & A ; Bass, 2000 ; Ma, 1999 ; Rowland, Martyn, Barber & A ; Heal, 2000 ; Shulman 1986, 1987, 1996 ) .Research QuestionsThis research is designed to reply several inquiries. First, how much capable content cognition is gained or lost when a in-between school mathematics teacher Teachs outside his/her field in physical scientific discipline? H1: In-between school instructors certified to learn mathematics will demo a lessening in capable content cognition when they teach outside of their field, physical scientific discipline. H1a: In-between school instructors certified to learn mathematics will demo no important alteration in capable content cognition when they teach outside of their field, physical scientific discipline. H1b: In-between school instructors certified to learn mathematics will demo an addition in capable content cognition when they teach outside of their field, physical scientific discipline. The other of import yet distinguishable cognition sphere that must be considered is the pedagogical content cognition of the instructor. This was done by replying the inquiry, how much pedagogical content cognition is gained or lost when a in-between school mathematics teacher Teachs outside his/her field in physical scientific discipline? H2: In-between school instructors certified to learn mathematics will demo a lessening in pedagogical content cognition when they teach outside of their field, physical scientific discipline. H2a: In-between school instructors certified to learn mathematics will demo no important alteration in pedagogical content cognition when they teach outside of their field, physical scientific discipline. H2b: In-between school instructors certified to learn mathematics will demo an addition in pedagogical content cognition when they teach outside of their field, physical scientific discipline. Finally, the last set of inquiries combines the measurings for both topic and pedagogical content cognition to find an overall consequence on instructor quality. By sing both cognition domains as equal subscribers to the overall step of a teacher quality we can find the general consequence ( addition or lessening ) that in-between school mathematics instructors who teach outside of the field ( physical scientific discipline ) may see. What is the overall consequence on instructor quality when a in-between school mathematics teacher Teachs outside his/her field in physical scientific discipline? H3: The overall quality of in-between school instructors certified to learn mathematics will diminish when they teach outside of their field, physical scientific discipline. H3a: The overall quality of in-between school instructors certified to learn mathematics will demo no important alteration when they teach outside of their field, physical scientific discipline. H3b: The overall quality of in-between school instructors certified to learn mathematics will increase when they teach outside of their field, physical scientific discipline.Restrictions and Boundary linesThe population used in this survey was its primary restriction. The sample of participants included 21 instructors that were certified to learn in-between school mathematics in Illinois. The research worker administered both the Algebraic Ideas Survey ( DTAMS ) and the Physical Science Survey ( DTAMS ) . Each study took approximately 60 proceedingss to finish. A committedness of two hours of the participants ‘ clip was a big petition ; this limited the figure of participants willing to react to this survey. The studies were so sent to the University of Louisville Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Teacher Development ( CRMSTD ) for analysis by the research worker of this survey. The analysis included a comparing of both capable content cognition and pedagogical con tent cognition of the instructors for both in-field ( mathematics ) and out-of-field ( physical scientific discipline ) . The consequences of this comparing addressed straight the research inquiries found in this survey. Distinct advantages and disadvantages occur that are declarative of a descriptive research design. This survey specifically targets the relationship between in-field tonss and out-of-field tonss doing a correlational analysis an appropriate foundation. A correlational analysis lent itself of course in seeking relationships between capable content cognition, pedagogical content cognition and among the related demographics. However, no affair how important the correlativity, causing can non be inferred due to possible influence of unbridled immaterial variables. Several statistical methods were implemented so as to counter the influence certain specific variables may hold on the consequences of this survey. These variables include age, experience, educational history, and socio-economic work environment. Finally, it is of import to observe that respondents were non given the chance for elucidation of study inquiries nor did they have an chance to explicate their reading of the inquiry. Misconstrued inquiries frequently times led to an inappropriate response when in fact the participant may really good hold a clear and strong apprehension of the topic or variable features being measured.Definition of FootingsIn this research survey, it is peculiarly of import to explicitly specify any cardinal footings. In the undermentioned subdivision the primary key footings are defined.Capable Content Knowledge for the Out-of-Field AssessmentDeclarative Knowledge: A This cognition is entirely based on facts and definitions. Teachers with this cognition have the accomplishments to execute rote algorithmic undertakings that are indispensable to work outing jobs. The ability to remember facts, regulations, scientific Torahs and definitions is a important constituent in instruction ( Brown, McGatha, & A ; Karp, 2006 ) . Scientific Inquiry and Procedures: A Scientific processs and attacks represent the cognition type that allows for the ability to acknowledge the elements of scientific enquiry such as placing inquiries for scientific enquiry, design and behavior scientific probes and experiments, use appropriate informations aggregation and analysis techniques, the ability to believe critically about the informations and to do logical decisions and accounts ( Brown, McGatha, & A ; Karp, 2006 ) . Conventional Knowledge: A Schematic cognition represents a more in-depth apprehension of the nature of scientific constructs, rules and related phenomenon. Teachers with this cognition can efficaciously compare and contrast assorted scientific belongingss and features and can explicate bounds and the development of current scientific cognition ( Brown, McGatha, & A ; Karp, 2006 ) . Science, Technology, and Society Knowledge ( STS ) : This cognition allows instructors to bridge the spread between the scientific community and its influences on society as a whole. Teachers were able to show a thorough apprehension of the function that human demands play in the development and application of scientific discipline every bit good as a historical and planetary position of how scientific finds have impacted society. It is the nature by which scientific discipline, engineering, society, and current environments interact and germinate as a individual entity ( Brown, McGatha, & A ; Karp, 2006 ) .Capable Content Knowledge for the In-Field AssessmentMemorized Cognition: This is most closely related to the antecedently mentioned declaratory cognition in the old appraisal. This is cognition that is based upon using the accomplishments and algorithms necessary for accurate calculation. This is non conceptual by nature nor is it a step of job work outing abilities. Teachers wit h this cognition can execute calculations affecting assorted algorithms, definitions, and a remembrance of facts ( DTAMS, 2006 ) . Conceptual Understanding: This cognition corresponds most closely to Schematic Knowledge for the scientific discipline appraisal, wherein it represents the knowing and understanding why. Teachers with this cognition have the ability to do connexions between mathematical subjects and to see the general relationship that unambiguously binds these subjects into cosmopolitan constructs ( Brown, McGatha, & A ; Karp, 2006 ) . Problem Solving and Reasoning: This cognition represents the tactical cognition needed to infer what is of import mathematical information in non-standard math jobs, and cognize how and why one can use different mathematical attacks to happen solutions to an array of applications ( Brown, McGatha, & A ; Karp, 2006 ) .Pedagogical Content KnowledgePedagogical Content Knowledge: Lee Shulman coined the phrase â€Å" pedagogical content cognition † in 1985 and possibly specify it best in his ain words ( Shulman, 1987, p. 13 ) : [ Pedagogical Content Knowledge is the ability to ] elucidate capable affair in new ways, reorganize and divider it, clothe it in activities and emotions, in metaphors and exercisings, and in illustrations and presentations, so that it can be grasped by pupils. Additionally, pedagogical content cognition â€Å" represents a category of cognition that is cardinal to instructors ‘ work and that would non typically be held by non-teaching capable affair experts or by instructors who know little of that topic † ( Marks, 1990, p. 9 ) . For this survey the term Pedagogical Content Knowledge most closely reflected the following definition from the Diagnostic Teacher Assessment in Mathematics and Science: This cognition represents strategic cognition for mathematics teaching- † cognizing when, where, and how to outdo Teach mathematics † ( Brown, McGatha, & A ; Karp, 2006, p. 1 ) . Once once more these appraisals concentrated on the usage of pedagogical content cognition in the rectification of pupil misconceptions about mathematics. Teachers with this cognition can fulfill two standards: acknowledge the pupils ‘ misconceptions, and depict the most effectual ways to learn peculiar mathematical constructs utilizing the most powerful analogies, illustrations, illustrations, accounts, experiments, and presentations.Middle School TeachersFor the intents of this survey in-between school instructor is defined as any instructor certified to learn 6th, 7th, and 8th class.Significance of the StudyTeachers in h igh poorness, high minority schools are more likely to be less experient, less educated, learning on exigency licenses or releases, and learning topics for which they are non qualified ( Carroll, Reichardt & A ; Guarino, 2000 ; Darling-Hammond, 2002 ; Goe, 2002 ; Hanushek, Kain, O'Brien, & A ; Rivkin, 2005 ; Ingersoll, 2002 ; Lankford, Loeb, & A ; Wyckoff, 2002 ; Marvel, Lyter, Peltola, Strizek, & A ; Morton, 2007 ; Peske & A ; Haycock, 2006 ; Scafidi, Sjoquist, & A ; Stinebrickner, 2007 ; Useem & A ; Farly, 2004 ) . Mathematicss and scientific discipline, in peculiar, are typically targeted as Fieldss most enduring from deficits ( Grissmer & A ; Kirby, 1992, 1997 ; Liu & A ; Ramsey, 2008 ; Murnane et al. , 1991 ; National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching, 2000 ; Weiss & A ; Boyd, 1990 ) . In fact, legion high-profile studies from organisations including the National Academy of Sciences ( 2006 ) , the National Research Council ( 2002 ) , and the US Department of Educat ion ( 2002 ) have straight tied mathematics and scientific discipline instructor deficits to the quality of educational public presentation and, in bend, to the future wellbeing of the economic system and the security of the state. Although many in-between school decision makers may experience it necessary to use instructors in countries for which they are under-qualified, this survey may bespeak the hazards to student accomplishment based on an out-of-field policy. Research has systematically pointed to effectual instruction as the most important factor impacting pupil accomplishment ( Babu & A ; Mendro, 2003 ; Manizade, 2007 ; Rivkin, Hanushek, & A ; Kain, 2005 ) . This survey is important to foster the apprehension of the benefits and/or hazards of utilizing out-of-field instructors in a in-between school scientific discipline category. Repeating the educational demand for quality instructors, the research community including the Research and Development ( RAND ) Mathematics Study Panel of 2003 had called for increasing criterions for teacher readying plans ( RAND, 2003 ) . This survey would offer some penetration as to the direct and distinguishable difference in instructor quality when sing a arrangement of an out-of-field instructor into a schoolroom that they are non to the full prepared to learn.DecisionAdditions in pupil accomplishment are, more frequently than non, accredited to the quality of the instructor. Loopholes in the hiring patterns of quality instructors have led to an addition in out-of-field instructors in the schoolroom. In chapter 1 it was stated that research workers normally view teacher quality as a combination of both capable content cognition and pedagogical content cognition. The intent of this research was to mensurate the difference in teacher quality between in-field and out-of-field instructors. The consequences of this survey are important in that it contributes to the broader apprehension of how out-of-field instructor impact instruction. Chapter one is an overview of the research that was performed ; an debut to the background of the job, intent of the survey, research inquiries with hypotheses, definition of cardinal footings, restrictions of the survey, and the importance of the survey. In the undermentioned chapters, there is a reappraisal of the relevant research related to this survey, an account of the methods employed, informations analysis with an account of the consequences, and a treatment of how the consequences could be applied.

Starbuck’s: Delivering Customer Service

Starbucks: Delivering Customer Service Christine Day, Starbuck’s senior vice president of administration in North America, believes recent market research indicates customers are not satisfied with Starbuck’s customer service. To address this concern, she is proposing to invest $40 million to increase store hours in order to reduce customer wait times. Day believes there is a direct correlation between customer wait times and their overall satisfaction with service. Starbucks has implemented a â€Å"secret shopper† program in order to spot check stores on their service, cleanliness, product quality and average wait times.The goal for average customer wait time is 3 minutes. The secret shopper scores for the past 5 quarters have shown a negative correlation between customer service and average wait time (exhibit 1). As average customer wait time decreases, the average secret shopper scores increase. In response, Day feels that adding an additional 20 hours to each of the 4500 North American Stores will reduce the customer’s wait time and in turn, increase their overall customer satisfaction scores. Day’s plan will have the largest impact on the following three major stakeholders: shareholders, employees/partners and customers.Starbuck’s shareholders are primarily interested in the plan’s impact on retained earnings and long term growth. Investing an additional $40 million dollars will reduce the shareholder’s short term earnings. Investors who were looking forward to larger dividend checks would be disappointed, but investors who were interested in the long term growth of their portfolio may support Day’s plan if she could show how this investment would positively impact customer’s loyalty and improve the company’s future profit potential. Assuming the partners were looking for additional hours, this plan would be viewed favorably by store baristas and employees.During peak periods of b usiness, they would have another employee to help share the workload and it could reduce the stress of â€Å"rush hour† on each individual partner. The popularity of this plan would be different depending on each store’s location, layout and manning. Stores with insufficient work flows could create or enlarge bottlenecks and the additional manpower may actually increase wait times. On the other hand, stores who have a hard time recruiting employees may not want to burden their existing overworked employees with an additional increase in hours.In some stores, partners would prefer to reduce the quantity and complexity of available drinks instead of increasing available hours. Starbucks is known for innovative and seasonal drinks and over the years, the knowledge requirement for baristas has dramatically increased. Baristas are constantly challenged to learn more complex drinks and still perform to the 3 minute metric. Reducing the number of drinks offered may be an appr opriate solution if there is evidence to show that there are a number of very unpopular drinks, but we do not have any current sales or market data to support those decisions.Additional research needs to be performed in order to assess this option. Customers visit Starbucks for a variety of reasons and those who value short wait times may approve of the new manning plan if indeed it results in shorter wait times. Customers who visit Starbucks for the quality of their coffee or the inviting environment may not increase the frequency of their visits because of a shorter wait time. Customers who value the intimacy and personal attention their local Starbucks provides may actually disapprove of the plan to increase manning if it interrupts their established relationship with their trusty barista.In 2002, Starbucks surveyed their customers to find out what store qualities they attribute to customer satisfaction. The top 6 of these responses referred to the actual store, relationship with the staff and product quality. Wait time was ranked 7th on the list (exhibit 2). This survey suggests that investing $40 million to decrease the wait time might not have the desired impact on customer satisfaction. There is an inherent issue with self reported customer surveys that may have influenced these findings. Customers may not realize what influences their opinions and what constitutes good customer service.What they think they value and what they actually use to make purchasing decisions may be different. In addition, each customer will have their own bias when rating customer service because they all value different experiences and relationships with their local Starbucks. If you look at the secret shopper findings and the self reported customer service surveys jointly, you could devise that customers may give higher cleanliness, service and product quality scores if their wait time is shorter regardless of the store’s actual level of cleanliness, service and produ ct quality.The shorter wait time may have influenced the customer’s opinion on the other store attributes. Another measure of customer service besides secret shoppers and customer surveys is the number of repeat customers. Customers vote with their feet and if they continue to patron Starbuck’s stores, they are voting that they are satisfied customers. In exhibit 8 of the Starbucks case, it is reported that in 2002, 73% of Starbucks customers have been visiting Starbucks for over a year. Only 23% of customers were new that year. This report suggests Starbucks has done a good job at reducing customer churn and they are already satisfying their customers.A common error when trying to measure and improve customer satisfaction is using quantitative metrics. Customer service is a qualitative experience that is very subjective for each individual. Trying to influence someone’s overall customer satisfaction by improving only one quantitative metric may not give you the intended impact to your overall customer satisfaction scores. Day needs to understand the limitations with her single metric plan and realize that she needs to address all aspects of customer service for an overall improvement.In order to understand the variety and complexity of the issues impacting their 4500 stores, Day needs to engage the store managers to fully understand what each store needs to improve customer service. Increasing available hours may help some stores while others may need new equipment or a re-designed work space. Day’s plan to uniformly increase labor hours over-simplifies the potential needs of the individual stores. Empowering the managers would encourage individual ownership and commitment. The manager’s guidance would ensure Day allocated the $40 million most ffectively to not only reduce customer wait times but to increase overall customer service. During this process, Day may find out managers are frustrated with Starbuck’s aggress ive growth. In metropolitan areas, growth has led to cannibalization of customers which undermines the manager’s efforts to increase customer loyalty. Quality customer service is an individual experience that requires a personal interaction between customers and employees. It is more difficult to create a lasting experience and relationship if customers are constantly changing from store to store.Manager’s will lose their motivation to encourage these relationships if they feel another Starbucks will open nearby and steal away the loyal customer base they have worked to create. Starbuck’s value proposition to their customers concentrate on three goals: quality coffee, excellent service and an inviting atmosphere. These three attributes are focused on building customer loyalty. Starbuck’s loyal customers (8 or more visits a month) account for 62% of their revenue. This group of established customers value high quality coffee and Starbuck’s meets thi s need through mass customization.Starbucks gives customers the ability to specialize their drinks to fit their individual tastes in order to create customer loyalty. This evidence suggests that Starbucks needs to continue to allow for individual drink customization in order to increase customer loyalty even though it may increase their average wait time above their three minute goal. Loyal customers are their largest source of revenue and if their perceived value is centered on quality coffee, they would not want to risk losing this source of steady revenue.Starbucks lacks a strategic marketing group who is responsible for managing their overall marketing plans, promotions and research. Marketing was internally viewed as the responsibility of all senior executives, but as their corporation continued to rapidly grow, the executives could not keep up with their primary responsibilities and effectively contribute to the strategic marketing plan. As a result, Day states â€Å"Weâ€⠄¢ve been operating with the assumption that we do customer service well. But the reality is we’ve started to lose sight of the consumer. In addition, Day admits â€Å"we tend to be great at measuring things, at collecting market data, but we are not very disciplined when it comes to using this data to drive decision making. † Both of these statements validate the concern that Starbucks needs to hire a senior executive who will make marketing their chief responsibility. They need a central department who will integrate their market research with top level decision making, and manage promotions, such as frequency programs, so they are using their resources in the most effective way to increase customer loyalty.The marketing department should not only collect data from their own customers, but they should consider hiring a marketing firm in order to ensure they are collecting unbiased information about themselves and their competitors. Using research on their competitors will allow Starbucks to have a more comprehensive view on their industry and growing trends or concerns from their available customer base. This will also give them the information they need in order to attract new customers from other competitors.Day’s preliminary research shows more resources need to be given to accurately capture their customer’s interests to ensure they are meeting high standards of customer service to create and keep loyal customers. Her original plan to invest $40 million to increase labor hours is not the most effective use of resources because each individual store’s needs are unknown. Quality customer service cannot be achieved by concentrating on a single quantitative metric. Customer service is a personal, qualitative experience only the individual store managers can gauge and deliver.Day needs to work with store managers and a marketing department to formulate a more comprehensive plan to measure and improve customer service. EXHIBI T 1 The AVG line is the average of the secret shopper scores for Service, Cleanliness and Product Quality. The compiled average increases as the average customer wait time decreases. EXHIBIT 2 These are the top 7 attributes grouped by category reported in Starbuck’s 2002 self-reported customer survey. Store Attributes, relationship with staff, product quality were all reported to have a higher impact on customer satisfaction than wait time.

ASDA Employee Motivation Research

ASDA Employee Motivation Research Research Project â€Å"To determine some vital roles of leadership in   improving the sense of motivation in employees in   the retail organisations of UK- A study on ASDA†. Task 1 Understand how to formulate a research specification Part 1: You have to create a research proposal in a subject of your interest. In doing this, you have to formulate and record possible research project outline specifications (AC1.1); Identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection ( AC1.2); Undertake a critical review of key references (AC 1.3) ;Produce a research project specification (AC1.4). Introduction Business organisations are an integral part of nation’s economy in today’s globalised set of environment where all industrial sectors are largely concerned about a timely achievement of their stipulated goals and objectives. In context to which, they are hereby required to operate with a strategic arrangement of their action plans to duly accomplish their stipulated targets on time. It is with reference to yet another prime concept of realism in today’s set of business where an establishment is comprised of two vital set of bodies entitled as employees and employers (Alfalfa-Luque, Marin-Garcia and Medina-Lopez, 2015 ). Wherein, the employees are direct in charge of their respective set of employers where they are with a through accountability of guiding them. This in turn has breakdown the preceding role of employers where they are mainly positioned at two vital profiles of leaders and managers in the organisation. Both these parties are required to perform a similar set of responsibility by thoroughly guiding their respective set of employees and generate a prior sense of encouragement in them. It is mainly with respect to carry out there assigned tasks on time for an eventual achievement of their organisational goals and objectives. In order to achieve this research, I will start by: To analyse the fact ual concept of leadership in retail organisations of UK To discover the adopted tools of motivation in ASDA To identify the relationship between the tact of leadership and motivation in ASDA To recommend some principle strategies to enhance the motivation level of employees with some profound tactics of leadership Background of the study The present survey is based upon a configured purpose of exploring the function of leadership to enhance the sense of motivation in the deputed employees of retail organisations in UK. For which, a renowned retail enterprise named ASDA has been taken into consideration for it where it is a subsidiary supermarket of Wal-Mart as its parent company ( Cadden, Marshall and Cao, 2013 ). With a foundation year of near about 68 years, it is currently headquartered at Leeds that is in the West Yorkshire of England. It is evident to deal into grocery products along with general merchandise commodities and fiscal services as well. As per a recent tran scription of the year 2016, ASDA is depicted to be extended in around 630 distinct locations at a global level. Herein, it is also ascertained to employ total 180, 000 number of workers to operate at its widespread locations. The current study has hereby focussed to interpret the adopted procedures of ASDA to motivate their deputed set of employees by aligning it to their applied tact of leadership at the workplace. Leaders in ASDA are evident to play a crucial role in handling the work of their respective set of teams ( Kim and Brymer, 2011 ).

Forgotten Wars; Operation Blue Star Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Forgotten Wars; Operation Blue Star - Essay Example Large scale protests by the Sikh community all over the world followed. On 31st October 1984, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India was assassinated by her own Sikh bodyguards. Frenzied mobs attacked the Sikh Community in Delhi and some other northern states and more than 8000 Sikhs lost their lives. The operation blue star and the Sikh massacre following Mrs. Indira Gandhi’s assassination have left indelible scars on the psych of the Sikh community. Though the incidents are fresh in the Sikh minds they are totally forgotten by the authorities who are responsible for punishing the culprits and upholding justice. The Sikhs are left to wonder whether are part of India at all. Altogether, the event ‘Operation Blue Star’ has been overlooked or under-studied within war studies. It is relevant to trace the historical background of the Sikh race, their struggles and the events leading up to their current plight. History has not been kind to the Sikh community. They always had to fight for their survival. In 17th and 18th centuries they had to fight many wars, mostly with the Moghul army. According a website data, more than 20,000 Sikhs were massacred by Afghan invader, Ahmed Shah’s soldiers on 5th of February 1762. Sikhs call this incident ‘Wadda Ghalughara’, which means ‘the great holocaust’ (All About Sikhs). Their ten Gurus guided them and led them in theses wars. The Sikhs have always been enthralled by the sacrifice, courage valour and dignity of their Gurus. During the years 1845 to 1846, the British troops defeated the Sikh army and took control of the state. The British rightly judged that the Sikh were like wounded lions and would not take it lying low. So they adopted a strategy of pacification. They allowed the Sikhs to practice their religion freely. They recruited Sikhs into the British army allowing them to retain all the

H.W Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

H.W - Essay Example The view incorporating God and man forms the basis of all Lockean theories. John Locke’s major justification of property rights emphasizes effort or labor. In the initial portion of his treatise on property he uses the concept labor to anchor his arguments. However, by the end it is obvious that Locke supports the unrestricted accretion of wealth. The major flaw in Locke’s approach to labor is that in the real world, some people may inherit property, thus being born to ownership and property – the concept of the ‘fruits of labor’ does not arise here. On the other hand, others, often the majority of the population in most societies, may be born into the working class. The inheritor of property often not only owns the property, but also the labor of the worker, as well as the product produced by the worker. Another valid criticism of Locke’s theory concerns his ‘sufficiency’ proviso, wherehe states that individuals can own property only if there is enough to go around. What happens when, as in the world today with its burgeoning population, there are not enough resources to meet even basic needs and there are huge disparities between the haves and have-nots? Next, Locke seems to imply that only those who work can own property – what of people who are physically or mentally handicapped? Finally. Locke also propagates the idea that those who arrive first to make use of unowned land have not just rights over the land, but also the right to bestow ownership of that land to their children. This concept only serves to perpetuate a class structure and emphasize distinctions between those classes. John Lockes theories, and in particular his theory of property rights, must be appreciated in the context of the thinker’s political affiliations. Part of his effort was to justify English colonialist policies as he was

The Strategic Management of Healthcare Organizations Assignment

The Strategic Management of Healthcare Organizations - Assignment Example The researcher states that Pitney Bowes believed that when the employees are healthy, there will be less time spent outside work when the employee is out there looking for health care or attending to doctor appointments. Because of this realization, it decided to increase the number of funds that are allocated for the employee healthcare management with the aim of reducing the overall overhead cost that is incurred when the employee is away from work due to health issues. At Pitney Bowes, the employee health management strategy is basically made up of four components. The first component is the heavy investment in the employee health management staff. The firm has spent a fortune in the employee management staff. The second component is the use of data to shapes its plan, benefits, and programs. The organization relies on healthcare data to be able to come up with plans, benefits, and programs which will effectively serve the intended purpose. The third component is the focus on prev entive care. Preventing the health-related issues is cheaper than curing the conditions. The firm strives to prevent the conditions before they occur. The fourth and final component of this strategy is offering choices and flexibility. This has gone a long way in ensuring the intended goals of the plans are achieved. The management at Pitney Bowes has taken an aggressive approach when it comes to health management. The main objective has been the reduction of cost while at the same time improving outcomes. Data over the years appears to show the effectiveness of the strategy that has been used by this firm. It has enabled them to reduce the cost associated with treating employees and also eliminating expenses that are incurred due to absenteeism from work. This has therefore positively added value to the firm. As indicated earlier, the health plan selection and plan design are based on four main components which are heavy investment in staff, focus on preventive care, use of data to influence design and flexibility. Pitney Bowes believes that the upfront investment in the analysis of the plan design is much more offset by the overall healthcare cost. It utilizes large health employee management staff coupled with a data-driven approach to effectively offering the required and effective health management, design plan.

WRITE ON OAU ORGANAISATION OF AFRICAN UNITY PROVIDING A SUMMARRY OF Essay

WRITE ON OAU ORGANAISATION OF AFRICAN UNITY PROVIDING A SUMMARRY OF THE MAIN RATIONALE,PURPOSE,AND OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANAISATION AND INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION O - Essay Example I start this paper with why I define the OAU and the AU as an IO. I continue with a brief overview of the history of the OAU that paved the way for the establishment of the AU. In the paragraph that follows, I give a brief description of how the OAU became the AU. I continue with the vision and objectives of the AU followed by an assessment of the structure of the AU and discuss the six most important bodies of the AU and its three financial institutions. The budget of the AU will then discussed where I identify several reasons why it is hard for the AU to find the necessary funding. I end this paper with a brief summary of this paper and a conclusion about the AU as an IO. Many scholars from the International Relation realm have studied IO. From the widely available literature about the study of IO, one can identify various definitions of IO. Both terms can be analyzed as being intertwined or as two independent terms. In the case of the OAU and the AU, to what extent can one see the OAU and the AU as IO It is clear that its member states are from the African continent as like the European Union (EU) and are all sovereign states. In addition, the OAU and the AU are based on a convention that was designed by the founding members of the OAU and the AU and which all member states have to ratify. ... Therefore, one can not reject the notion of the OAU and the AU not being an IO and by the same token accept the notion of the EU to consider an IO. The History of the Organization of African Unity The OAU was established on 25 May 1963 with the formation of two groups namely the Casablanca group and the Monrovia Group. The objectives of the OAU during the decolonization period were to support African states to gain their independence, to promote the unity and solidarity and to strengthen cooperation among the member states of the OAU. In addition, the OAU also ensured that its member states uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity among member states. On an international level, the OAU promotes international cooperation and to protect the interests of Africa (OAU 1963). The OAU charter that formally established the OAU was signed by 32 governments of African states in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Since the establishment of the OAU in 1963, the OAU made considerable progress in implementing the objectives and one can see the progress as the foundation for the establishment of the AU. However, it is beyond this paper to scrutinize the historical strengths and weaknesses of the OAU since it development. I, on the other hand, will shed light on several facets of the OAU as an institution that eventually led to the establishment of the AU. From OAU to AU From the objective to support African states for their fight for independence, one can conclude that the OAU accelerated the process of decolonization in Africa and by 1994 all 54 African states were independent. Unfortunately, this has been seen as the only objective that the OAU successfully implemented and realized. Within the widely available literature and

Consumer behaviour in tourism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Consumer behaviour in tourism - Essay Example The tourism industry mediated by tour operators traditionally came in vogue as a pillaring economic institution during mid nineteenth century with the inception of Thomas Cook, set up by a British entrepreneur. However, the industry underwent a rapid development with the progress of the travel industry spurred by the expansion of airlines between 1950s and 1960s. But it attained popularity only in developed markets of Europe given the heavy expenditure associated with foreign and even domestic tours. Eventually, the travel industry realised the opportunity cost of flying expensive crafts and hence decided to invest in inexpensive ones which were linked with reasonably priced tickets and hence were affordable (Middleton & Hawkins, 1998, p. 184). According to Rostow’s model of economic growth and development, evolution of the traditional tourism industry could be categorised under four phases, namely, the stage of take-off, maturity and finally that of mass consumption (Cavlek, 2005, p. 177). Development of the tourism sector primarily had been initiated by war stricken nations to recuperate their respective economies out of the impending financial crunch during the post World War II era. Such a development could actually assist in foreign exchange income which could help in propping up the dwindling treasury position of the recipient nation. The World Trade Organisation recognises the importance of tourism for the developing economies in order to abolish wide spread poverty.

July's People by Nadine Gordimer Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

July's People by Nadine Gordimer - Term Paper Example The book addresses the civil war and its outcomes and how the apartheid caused a great lot of disturbance to the livelihood of the people. The characters of the story have been built in a practical and bleak way by the author Nadine Gordimer. There were a lot of criticisms on the book for its addressing the apartheid system and but still managed to stand out from the rest. This paper will deal with the characters and the parts they got to play in the novel. When the characters are looked into, it becomes clear that there is a multi dimensional approach carried on by the author. The characters in the story differ from one another in a huge way and it could be understood well only with a thorough reading. There is not a single character which was vague and the story is well known for showcasing the strong sides of characters. With the book, we can understand that the character of a person is the bundle of what a person is and it depends hugely over the environment in which the person i s brought up. The story revolves around the characters Bamford, Maureen, July and Martha. Bam and Maureen need to leave Johannesburg because of the civil war scenario that disoriented the entire area. The Smale family comprises of Bam, Maureen and children Victor, Gina and Royce. In the 1980s, the civil war broke out and there were scenarios like black killing the white and other way around. As a result of continuous suppression, the black retaliates and wants to take hold of the South Africa. The Smales who are the South African liberals were affected by the sudden turn of events and they had to leave the place to only found shelter with July. July is the loyal black servant and he assures to take them to their house to keep them safe. The characters of the books show some gradual and steady change with time and through the well connected events, the author establishes it to be a practical one. All the characters were etched out well and in a realistic manner. The novel perfectly d eals with the aspect, shift of power and what impact it could bring in. The Smales family had to depend on July for their survival and July makes them stay in their mother’s house. When there is a shift in control, things change on various fronts. Nadine Gordimer has focused on this aspect in the novel and has provided a detailed account on it. Gordimer’s characterization touches upon this radical shift of power from the master and the confusing state of behavior and talks that arise out of it. One of the central themes of the book is power and the consequences surrounding it. It deals with great ease how it will be for those who were used to have power or command over a person and how new it will be for the person who has the taste of power for the first time. Overall, the book touches upon different facets of life with greater ease. As far as the characterization of the Smales is concerned, the author made sure to highlight their state as masters who had the blacks a s their loyal servant. Gordimer, right from the beginning of the story, gives a wider picture over the happenings in the lives of the Smales how, with greater difficulty, they try to adjust with the current position. They sometimes do not seem to remember their present situation and still continues with the masterly tone with July. Especially, the book deals with conversations between Maureen and July and the confrontations that arise therein. Bam and Maureen still hold backs the masterly relation that they have

Communication theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Communication theory - Essay Example When powerless individuals feel a strong need of gaining approval from the society, they employ the convergence way of communication. The theory of narrative paradigm understands people as storytelling animals. This theory presents a narrative logic in place of the conventional logic of argument. This logic proposes that people evaluate the speakers’ credibility by assessing the coherence and fidelity of their stories. I shall take the information contained in the communication accommodation theory and the theory of narrative paradigm more than others. There are specific reasons for that, I find the former very interesting, while the latter appeals to me logically. I believe that there is a lot of difference between the communication styles of people in power and those who lack power. On the other hand, the theory of narrative paradigm allows the judgment of speakers to be democratic since no one can be trained for making perfect

Scarlett Letter Feminist Criticism Essay Example for Free

Scarlett Letter Feminist Criticism Essay While Hawthorne is influenced by stereotypes, The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne does serve to criticize patriarchy as he creates a plausible individual who is strong in the face of patriarchal opposition. Hester turns her punishment into a life changing experience by becoming a better, stronger, and more independent person than she was at the beginning of the novel. The way she handles her punishment does not make it right but it did make her a strong woman to be admired. It is when Hester takes on the task of owning the punishment all on her own that she shows she is a feminist well efore her time. She does not do what is expected of women during the time in which the story takes place. Hester demonstrates that she is strong in the face of patriarchal oppression and the scrutiny of the community in which she lives. Hawthorne writes â€Å"But under the leaden inflictions which it was her doom to endure, she felt at moments, as if she must needs to shriek out with the full powers of her lungs. † (49) The town’s people are watching Hester so disapprovingly that she is tempted to scream out at them, but Hester remains silent hile the whole town is looking down upon her and her infant child because of her sin of adultery. Hester would not let the people see her as weak or show how it humiliated her to be standing before the crowd with the letter A embroidered upon her bosom. It is here Hester shows such strength and courage, at a time when women were thought of as weak. Hawthorne continues to write, â€Å"Speak out the name! That, and thy repentance, may avail to take the scarlet letter off thy breast. † â€Å"Never! Replied Hester Prynne. † (58) It is here that Hester refuses to answer the Reverend Mr.  Wilson, as is expected of her, when the head of church ask her to name thy baby’s father. Women were expected to obey men of authority and for Hester to refuse to name her baby’s father, shows that she is very strong even in the presence of authority and will not be submissive. She holds steadfast in keeping quiet and not naming the baby’s father and therefore taking on the punishment all on her own, as she will not speak out the father’s name as demanded of her. It is through her silence that Hester showed great inner strength and does not succumb to how she was feeling on the inside. Hawthorne tells us â€Å"It may seem marvelous, that this woman should still call that place her home. † and further writes â€Å"With the world before her,-kept by no restrictive clause of her condemnation† â€Å"free to return to her birthplace, or to any European Land. † (67) Once Hester’s confinement is over she is free to leave town, but she stays and makes a home for her and her daughter Pearl. Hester of her own free will did not flee when she was free to go. Instead of leaving where she would have been free from judgments and ridicule, she chooses to stay and face her punishment. It is ecause Hester chooses to face her punishment alone and remains adamantly silent when asked to name her baby’s father, that she is strong in the face of patriarchal oppression and authority. Hester quietly takes up a productive place in the oppressive society in which she lives. Hawthorne describes how Hester provides for herself and her child by saying â€Å"She possessed an art that sufficed, even in a land that afforded comparatively little scope for its exercise, to supply food for her thriving infant and herself. † (68) It is because of Hester’s fine sewing skills that she is able to provide an income for her and Pearl. Hester’s needlework is so delicate and beautifully done that women of court or those of wealth sought her out for their intricate embroidery needs. Hawthorne shows us how Hester is charitable when he says â€Å"Hester bestowed all her superfluous means in charity, on wrenches less miserable than herself and who not infrequently insulted the hand that fed them. Much of her time, which she might readily have applied to better efforts of her art, she employed in making coarse garments for the poor. † (70) This proves that even though the people in her community shunned her, Hester was kind hearted and willingly o help those less fortunate than her, even when they would insult her and talk among themselves behind her back. Hester did not have much in ways of means, but she selflessly gives her time and efforts to make clothes for the poor. Hawthorne tells us how Hester mothers her daughter Pearl when he writes â€Å"In this little lonesome dwelling, with some slender means that she possessed, and by the license of her magistrates† â€Å"Hester established herself with her infant child. † (68) Hawthorne further writes â€Å"She early sought to impose a tender, but strict, control over the infant immortality that was ommitted to her charge. † (76) Hester is mindful of her own faults in life that she is careful not to be too strict and to show tenderness to her child. Sometimes not knowing how to mother, Hester would stand aside and let Pearl act on her own accord and let her become her own person. Hester with her sewing skills, her charitable deeds for the poor and raising Pearl on her own shows how she quietly takes up a productive place in the oppressive society in which she lives. Even though the towns people continued to look down on Hester, she did not let it stop her from living her life and he lping others in need. Hawthorne creates a plausible individual in his central character, Hester Prynne as she is not the typical Puritan woman and goes against the grain and what is expected of her. Hawthorne shows us how Hester is self-reliant when he states â€Å"What others might seek in vain, or because Hester really filled the gap which must otherwise have remained vacant; it is certain that she had ready and fairly requited employment for as many hours as she sees fit to occupy her needle. † (69) Hester shows that she does not need a man in her life to provide for her and her baby. She is self reliant, when women of her day were dependent upon their husbands to provide for all their needs. She works hard and works as long as she needs to provide the necessities that she and Pearl need all on her own. Hawthorn demonstrates Hester’s bravery by standing up for herself when he writes â€Å"I can teach my little Pearl what I have learned from this! Answered Hester Prynne, laying her finger on the red token. Women it is thy badge of shame! Replied the magistrate. It is because of the stain which the letter indicates that we would transfer thy child to others hands. (92) Hawthorne further says â€Å"God gave me that child! Cried she. He gave her in requital to all else, when ye had taken from me. She is my happiness! -she is my torture, none the less! Pearl keeps me in life! † (94) Women were not to speak out against authority especially male authority, but Hester stands up for herself and defends why Pearl should not be taken away from her care. This shows great bravery and her deep love for her child. Hester shows personal strength everyday during her punishment when Hawthorne writes â€Å"When strangers looked curiously at the scarlet letter,- and none ever ailed to do so,- they branded it fresh into Hester’s soul: so that, oftentimes, she could scarcely refrain, yet always did refrain, from covering the symbol with her hand. † (72) When ever Hester was to walk into town those who did not already know her would stop and stare at the letter upon her chest. Even though Hester wanted to hide the shame of the letter she did not, she forced herself not to cover the letter and to carry on. It is because of Hester’s strong will that she is able to face her punishment everyday, wearing her sin bravely out in the open. She did not let it stop her from living her life and going about her daily routine or making a good life for her and her daughter Pearl. Women in Hester’s day would have been too weak to venture into town all by themselves, instead they would have chosen to stay hidden, as to not having to face their sin. Also, they would not have walked with their heads up, instead would have kept their heads down as to not see the stares upon them, the fingers pointing at them or to hear words of insult directed at them. They would have been too weak to handle the daily scorn as bravely as Hester did. In conclusion one can see how Hester is a plausible individual who is strong in the face of patriarchal opposition and authority. Women during this time were seen as fragile, submissive, totally dependent upon and controlled by the men in their lives. Hester proves that she is neither of the above mentioned. She alone provides for her child, she was not dependent on anyone, she stood up for herself when threatened to lose Pearl, she did not submit when asked over and over again to name her baby’s father. What should have made Hester weak and shameful only made her a stronger, and better erson who learned to be self-reliant. In the end Hester’s good deeds and the way she carried her punishment turned her sinful letter â€Å"A† for adultery, into a new meaning among the people in her community. The letter â€Å"A† was now redefined by society as someone who was â€Å"Abel† capable and strong. The way Hester handled her punishment made her a strong and independent woman who defied the way a women was expected to be and act during patriarchal times, she showed us over and over again how she was a feminist before her time and in the end she finds favor with the women folk who now sought her out for advice.

The Economical Environment of Senegal

The Economical Environment of Senegal Capital: Dakar Official language: French Area : 196,723 kmsq. Population: 13,711,597 (2009) approx Currency : CFA franc Prime minister: Souleymane Ndiaye President: Abdouyale Wade The area that today is Senegal once was part of the West African Empire of Mali, Ghana, and Tekrur. The country takes its name from the river that runs along its northern and eastern borders, forming the frontier with Mauritania and Mali. A poetic etymology from the Wolof people states that the name derives from the local term  Sunugal,  meaning our dugout canoe (everyone is in the same boat). The Republic of Senegal became independent in 1960 after three centuries of  French colonial rule. Dakar, the capital since independence in 1960, lies on the Cap Vert peninsula, the most westerly point in Africa. Before independence, Dakar was the capital of French West Africa , which included nine French-speaking West African states. Although predominantly Muslim, Senegal is a tolerant secular state, whose peoples have lived together peacefully for several generations and have intermingled to some extent. Islam is a potential unifying factor. Wolof is the national language. Independent f rom France in 1960, Senegal joined with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia in 1982. However, the envisaged integration of the two countries was never carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989. Despite peace talks, a southern separatist group sporadically has clashed with government forces since 1982. Senegal has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping. PESTEL ANALYSIS OF SENEGAL Political environment affecting Senegal These are how and to what degree a government intervenes in the economy. Specifically, political factors include areas such as tax policy, labor law, environmental law, trade restrictions, tariffs, and political stability. It will further depict how political factors shape the labor after Senegal in market evolution in Senegal after evolution 1945? Its by Pointing out the political factors as a key element in the evolution of the labor market since 1945. The change in the labor market is been mainly shaped by political factors as illustrated by four cases: The Union franchise : 1946 to 1956 The loi-cadre :1956 to 1960 The early post independence State policy: 1960 to 1980 The post independance State policy at the adjustment structural era: 1980 to 2000 The union franchise: 1946 to 1956 This policy which affects the political factors of Senegal consists of 2 key issues- The assimilations constitution adopted in 1946. The extension of the investment policy through the adoption of the FIDES (Funds investment development economy society) The loi-cadre : 1956 to 1960 A metropolitan France response to the growing favor for decolonization in the international community. It introduced the breakdown of the French west federation and the drastic reduction of industrial investment. The major consequence was the loss of major markets i.e. guinea, Soudan and ivory coast and the increasing obsolescene of production facilities. The post independance State policy at the adjustment structural era: 1980 to 2000 The economic crisis that began in 1968, , as well as the effects of rapid population growth and accelerated urbanization deeply compounded the problem of an oversupply of unemployed and underemployed workers. The adoption of structural adjustment policies led to the withdrawl of the state from the labor market in 1980. Thus we conclude that the change in the labor market was determined by political factors as well as economic factors. Economic environment affecting Senegal- It includes economic growth, interest rates, exchange rates and the inflation rate. Economic factors includes addressing the basic problems encountered by Senegals economy: lack of diversified output, the inefficiency of investments, the role of state in economic activity, and the excessive expansion of domestic consumer demand. These problems have been partly addressed by programs focusing on food self-sufficiency, fishing, and tourism, and by strengthening high-return activities. Projects such as the Manantali irrigation project, the phosphate-to-fertilizer recovery project, and the trawler modernization program are examples of what Senegal is doing within this policy framework. In the area of manufacturing, capacity utilization improvement, equipment modernization, and low-capital production are emphasized. Since 1994, the government has made progress in privatizing state-owned enterprises, reducing labor costs to improve competitiveness in the manufacturing sector, and liberalizing trade by eliminating export subsidies and removing restrictions on certain strate gic imports. Private economic revenues accounted for roughly 82% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 1999, but trade liberalization had not progressed as much as planned. Social environment- It includes the cultural aspects and includes health consciousness, population growth rate, age distribution, career attitudes and emphasis on safety. The key issue is safe operation of the equipments. It also consists of 1) Symbol stratification: The society historically which was organized into a hierarchy of castes, a rigid structure in which descendants of royal lines and nobles ruled over artisan castes and slaves. After independence, a new set of status criteria emerged. New means for achieving wealth, power, and status were introduced through the market economy and the development of the education system. 2) Symbol of social stratification- During the colonial era, nearly all the profits generated by the largest firms went to foreigners and the local nobility. The nationalization programs led by the government after independence favored a small number of citizens who entered into a new competition for status and power. 3) Social Welfare and change programs: Poor economic management has led to the intervention of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in State programs and policies. Two decades of structural adjustment programs have reduced government spending in all public sector activities, including social services. Urban and rural dwellers have adopted creative survival strategies, that have helped them cope with difficult times. 4) Infant rate- People value children greatly. A child is seen as neighborhood property, and so child care responsibilities are shared.  Abandonment of infants is rare, and the strength of family bonds limits the need for institutional care of orphans. 5) Child rearing and education: By the time a child is five or six years of age, he or she is taught good values and etiquette. A child should greet elders, help parents with household chores, avoid foul language, and listen to the wisdom of elders. In their early years, boys and girls play together. As they grow older, gender roles become more sharply defined, with the girls remaining more with their mothers to learn household chores. TECHNOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT: It includes technological aspects such as RD activity, automation, technology incentives and the rate of technological change. They can determine barriers to entry, minimum efficient production level and influence outsourcing decisions. Furthermore, technological shifts can affect costs, quality and leads to innovation. The African Regional Center for Technology, with 30 member states, has its headquarters in Dakar. Most research facilities in Senegal deal with agricultural subjects. Dakar has centers for mining and medical research and a research institute on African food and nutrition problems. An institute of research for oils and oilseeds is at Bambey. The Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research, with headquarters at Dakar, operates a national center of agronomical research at Bambey, a national laboratory of livestock and veterinary research at Dakar, an oceanographic center at Dakar, and numerous other technical facilities throughout the country. The University Cheikh Anta Diop at Dakar, founded in 1949, has faculties of medicine and pharmacy and of sciences, and research institutes in psychopathology, leprosy, pediatrics, renewable energy, applied tropical medicine, applied mathematics, health and development, environmental science, adontology and stomatology, applied nuclear technology, and the teaching of mathematics, physics, and technology. The University of Saint Louis has an applied mathematics unit. Other facilities for scientific training include a polytechnic school; an international school of sciences and veterinary medicine, representing 13 French-speaking countries, at Dakar; and an institute of nutritional technology at Dakar. In 1987-97, science and engineering students accounted for 21% of college and university enrollments. In the same period, four technicians and three scientists and engineers per million people were engaged in research and development. ECOLOGICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS- Cultures are quite diverse in moral teachings or beliefs and vary in many ecological aspects like climate, geography, population size, and social organization. The Wolof culture is an African tribe located between the northwestern areas of the Senegal and Gambia rivers. This entire area has a tropical climate and a flat landscape. The climate is usually dry and the Wolof people generally depend on wells for their water needs besides agriculture. The Wolof people are a dominant group in Senegal. The majority of the Wolof is Muslim and is very religious. They are rural villagers and each village may consist of anywhere from 50 to 150 people. Although French is the main language spoken in Senegal, the Wolof language is quite popular. The division of labor is based on social status and gender. The Wolof recognizes the patrilineage descent among villages. The Wolof organizational structure is characterized by bilateral descent. The Wolof group is ideal to study because they represent a hi gh percentage of Senegals population and there are a lot of documented sources on their culture. Identifying moral prohibitions and taboos concerning the Wolof culture is pertinent in understanding ecological and social factors and moral prohibitions by using the eHRAF database. LEGAL ENVIRONMENT- There are various legal factors which affect the environment of the country. The various laws which are being updated in wide range of areas example consumer protection legislation, environment legislation,Health, safety and employment laws etc. corruption has also been the vital factors which affects the legal environment of the country. There are a number of factors that facilitate non transparent and corrupt governance practices in Senegal. These include: Lack of sufficient regard for the law and inadequate application of existing laws The politicization of the State bureaucracy and its inability to effectively deliver basic public services. Weak accountability mechanisms Limited transparency and access to governmental information Resistance to decentralization The limited scope and capacity of civil society organizations involved in anticorruption activities Widespread public tolerance and acceptance of corruption based on cultural and social norms and traditions. Based on an analysis of Senegals political, institutional, legal and cultural context, it identifies four major, overarching problems that need to be addressed to significantly improve governance and reduce corrupt behavior: Inadequate checks on executive decision-making resulting from the pattern of extreme concentration of power in the presidency. The lack of transparency in government operations and lack of autonomy of control and regulatory institutions charged with monitoring public expenditures. Lack of service orientation in delivery of services to the public Inadequate and ineffective public opposition to corruption. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE USING THE PORTERS DIAMOND Michael porters competitive advantage of nations will be used as the theoretical model for this study. This theory provides a framework to examine how nations gain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace based on specific determinants found within the industries within a nation. Michael porters competitive advantage of nations explores how businesses within a nation gain a competitive advantage. Porter believes that groups or clusters of interconnected firms, suppliers, related industries, and various institutions that arises in particular locations of Senegal, the government has to think about economies, assess the competitive advantage of the locations and set public policy. The 4 primary determinants of his model are: factor conditions demand conditions related and supporting industries firm strategy, structure, rivalry FACTOR CONDITIONS- are the basic inputs of production that is necessary to compete in an industry. E.gs are skilled labor, infrastructure, or capital resources. DEMAND CONDITIONS- are the quality of the home demand for a product or service in an industry. RELATED SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES- are defined by whether a nation has the supplier and related industries are competitive. FIRM STRATEGY, STRUCTURE RIVALRY- conditions within a nation that administer how companies are created, organized, and managed along with the type of domestic rivalry. According to porter these determinants individually and as a structure provide the atmosphere for nations to gain a competitive advantage. Porter positions these determinants in a diamond pattern. Senegals performance and competitive advantage in manufacturing relates to growth of manufactured exports which is often considered crucial for economic development. The reasons are: Price and income elasticities of demand, as well as price elasticities of supply are greater for manufacturing than other industries. Positive externalities and external economies are thought to be associated with manufactured exports. In Senegal, demand is for two main sectors: 1) Gold Mining 2) Infrastructure, Power Communications Gold Mining- the mining deposits consists of 2 projects: Sabodala gold operation- Strategically located at epicentre of a major new gold district. Positioned on one of the world great golds belts. Grand cote mineral sands project- development project with tier 1 pot SABODALA PROJECT A strong operating margin provides for a robust project- Volume mined : 55 Mtpa Heavy Mineral grade: 1.7%-1.8% Infrastructure, power and  communications- For a developing nation, Senegal has a well organized  infrastructure  compared to most other African countries   The World Bank estimated that in 1995 there were 507 kilometers  (315 miles) of paved road per million people. The CIA  World Fact Book  2001  notes that there are 14,576 kilometers (9,058 miles) of highway, 4,271 kilometers (2,653 miles) of which are paved. Although the railway system is somewhat antiquated, it carries more than 3 million tons of cargo per year. The railway network, which extends across 906 kilometers (563 miles), links  the major cities to Dakar and provides services between Senegal and Mali. According to the U.S. Department of State  Country Commercial Guide,  the airport at Dakar is one of the principal international airports in West  Africa, handling a variety of aircraft on its 2 runways. The airport serves  more than 24 international airlines, handling 1.5 million passengers per  year and moving more than 20,000 metric tons of international airfreight. There are direct flights to Europe and North America, along with frequent  flights to several African countries. Secondary airports are located in the  regions of Saint-Louis, Tambacounda, and Ziguinchor. In total, there were  20 airports in 1999. The competitive advantage of French firms in this sector relates, in part, to concessional funding (funds are granted in exchange for specific contracts)  given by the French government to the Senegalese government for the  modernization of the telecommunications network. The competitive advantage is also demanding in its export sector- The composition of exports Manufactured exports are heavily concentrated in three sectors: fishing and fish-processing, chemicals (the ICS) and oilseeds (mainly groundnuts). This will be clear from the following table: These three sectors represented 81 percent of manufactured exports in 1974. By 1999 this share increased to 93 percent. Within this subgroup, substantial change has taken place. In the 1970s, the groundnut oil sector dominated, with 56 percent of manufactured exports in 1974. In the 1980s, with the creation of the ICS, coupled with a decline in the groundnut harvests, the situation changed markedly. By 1999, the groundnut industrys share had plummeted to less than 12.6 percent while chemicals were up to 39.8 percent. The fishing industry also experienced a large expansion, and accounted for just over 40.6 percent of manufactured exports in 1999.

The Roles Of Ict In The Government Information Technology Essay

The Roles Of Ict In The Government Information Technology Essay ICT stands for information and communications technology, ICT mainly focuses on the role of communication that includes phone lines and wireless data/signals as well as the ability to control information including hardware for computers and networks and software. Throughout this essay, the way in which ICT has affected and continues to become of high importance to the United kingdoms Government will be explored, the main areas that will be conducted in this research are the Government ICT strategy, greening government ICT, how the internet is transforming the UK Economy, a selected number of Government departments and how ICT is important to their daily use and finally an end conclusion highlighting the importance of ICT development in the UK government. Government ICT strategy In October 2005, the first government ICT strategy was released setting the schedule for the ICT public sector (organisations funded by the government) towards the next five years. Its main aim was to focus on the areas that could enable transformed service delivery, putting the citizen at the heart of what we do, shared services and professionalising IT-enabled business change (Cabinet Office 2010 [URL] Date Accessed 02/11/10). Five years later, after reviewing yearly reports and employing a new Government chief information officer a new strategy was released. Its approach has been adapted to fit the current economic climate in which the nation is in transforming services against a backdrop of economic pressure change (Cabinet Office 2010 [URL] Date Accessed 02/11/10). The new strategy will now make possible an ICT infrastructure that will solve many problems across the board which the Government faces. It also encourages the development of delivery being increased via the public, private and third party sectors in order to meet the needs and requirements. In 1994 www.direct.gov.uk formally known as www.open.gov.uk was announced to hold all websites and links to government and agency websites, with all the increased pressure to deliver higher and better public services, expectations had never been higher due to the potential of better services that was unforeseen when the website was first published. However, with the increased prospect of technology, expectations have changed and so have demands which has enabled the government to make it easier to handle their day to day business and help those in need of support, talktofrank.com was set up to assist and explain the dangers of drugs and notschool.net was set up for those children excluded from school. On the other hand Denis McCauley, Global Technology Research Director at the Economist Intelligence Unit, believes the government can do more recognizing that although it does well in terms of its internet website, its popularity is decreasing rapidly and he thinks that even more can be done in terms of using information technology. Although the United Kingdoms Government is not solely to thanks for its success in its public sector ICT use, it reaches the top spot when compared to the rest of Europe, as its citizen-based services are 100% online compared with the average 71% that Europe has. Since the turn of the century the UK was the first Government to even start to allow its citizen-based service online taken approximately four years till Europes average came became public. Turning Government ICT green Since the governments increased use of ICT from owning some of the largest and most power fullest computers and public servants using their desktop computers at a higher rate than expected, be it from issuing tax disks to people across the country to saving x-rays on file. The Government is the countries largest purchaser of ICT equipment, and use a large amount of power and resources. They have decided to set an example amongst the nation and turn green, as they want the disposal of monitors, printers, computers and servers to happen in a sustainable and responsible way. To start the Governments reduction of carbon emissions another strategy has been created called the greening government strategy. According to the cabinet offices brochure on becoming green by turning just one computer off will save 235kg of carbon dioxide emissions a year. By turning off every one of Whitehalls 500,000 computers at night would have the same effect as taking 40,000 cars off the road. How the Internet has transformed the United kingdoms Economy Moving away from the strategies recently formed for ICT, this essay will now review how the Internet has affected and transformed the UK Economy. The Internet has largely influenced societies in the United Kingdom with a majority of them having easy access to it, many modern phones now come with the capability to do such thing. Websites such as ebay.co.uk and amazon.co.uk have increased the populations spending habits, which further down the line companies pay tax, which turns back into the government. In 2009 the Internet contributed to 7.2 per cent of GDP in Britain, an estimated  £100 billion making it larger than the countries transportation, construction or utilities industry. Whilst the large growth in Internet activity has increased it has disrupted many businesses but has had a positive effect on the medium and smaller based businesses that sell anything from clothes to computer games with research showing that the United Kingdoms economy is likely to increase by up to 15 p er cent via the Internet. Government organisations and their use of ICT Now this essay will look at a number of government organisations and the importance that ICT plays in them. -Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) To begin with The Department of Work and pensions (DWP) pays money into millions of peoples accounts across the nation, from people on benefits to elderly people receiving their pension, its use of ICT is on a large-scale basis and as a whole plays a major role in the social sector of todays lifestyle. ICT is a positive use in the DWP as it allows a quicker way of handling information and delivering an output service due to the large memory servers they have. However errors still occur in which the government loses millions at a time and because of this have called for an urgent change in the way their ICT strategy is changed -Ministry of Defence The Ministry of Defences (MoD) role is to protect the nation against any potential threat internally and externally, its team highlights dangers through many methods that involve ICT such as listening in on phone calls or checking the internet for major threats. Its ICT role again is very important to how its run due to keeping in contact with other global agencies to keep informed about terrorism strikes, it also informs local media in order to get information broadcasted across the UK. Another use of ICT within the MoD is to ensure military standards are kept high as well as the environment. Again by using the Website they allow people to view the procedures and information of the MoD, which encourages responsibility. -Driver and vehicle Licensing Agency DVLA The use of computers in the DVLA is very important, as they have to produce tax certificates as well as driving licenses and number plate registration forms in their large memory banks. Conclusion Concluding the report, ICT is probably one of the most important aspects of the governments way in terms of running its whole organisation, due to this it is hard to find any faults into the way they are actually sustaining their ICT, the only weak point is due to the fact that their website is not as popular as it was before however it still provides the information that you look for as well as email addresses and phone numbers if you need more help. With the Government also turning green they have taken another positive step in terms of being leaders and hopefully turning it in to a national thing; they have started to release television adverts and produce leaflets to spread the word. http://www.parliamentandinternet.org.uk/uploads/Final_report.pdf http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/66177/greening_government_ict.pdf http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/index.htm http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/317444/ict_strategy4.pdf http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/anger-as-uks-carbon-dioxide-emissions-reach-10year-high-442496.html http://www.publictechnology.net/sector/central-gov/martin-read-and-three-little-words-ict-pain http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/index.htm http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/anger-as-uks-carbon-dioxide-emissions-reach-10year-high-442496.html

An Interpretation of Kant’s Metaphysical Deduction of the Categories Es

In what appears to be an important section of the Critique of Pure Reason, when Kant attempts to show the natural connection between the table of judgment and the table of categories, there is a cryptic little paragraph: The same function that gives unity to the different representations in a judgment also gives unity to the mere synthesis of different representations in an intuition, which, expressed generally, is called the pure concept of understanding. The same understanding, therefore, and indeed by means of the very same actions through which it brings the logical form of a judgment into concepts by means of the analytical unity, also brings a transcendental content into its representations by means of the synthetic unity of the manifold in intuition in general, on account of which they are called pure concepts of the understanding that pertain to objects a priori; this can never be accomplished by universal logic. A79, B105 This paragraph is purported to be the possible key to understanding the argument for the deduction of the categories, and is often referred to as the metaphysical deduction of the categories. Kant will attempt to use the forms of logical judgment to deduce the forms of cognitions in general. The passage contains two sentences, but is nearly unapproachable, even at the level of individual clauses. However, it contains an important step in the argument of the critique, one that not only allows Kant to move between the table of judgments and the table of categories, but also that indicates the transcendental role of the understanding; the way in which intellectual conditions operate to allow the possibility of experience, made manifest by an examination of logic. Points of Interpretation The ‘pu... ...lieve that the first sentence contains premises that imply a conclusion contained in the second sentence. Indeed they are premises about what is known about the understanding a priori, and lead to a conclusion that is not surprising, once the premises are properly understood. 3 I can see why someone might see the first sentence as containing the conclusion of the argument, but they could only be so motivated if they read 'the pure concept of understanding' as the categories in general, but they would seem to be committed to saying that the categories operate in general logic as the analytic unity, which, from my point of view, does not seem like the right reading. 4 The knowledge element of experience is given in judgment form, but I am not sure if Kant wants to admit non-knowledge elements into experience, passions, etc...

Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskel Essay -- Papers

Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskel Elizabeth Gaskell's Nineteenth Century novel, Mary Barton, is an example of social realism in its depiction of the inhumanities suffered by the impoverished weavers of Manchester, England. The main story in Mary Barton is that of the honest, proud and intelligent workingman so embittered by circumstances and lack of sympathy that he finally murders a mill owner's son as an act of representative vengeance. In growing embittered, he becomes as a natural consequence, more isolated in his community; both humanity and faith lose their power to guide him. Mary Barton, his daughter, really loves Jem Wilson, who is arrested after having threatened the murdered man for trying to seduce Mary, and it is her efforts that produce the melodramatic last minute evidence that saves him. Against the novelistic background of this murder and the central love stories, Mrs. Gaskell outlines her main themes of life in Manchester during the early stages of the Industrial Revolution and of the conditions that initiated the Chartist Movement. Thus, the historical background of Mary Barton is as much, if not more important than its strictly novelistic aspects. Manchester becomes a symbol of the outrageous conditions endured by the laborers, instead of a real city in itself. It is always grimy, oppressive, and ugly, just like the lives of its inhabitants. The only detail the author gives us is with the individual homes, not with the city itself. It is almost as if she were afraid of impairing the city's inherent symbolism by describing any actual streets or shops. Even when wealth is shown, as with the Carsons, the setting is still ugly and drab; the only difference is that the drabness has been made comfor... ... led up to the Chartist Movement. Despite the author's concentration on the social aspects of the situation, she has nonetheless succeeded in providing us with the main points of the new economy and its laws. Mary Barton tells the story from the laborer's point of view, but we are not without knowledge of the mill owner's side of it either, especially through the philosophical wisdom of Job Legh. In her attempts to present the plight of the laborer in Manchester, Elizabeth Gaskell has not neglected to make us understand the importance and significance of the industrial movement, as well as the great possibilities it possessed. It is, perhaps, a dated novel. However, it is important in its delineation of the social, political, and economic forces that were at work in England from 1835 -- 1850, and it is an attempt to bring them all into harmonious focus.