Child and Young Person Development Essay

†¢Schools/starting nursery is a part of everyday life the child/ young person will have to make this transition many times in their life. The transition that most children/ young people experience is moving from one school or care setting to another will happen a number of times over a child’s life for many different reasons and the challenges of the transition will change each time and will have to be handled in different way. †¢Toilet training is a big step for most children/ young people as they have to learn to read their own body signals and to understand what they should do at this point. †¢Sibling. It is common for children to have younger brothers and sister and they will have to learn to deal with the transition of having a baby in the house. †¢A parent starting a new job or doing more hours at work so the parent is not around when the child expects them to be or may not understand where the parent is going. †¢Moving house to accommodate a growing family or due to parent separation/ loss there are many other reason to move house also all of which with effect the transition progress of the child differently †¢ Separations/ divorce can be very difficult on children and young people of all ages as it can lead to many other transitions that take place moving house changing schools feeling of loss and confusion all of which can be very difficult for a young person to understand and cope with. †¢Puberty can be very difficult for some young people to cope with the mood swings, confident issues or low self -esteem, how the body changes, how it can affect their relationships with others and how others may see them. Children and young people mostly learn to cope with a number of different changes or transition in their life time and they will develop their own ways of dealing with the transitions, children and young people will still need to helped and guided

Fine Tuning Management Education- the Need of the Hour Essay

Getting an education is an important part of success in today’s business world. It’s competitive out there, and the more educated you are, the better your chances of landing a good job are. That’s why getting a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) is so important. As of now there are over 2,400 B- Schools in India, Karnataka has around 67, of which 46 colleges in Bangalore offer MBA programs. The MBA degree opens up worlds of opportunity for its bearers. Many business positions require an MBA for advancement. It is a fact that having an MBA degree is like having the key to the gates of opportunities in the corporate world. Like a green signal for the new business world. Hi-tech development, improvements, and the growing privatization all have completely transformed the business grounds. Along with all this, the business plans and pedagogy are also constantly changing very fast. Besides, in every phase the competition is getting more and more difficult. As the business is changing and the level of competition is also increasing the companies are forced to hire employees having done their MBA from the most competitive college. An MBA Program will give and teach all the things that are essential to make you a good manager and skills that are important to augment the efficiency and productivity of the organization. No company would like to waste their time to train people with the required skills and knowledge when they know that such candidates are already available in the form of MBA graduates. Today all organizations expect that their employees are able to give more profit to the company in a shorter span of time. An MBA student is expected to have certain level of competency which makes them different from others. The course exposes the student to the practical field helping them to perform effectively in the long run. However, it is perceived that the management education is falling short of this objective. In order to keep the MBA relevant, the colleges offering them will have to make the curriculum more responsive to the global economy. The research paper focuses on the perception of MBA graduates and their expectations towards the management education. Keywords: Management curriculum, Higher education, Management activities. Introduction The development of management education can be traced back to 18th century. From 18th century to 21st century, management education has seen lot of changes and development. Management education in India is predominately a derivative of western management thought and practice. Management education in India is not very old, after the establishment of the IITs, there was dire need for similar establishments in the field of management education. Thus came into existence Indian Institute of Management Ahmadabad (IIMA), followed soon after by one in Kolkata (IIMC). Starting with the establishment of 4 Indian Institutes of Management Calcutta (1961), Ahmadabad (1962), Bangalore (1973), Lucknow (1984), now management education is being offered as full time/part time MBA programmes by some leading universities in the country. Recently and particularly during the last 4-5 years the country has witnessed a tremendous growth in the founding of management institutions most of them in private sector offering management programs in different functional areas of management. Concurrently, there is a mushrooming of B-schools in the country (over 2,500 institutes, of which about 1940 are certified by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)), leading to issues of quality. In Bangalore alone there are as many as 300 MBA colleges. Management education introduces students to a broader perspective about the role of individuals in growth of business and society, which is quite evident. Management education provides students and working professionals with an edge that enables them to strengthen the Connection between business and society. The Importance of Management Studies for a Successful Corporate Career Management studies are an important medium that facilitates improvement of leadership qualities and turns out excellent future managers. Management courses with specialization in different areas prepare students to face the constantly advancing corporate world and impart effective people-management skills. Management studies should emphasis not just in creating good managers but also on improving and enhancing existing skills while passing on managerial competence to students. Young aspiring managers equipped with a reputed management degree turn out to be survivors who are able to sustain themselves in an environment of intense competition, globalization and ever-evolving technologies. In fact, producing powerful managers is the biggest challenge that businesses worldwide face today. An accredited MBA degree from a prestigious business school certifies the managerial skills learnt during the course of the study. A well designed management training course suitably develops a talented workforce that can be expected to be efficient future leaders and successful managers who are able to tackle complex situations and relationships with clients in any organization. Review of Literature A. Gill (2003) emphasized due to globalization and advancement in information technology the role played by management education in enhancing country knowledge base has been placed under a sharper focus thus it has become imperative to look at management education from the market oriented perspective and take a strategic view to better align business education with the requirement of the global market. Basu Sharma et al(1996) pointed out that internationalization of management has been promoted along several dimensions such as curricula challenge, research activities with both contents and outlet being relevant and executive development programs. It seems that educational institutions and supplementary providers of management education have no choice but to rise to the challenge of global competition. L.R.Irala (2006) was of view that  © Research Journal of International Studies – Issue 18 (January, 2011) 17 management education in India is at cross roads with the dawn of new millennium there has been exceptional growth in management institutes, to upgrade their competencies the financial autonomy will be the key and academic autonomy the major drivers. Margaret McNamara and et al.(1990) stressed on action learning in management education as Management institutes are often criticized for focusing more on theory and on quantitative analysis while neglecting interpersonal relationship and quantitative finding. It is often stated that management education should be experience-based, active, problem oriented and modified by feedback and action learning serves the purpose. Statement of the Problem The greatest competitive challenge facing companies is said to be embracing change over the last two decades due to several factors. This includes rapid changes in market dynamics, globalization etc. Management education is supposed to prepare the candidate for managing or leading a significant activity in the organization. However, it is perceived that the management education is falling short of this objective. It requires a reassessment of traditional managerial concepts & practices. Thus the research paper focuses on the perception and expectations of management graduates towards the management education in Bangalore City. Objectives of the study 1.To study the perception of management graduates towards management education. 2.To know the satisfaction level of the graduates towards the present curriculum. 3.To understand the expectations in order to improve the MBA program. Research Design a)Type of Research: The study is Descriptive and Empirical in nature. b)Sources of Data Collection:   Primary Data has been collected from the respondents who are MBA graduates, and are professionally employed in the various companies and institutions. A specifically structured questionnaire is used for the purpose of study. The questions designed in the questionnaire aims to explore: a.The profile of respondents in terms of age, gender, marital status, length of service and designation. b.15 Variables are used for measuring the perception of MBA graduates towards management education and improvement of program curriculum. c.Secondary sources of data were also consulted for the purpose of gathering back ground information supporting the study. Data were obtained from general management education journals, Magazines and websites. c)Type of Sampling: Simple Random Sampling method is used for the study. d)Sample Size: The primary data is collected from the 100 respondents of Bangalore city e)Statistical tools for Analysis: The Percentage method is used for analyzing the study. Scope of the study The research is done to measure the perception of management graduates towards improvement in management education of various B- schools, but with the caveat that the curriculum of most programs should be revised to meet the challenges that face the next generation of business leaders. Moreover the research is restricted to Bangalore City.

Corruption Essay

Introduction: If two or more persons meet together and start talking about the present society of India, they soon come to the conclusion that every system, every institution of India is infested with corruption. Corruption has become so common in public life that people are now averse to thinking of public life without this phenomenon. Meaning: But what does Corruption actually mean? Corruption means perversion of morality, integrity, character of duty out of mercenary motives (e.g. bribery) without regard to honour, right or justice. In public life, a corrupt person is one who bestows undue favor on someone with whom; he has monetary or other interests (e.g. nepotism). Simultaneously, those who genuinely deserve those things as their right remain deprived. Not a new phenomenon: Corruption in public life is not a modern phenomenon. It was prevalent in the political and civic life of even Maura period as has been discussed by Chanakya in the Arthassastra. (Give other examples)†¦ But it is only recently that Corruption has become remnant in our public life. People no longer protest against corrupt practices, fight injustice or express any shock when big scandals are exposed. Also corruption is not uniquely Indian phenomenon; it is witnessed all over the world (USA, Japan, Italy, etc.) Forms of corruption in India: Explain bribery, nepotism, theft and wastage of public property, dereliction of duty†¦ etc. Extent of corruption: Start with a hospital where a child is born and move further on to education – system, career opportunities, political system, judiciary, law and order, other day – to – day activities†¦ till post – modern report and crematorium. Results of corruption: Individual sufferings, people lose faith in the existing system, prevalence of chaos and ‘anarchy, society disintegrates, country becomes weak, foreign invasion may occur†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Causes of corruption: It is a vicious circle. Start with those politicians, who run the state, come down to higher officials†¦ then to the lowest rung of bureaucratic hierarchy. Lastly, come to the general people’. Who elect the† corrupt people as their representatives’ and expect special favors from them.

Strategic Management and Business Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Strategic Management and Business Policy - Essay Example It does not, however, imply centralized decision authority. Business policy determines strategic development of industries, sectors and markets. Business policy helps to indicate what changes in present situations may mean for the future and how a company can influence its market destiny. It induces innovative and risk-taking possibilities. By anticipating future situations, it guides present actions, which in turn shape the future. Business policy must not only concern itself with problems of the immediate future, such as the advertising campaign for next year's sales; it must deal with long-range problems as well. Intermediate and long-range marketing intelligence is a basic requisite for planning and decision making (Wheelen 32). Through its insights into risks and opportunity, Business policy can be used to redirect corporate effort to more profitable objectives. By anticipating changes and treating them as opportunities, it often leads to a redesign of marketing strategy, to development of longer-range perspectives, and to cultivation of a viewpoint of what can be done to adjust the corporate effort. The very bulk of marketing knowledge and the necessities of involving many departments add to the difficulties of obtaining adequate information. United Air Lines attacks this problem through a centralized information center near Chicago that accumulates and digests information from regional centers across the country. This center daily briefs management on the company's performance during the preceding 24 hours, including a digest of the performance of competitors (Wheelen 32). Business policy determines and stipulates interorganizational relations and strategic choices of companies. Business policy is concerned with social well-being and competition. But, in addition, marketing is rooted in profitable business action. Striking a balance between profitable marketing practice and the national interest presents a difficult challenge. Conflicts may arise. What is best for an individual firm, or what is sound marketing practice for it, may not be consonant with desired goals of society. If business can run itself according to desired social goals, then governmental power and regulation may be kept to a minimum. Competitive markets have proven to be the most progressive economically and the most just socially. A market system responds to the wishes and standards of society. Competition and keen business rivalry assure customers of those items that best satisfy their wants and needs while rewarding the most efficient firms. By so doing, the marketing system serve s as both a regulated and a regulating mechanism (Wheelen 88). Government regulation of marketing is the result of a long evolution of acts, court decisions, and interpretations. It aims to protect our competitive system by seeking to prevent unfair and unreasonable competition, and by assuring entry and growth of competitors. Although it is relatively easy to state desirable goals for government regulations, the design and enforcement of such goals in specific instances, through legal actions and court decisions, is difficult at best. The complexity and multidimensional nature of the marketing process, coupled with its innovative base, indicates the likelihood of some uncertainty about legal issues in marketing (Wheelen 66). Where guidelines are clear,

Interactions of hazardous materials Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Interactions of hazardous materials - Essay Example According to the given incident, the ‘class 8’ label on the tanker shows that the liquid is corrosive (like sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, Sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide). The NFPA diamond with a 0 at 12 o'clock, shows that the liquid will not catch fire, a 2 at 3 o'clock shows that the liquid will undergo violent chemical change under normal conditions, a 4 at 9 o'clock shows that the liquid is deadly and it should not be inhaled or allowed to touch a body part under any condition. A slashed W at 6 o'clock depicts that the no water should be allowed to make contact with the chemical under any condition. The chemical will behave violently in contact with water. thus, it is clear from the label that the dripping liquid will nor catch fire but there is a need to maintain a distance between the dripping liquid, as the dripping liquid is vaporizing at normal temperature and pressure and may penetrate into the body through nasal passages and may harm the internal organs like lungs and throat (â€Å"NFPA Labeling Guide†). After viewing the labels and information available on the truck, it is quite clear that the chemical is lethal and probably has an acidic nature. The UN number 1836 identifies that the chemical is ‘Thionyl Chloride’, which is harsh chemical and reacts vigorously in contact with water and alkaline chemicals.

System Feedback Loops Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

System Feedback Loops - Essay Example The archetypes identified here are reinforcing loop and balancing loop. The Balancing Loop attempts to move some current state to a desired or reference state though some Action (Bellinger, 2004). A Gap is produced when the desired state interacts with the current state. When the gap is larger, it means the influence is stronger and produces Action which then causes current state to move towards desired state. According to Bellinger (2004), this is done until the Gap is reduced to zero where there is no more influence toward Action. A Reinforcing Loop is a structure which feeds on itself to produce growth or decline (Bellinger, 2004). State 1 either increases or decreases which influences State 2 to move in the same direction. This structure produces growth or decline, hence, it is reinforcing it. Learning Organizations for NutriSystem The increasing demand for healthy diet in U.S. has an impact in weight loss market. NutriSystem has been a leading provider of weight management. Usin g the system feedback loops, events can be affected by determining the patterns observed in behaviors and desired outcomes. These feedback loops illustrate the interactions between events or states. Based on the example of diabetes cases, many people are diagnosed with diabetes and NutriSystem is aiming at promoting health for diabetics. Sytems Feedback Loops 2 Figure 1 - Reinforcing Loop In this diagram, it shows one example of the relationship between diagnosis for diabetes and the number of potential diabetic customers. The more people who are diagnosed with diabetes, the greater the number of potential diabetic customers are for NutriSystem. In other words, the potential diabetic customers increase when more people are likely to be diagnosed with diabetes. The potential diabetic customers can be predicted because the likelihood of people having diabetes is evident. Getting a diagnosis for individuals is likely to be an outcome of predicted potential diabetic customers who are at high risk due to factors such as pregnancy, pre-diabetes conditions, or trends in sugar intake. In 2011, statistics from National Diabetes Fact Sheet show that there are about 25.8 million or 8.3% of U.S. population that have diabetes. There are 18.8 million people diagnosed with diabetes, 7.0 million who are undiagnosed, and 79 million who have pre-diabetes. There are millions of new cases of diabetes every year (American Diabetes Association, 1995-2011). This System Feedback Loops 3 was become an opportunity for NutriSystem to serve diabetics as they have formed a strategic alliance with American Diabetes Association to promote weight loss for people with Type 2 diabetes. A view of benefits of health and nutrition using NutriSystem can be depicted in the following diagram: Figure 2 – Reinforcing Loop NutriSystem offers over 100 food items designed to combine â€Å"good† carbohydrates, proteins and fats (Pechman, 2011) in addition to glycemic index (GI) prepared meal s for diabetics. They provide customers with home delivery meal program that includes balanced, pre-prepared, and portion-controlled meals. (Pechman, 2011). Demand for products such as that of NutriSystem has increased with the growth of obesity epidemic. System Feedback Loops 4 To make a profit, NutriSystem must target potential customers by using new and improved marketing strategies

An Analysis of the Fourth Amendment Research Paper

An Analysis of the Fourth Amendment - Research Paper Example The conduct and practice of the authorities was consistent with the view that the authorities had unlimited powers over all their subjects and could search their private residences at their own whims. Legal scholars and historians connect the origin of the fourth amendment to the old English law, which was equally challenged on the grounds of the excessive powers wielded by the King in searching or arresting persons suspected of certain violations. The fourth amendment was viewed as a culmination of critics of the search system who insisted that the authorities and the executive should be guided by very specific limits when conducting searches on private citizens (Galiano 26). On this matter, some of the issues that attend to the subject of the searches include the motives under which the authorities may act when executing their searches and the capacity of the limitations that should guide the entire search processes. The amendment was considered as a restoration of the rights to pr ivacy of citizens and the limits for action on the part of state officers and other parties acting for and on behalf of the executive. General warrants had allowed the executive to selectively apply the law in ways that suited the limited or political interests of the executive. As such, it was necessary for the state to revamp the constitution in ways that laid structural obstacles in the possibility of misusing the law to suit the private interests of the political class. Increasing concerns that the general warrants had permitted the executive to suppress the opposition and muzzle the media led to the protests and criticisms that eventually culminated in the abolition of the general warrants. The general understanding of the fourth amendment is the validity and force of a warrant can only be obtained through the sanctioning of the judiciary. Effectively, the amendment altered the powers of the executives by determining the specific details upon, which a warrant may be sought and the manner in which it may be applied in order to meet the thresholds of legality (Maclin 58). The curtailing of the powers of the executive through the abolition of the general warrant is one of the important features of the fourth amendment. On this score, it might be argued that the determination of the rights of the citizenry as brought about within the warrant entailed the structural revision of the systems that had allowed and condoned the adoption and application of warrants in unspecified ways. The limitations of the traditional systems gave room to the abuse of office since the executive could engage in suppressive or oppressive activities in ways that promoted the denial of rights to the citizenry. The Fourth Amendment stipulates the conditions under which warrants may be permissible (Taslitz 39). One of the fundamental features of the Fourth Amendment is that it foregrounds the condition of reasonability in the execution of a legal search or arrest. The Amendment explicit ly outlaws any forms of unreasonable searches, which in effect affirms that value of human freedom and the expression of individual privacy as key factors that require the protection and safeguarding by the government (Schulhofer 66). On this matter, it becomes

Apocalypse of 2012 - Converging Points and Perspectives Essay

Apocalypse of 2012 - Converging Points and Perspectives - Essay Example The revival of old religion along with New Age philosophy has made modern society curious about 2012 Apocalypse. New Age beliefs made modern man look back at different philosophical and spiritual beliefs that led to rediscover the Mayan Calendar. It is important to understand that ancient Mayan cultures had divine respect for the sun, moon, and stars. The main factor in the creation of the Myth is the Popul Voh, which is similar to the Bible since it also tells a story of creation by the Mayan God known as â€Å"Heart of Sky†. The story is replete between the battle of good versus evil, but the important thing is that it highly influenced the creation of the Mayan Calendar, much more- it shows the Mayan’s beliefs in â€Å"cyclical time periods as a scared entity "(Gossen. 17). It was during the Ezapa era were shamans or priests calculated 5 periods in a cycle (wherein a cycle of 25,625 years were divided into five). Each period represented 5,125 years known as five wor ld ages. By 2012, the world is nearing the fifth period that would supposedly end in a catastrophe. It would take volumes of research to understand how the Mayan calendar was formed, but it is interesting to know the reason behind this cultures obsession with numbers and mathematical accuracy – it was the basis of â€Å"legitimacy for political power† (Rice 11). ... The power of information, especially through technology is much respected nowadays; hence, the public would depend on men of science to explain the forthcoming event. This would not only make them understand, but develop a belief system based on scientific assumptions. This brings us to a more intelligent discussion regarding the 2012 Apocalypse- what men of science have to say about these things. Science has a great role in educating the general public about the issue. There are some people like Greg Braden and John Major Jenkins, who aggressively promote the fulfillment of the 2012 Apocalypse. Jenkins has been reviewing other books regarding Mayan prophecies but concludes in the end that the event coincides with the winter solstice in 2012 (alignment 2012.com). Another popular writer, Greg Braden, explores the power of the algorithm in exploring cycles. His earlier books like the Divine Matrix that presented controversial issues like the Michelson and Morley experiment (Braden 19) and his connection of spirituality and science made many people believe in Braden. His new book Fractal Time tries to explain the importance of patterns in people’s lives that could create a change in the society. Braden used algorithm to create a Time Code calculator that anyone can use in charting the events in one’s life. However, these are individuals trying to make sense out of what they believe in and sharing it to the public. Do scientific authorities support such? It doesn’t because science needs to be exact. What we have for now are possibilities of having sun spots. NASA provides an update of such ever since sunspots were created way back in 2006. Sunspots are planet-sized flares that can create sun storms

Organization Theory and Its Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Organization Theory and Its Analysis - Essay Example In attempting to create a science study of organizations, the major focus has been placed on identifying general behaviours in work place situations and related them to all enterprises, despite their different nature. In particular proponents of this concept have paid little attention to differences among organization, those that are subjected to market forces and those that are not. (Hussey& Hussey, 1997, pp 5-45) The organization theory can determine the organization culture, which in turn determines the success or failure of an organization to achieve its stated mission and objectives. Culture of an organization defines an organization since it a collective beliefs and ideology shared by the employees working in an organization. Kotter (1992, pp 86-99) also clearly defines organizational culture as "the values, beliefs and norms expressed in actual practices and behaviours of the organization's members." To Kotter (1992, pp 86-99), culture is the main motivating force that ensures the success of an organization; culture also determines and represents organizational values. A paradigm offers a conceptual structure for considering and making good judgment about the social world. Burrell and Morgan (1979, pp 1-37), states that "to be located in a particular paradigm is to view the world in a particular way." The importance of paradigms is that they outline the way in which we view the world and at the same time reinforce the view of those around us. Philosophical assumptions and paradigms In organizational research the word paradigm includes three levels. The philosophical, which is fundamental beliefs concerning the world in which we live in, the social level, where guiding principle do exist as to how a social researcher should perform their activities and lastly, the technical level. This includes the processes and techniques ideally accepted when carrying out research. Burrell and Morgan (1979, pp 1-37), points out that at philosophical level, organizational theories differ in five sets of assumptions. These are 1. Subjectivist /objectivist dimension 2. Ontological, 3. Epistemological, 4. Axiological, 5. Methodological assumptions and also assumptions in relation to human nature These assumptions ooze through from top to lower levels and impact the research process. Burrell & Morgan paradigms Over the past two decades Burrell, G has made a several noteworthy contributions in regard to the development of a fundamental organization theory. As pertaining Sociological paradigms and also organizational analysis (co-authored with Morgan G in 1979) Burrell drafted a position for radical "structuralism and humanist" work which has provided legality for viewpoints critical of the "managerialist" direction of many organization theory. However times change, and so do theoretical modes change. "Pandemonium" is Burrell's most recent effort to create a drastic organization theory, in the outline of a "retro-organization theory". (Burrell and Morgan, 1979, pp 1-37) When looking at subjective-objective a dimension that is used to separate radical humanism and interpretive sociology and "radical structuralism and Functionalist sociology" Burrell and Morgan (1979, pp 1-37), outlines four philosophical aspects that distinguish objectivist from subjective studies. These aspects are 1. Ontology 2. Epistemology 3. Human nature 4. Methodology Ontology According to Burrell and

The Lord of the Flies Journal Entry Chapter 2 Essay Example for Free

The Lord of the Flies Journal Entry Chapter 2 Essay Day 1 Today’s events have left me thinking a bit. After we got back from exploring the island, Ralph assembled another meeting to spread our new discoveries. We realized everyone would not stop talking at once, so Ralph decided that whoever holds the conch has the right to talk and can only be interrupted by Ralph himself. Great idea at first, until that fat, useless oaf Piggy took it. He wouldn’t stop worrying and whining about getting rescued. Ralph said it himself, his dad’s a navy commander and will probably have us rescued in a few days. I don’t understand why he doesn’t have faith in Ralph like the others. After a while, Ralph brought up the great idea of making a fire in order to signal the rescuers we would be on the island. I knew there was little time to waste just sitting around, so I led the group into the forest to gather firewood. Upon gathering wood, I was the one who came up with the idea of using Fatty’s specs as burning glasses. Still, I had never imagined that keeping a fire burning would be so hard! Later, I humbly offered the choir to maintain the fire in shifts. Everything went well until that swine Piggy decided to speak out again. He kept repeating himself about how building a fire was a bad choice, even though he didn’t contribute squat to anything to begin with. Still, bigger problems arose to overshadow his stupidity. The fire we thought had been put out actually spread and began burning down a chunk of the forest. To top it off, we are now missing a little shrimp with a mulberry-colored scar on his face. I remember him as the one who wouldn’t stop scaring others by talking about the â€Å"beasties in the forest†. Stupid kids always getting themselves into trouble. As the leader of the hunters, I will definitely find him.

Are We Too Overdependent On Computers Philosophy Essay

Are We Too Overdependent On Computers Philosophy Essay Computer is a relatively new invention. Computers were invented about fifty years ago. However they came in extensive use some thirty years back. Personal Computers were put in use some times in the year 1980. In this short spell of time computers made tremendous impact on our lives. We are now so much dependent on computers that life without computers can not be imagined. Imagine the amount of chaos that would occur if Railway Ticket Booking, Air Booking, Banking computers fails or they are removed worldwide. Time is collapsing. Distance is no longer an obstacle. Crossing oceans takes only a minute by a single mouse click. Computers and internet are the one of the evolved technological revolution in the 21st century. By using computers, we can make or work out most of difficult things which are hardly completed without their hands. The presence of increasingly sophisticated internet technology has changed human lifestyle and the demands on human competence. The following paper discussed the different arguments about the computer dependency in our daily life. Starting from the brief introduction about the uses, advantages and disadvantages of the computers and technology, the paper leads towards the discussion about the arguments on computer dependency. At the end I have summarized the point of views of my friends and colleagues about the same question then I have given my conclusion from the overall study. Contents Introduction Background Fun, relaxation, communication tools can you get all that with only one tool? The answer is yes. What is the name of that magical instrument? Technologys greatest innovation in recent past and those are computers. Computer is regarded as an unbelievable intellectual tool in our society. It plays a vital role in our everyday life and gives the workplace, education, entertainment, healthcare and communication a complete new form. In addition it helps us to do our work more efficiently and more professionally than ever before. They are exclusive equipment that performs three main tasks: accept user inputs, processes it according to prescribed rules and produce a result as output in the way which user requires. à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"In the 1980s, computers began to take up new roles in different forms. A simple computer could be a cash machine in a supermarket, which does not look like a traditional one. In the past two decades, the price of components used for computers steadily fell due to higher technological advancement, reduced cost of manufacturing, stiffer competition, entrance of more manufacturers, new usage that simplified many processes, greater market demand and inevitability to higher productivity. And the trend of the usage of computer is changing quickly, from governmental to societal. Till now, the beginning of the 21st century, computers are becoming more powerful and functional and much closer to our daily life.à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ Ã‚  [1]   Aim The aim of this report is to find out the relationship between peoples life and computer and to see how much we are dependent on computers in our daily life? Use of computers Nowadays, we cannot imagine our life without computers and the fact is that they have become so important that nothing can replace them. They seem to be everywhere today. Since 1948 when the first real computer has been invented our life has changed so much that we can call it real digital revolution  [2]  . Our lives have changed to a great extent because of developments in Information technology. Many of our traditional practices have also transformed because of computers. Things that were only dreamed of in the past are now possible due to computers. If one day all the computer systems were to stop working, we would have huge problems1. In the past, computers were different from todays ones. They were so huge that they occupied whole rooms or buildings being comparatively slow in processing data. They were not faster than current simple calculators. Nowadays they are also used by scientist and they may also be as huge as the old ones but they are million times faster. They can execute many multiple operations simultaneously and scientist practically cannot perform without them. Now people have access to massive amount of information. Gathering and collecting data has never been simpler than now. They are not only used in laboratories but also in factories to control production. Sometimes it is computers who manufacture other computers2. This is known as computer aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer aided designs (CAD). But not only in science and industry computers are being used. Thanks to them modern medicine and health science can diagnose diseases faster and more comprehensively. Also in banking system computers have become common. They control ATMs, all data is stored on special hard disks and paper is not used in accountancy any more. Furthermore, architects, designers and engineers cannot imagine their work without computers. This machines are really everywhere and we rely on them also in such fields as criminology. They help police to solve crimes and collect evidence. Moreover, computers are wide-spread in education. Use of technology is woven into an almost daily educational discourse and debate. It is relatively easy to forget that computer use in education is a relatively new phenomenon that has evolved to widespread use only within the last 20 years. Teachers began to have more control over classroom with the help of technology in-use with the introduction of the first microcomputers in 1997 according to Roblyer and Edwards (2000)  [3]  . Except their classic tasks such as administration and accountancy they are used in process of learning. Firstly, they store huge amount of data which helps students to gain information. Secondly, thanks to special teaching techniques and programs they improve skills of concentration and adaptation of knowledge. They have become so popular and in use that not knowing how to use those means to be illiterate. Advantages of Computers Out of many some of the advantages of computer in our daily life are as follows: Computers saves storage place. Imagine how much paper would have to be used, how many trees would have to be cut just to store information which is today on hard disks. Data stored on just one CD in paper form would use room of dozens square meters and would weight thousands of kilos. Nowadays techniques of converting data from paper to digital form have also terrifically developed. You can simply rewrite the text using a keyboard. If you are not good at it you can use a scanner to scan necessary documents. At least there are special devices which can transfer our voice into text. Thanks to computers; banks, private and government companies, libraries, and many other institutions can save millions of square meters in terms of space and billions of dollars in terms of money. Nowadays we have access to billions of pieces of information and due to the computers capabilities we actually do not need to worry not only how to store them but also how to process them. Computers can calculate and process information faster and more accurate than human. Computers improve our lives. They are very useful in office work, we can write text such as reports and analysis. Compared with old typewriters when using computers we dont have to worry about making mistakes in typewriting because special programs help as to avoid them and we can change them any time. When the text is finished we can print it in as many copies as we want. At least but not at last, we can communicate with whole world very fast and cheap using Internet. Computers are user-friendly. We can watch videos and listen to the music having only PC. We dont need video player, TV and stacking hi-fi any more. Furthermore, we dont have to buy PCs which can take much room due to their other necessary components and wires. We can always buy laptop or palm top which is even smaller, and use them outside anywhere we want. Of course except these excellent features there is also dark side of computer technology because every invention brings us not only benefits but also threats. Disadvantages of Computers Sitting in front of a computer for long has adverse effects. Radiation from the screen affects the eyes, making it difficult to identify objects in high resolution. A magnetic field, generated by computers, also harms the brain; therefore resulting in jumbled thoughts or memories. A common symptom of computers adverse effects is restless sleeping. When using a computer, the brain is constantly moving like a water turbine. Therefore, after prolonged use, the eyes are strained, the brain is on maximum is still expecting more work and so results in kicking and turning while sleeping. Health is not the only individual to be devastated by prolonged computer usage; relationships are also hit hard too. Computer users, who work on the computer for long periods of time, create less time for interaction with their society. The advent of social networking sites might be seen as a solution to that problem, but face to face interactions are beneficial once in a while. Over-dependence on computers creates room for laziness too. People tend to disregard learning to do some things the manual way. Thus, a computer break-down would leave them helpless until the computer is repaired. Violence and sex. The main threats to younger users of computers are internet pornography and bloody games. The presence of sexual content or level of violence should be properly marked and parents are obliged to draw their attention to this issue. There are many extremely bloody games such as grand theft auto, quake etc. For example, in GTA you are a member of mafia and to promote in crime hierarchy you should kidnap people, steal cars, robe banks etc. As a bonus you can also run over pedestrians. There are also many games in which you are a soldier and your mission is to kill as many enemies as possible. The other threat to our children is internet pornography. The availability of sexual content is enormous and you can do practically nothing to protect your child, especially when its interested in this matter. The other threat is that you can be a computer addict. If you spend most of your free time using computer you should go to see a psychologist. Arguments about Computer dependency Since their invention, people far and wide have become increasingly dependent on computers. Computers have found their way into just about every aspect of our lives, and in most cases, they make things easier for us  [4]  . They allow us to work from home, socialize with our friends and family who live too far away to visit, and they provide an ever-welcome stress relief when we come home from school or work and just want to have some fun. But as we increasingly rely on computers to get through the day, the question begs to be asked: have we become too dependent on computers? Despite the many benefits of computers, there are also a number of arguments against them, one of which is the negative effect some believe they are having on childrens education. Illiteracy is a growing issue, and many say that computers are to blame. In the past few years, many teachers have taken to shuffling their students off to a computer to type out short, quick assignments that could easily be written out by hand. While this isnt much of an issue for older students, it is an issue for the younger students who are just learning to read and write. Regardless of how much were coming to rely on computers, printing and handwriting are a necessary skill to have. But typing out assignments has an effect on more than just the ability to print4. It can also negatively impact their spelling and grammar. While most programs now have spell- and grammar-check, they are not infallible; they cannot differentiate between homonyms and will often times suggest corrections that are not, in fact, correct. Furthermore, information is often more easily and accurately remembered when children have to spend a little time writing it out by hand, rather than a few quick minutes typing away at a keyboard. Because of these factors, computers in school should be reserved for older students, longer assignments, or classes which specifically teach how to use a computer. Another case against computers crops up when a persons interest in computers goes too far and becomes an obsession. Computers make our lives easier and give us new ways to learn about the things were interested in. They make it possible to do many things from the comfort of our own home. We can shop online, keep in touch with our friends online, even go to school online. They make it easier to record and organize information and entertain us with a nearly endless variety of games. However, its still important to maintain a life outside of the cyber world; a life spent attached to a computer screen isnt a real life. When a computer becomes the central point of a persons life, they undergo a change in behavior; they become lazy and develop anti-social tendencies, and, in some severe cases, simply cannot function without a computer. Its a common thing to see with children who have been allowed to spend too much time on the computer, watching TV, or playing video games: when it comes time to walk away, they throw temper tantrums. But its not just a matter of behavioral changes, when a person cant tear themselves away from the screen long enough to take part in any other activity, it can take a toll on their comfort and health. They may experience weight gain, strained eyes, and headaches, among other unpleasant side-effects. However, it can also be argued that this is not the fault of the computer, but rather the fault of the person  [5]  . Perhaps the most convincing argument, however, is the issue of safety. Aside from the issue of sharing personal information such as full names and addresses, there is also the bigger issue of stolen personal information. As our dependence on computers grows, so does our comfort level with them, and we are more likely to save personal information to our computer. While it would be nice to think that it is always perfectly safe to do so, the fact is that there are people who have any number of ways to gain access to your personal files, and therefore, any personal information stored on your computer. Even if you dont knowingly keep any personal information on your computer, if you bank or shop online at all, its possible for someone who knows what theyre doing to gain access to delicate financial information. But these are just examples of issues with household computers. What of the rest of the world? Instead of writing a cheque, we whip out our cards to pay for things when were short on cash. What happens when the internet goes down and youre stuck in the checkout line with $200 worth in groceries, and no way to pay for them because you dont have a blank cheque? What happens when everyone is driving their fancy, futuristic cars that run on a computer chip and something goes wrong? In a few hundred years, will anyone know how to drive the cars that we know today? Why are we really relying so much on computers? People put their computers through a lot of grief because they dont quite know what theyre doing when they decide to fix a problem or clean up their hard drive, but there are also errors in programming, bugs that need to be fixed long after the product is out on the market, and there are always people trying to ruin a perfectly good thing with viruses and the like. Survey Results We have asked the same question à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Are we dependent on computers?à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚  to our friends and fellow students and we gather these responses: Yes, because many everyday skills have been lost due to the use of computers and other technology. I have had this argument many times with people. Because of computers and smart phones, too many people cant think for themselves. They cant decide what restaurant they want to go to without pulling up a search engine. They cant add 2 + 2 because they always have their handy computer calculator to do the work for them. They cant manage their own time, because their computer schedule is what keeps them in order. In todays society, we are too dependent on computers. People are losing their ability to function without a computer. Memorization is a thing of the past, we now depend on our cell phones to have the phone number of everyone we know and we no longer can even remember the phone number of our parents or children. We no longer worry about what we are writing or typing because we all use a word processing program that has spellchecker and checks for grammar mistakes. So as you can see we depend on computers too much and are losing our ability to memorize, type, spell, or even write a grammatical correct sentence. We are way too dependent on computers today; most businesses are not able to run without a computer anymore. My belief that everybody somewhere somehow has to use a computer for what they are doing. Most businesses are run on computers or even by computers. Banking is now done on computers along with credit apps and even car and movie rentals. If we lost the use of computers at this point in time, our world would come to a screeching halt. Stocks would crash; gas pumps and credit card machines would go down. The dependency on computers is also an extreme risk to the way that businesses and lives are run. Some people are even addicted, having to be on the computer all the time. These reasons are why I think that we are too dependent on computers. If we lose computers we end up in chaos. It is important to properly understand what being too dependent is. If we say that too dependent means that if we lose it in an instant then we are completely screwed and end up in chaos, then sure, were too dependent on computers. However, does the concept of too dependent even exist? Is it even possible to be too dependent on something? But the way I see dependence, we are too dependent. Too many tasks are done using computers. At some point in a persons day, a computer is involved whether that is driving, writing, communicating, or even ordering food. Too many important aspects of our lives depend on computers and one of the crucial aspects is communication. For myself, I talk to more people per day via digital communication than in real life. We are not too dependent on computers, because they allow us to perform better and produce more. Computers are tools, and you can never be too dependent on tools. Tools allow us to perform better and produce more. When I was in high school, research meant a trip to the library, finding the right book, and then taking notes with pencil and paper. Today, research is going online and cutting and pasting. We are not too dependent on computers, because that would be the same as saying that we are too dependent on tools. Computers are only tools which help us to perform better. Is the survival of the human race dependent on computers? No. However, if you asked, if modern society developed nations are heavily dependent on computers? Then yes, to the extent that if you were able to destroy all computers overnight, then we would be in a terrible mess indeed, most forms of public transport, logistics, stock trading, banks, economy of the internet and modern life as we know it would come to a crashing halt and many of us would be too stunned to know how to deal with it. Conclusion In our opinion, computers and other developments of technology are useful and there is no possibility to live without them nowadays, as we got too much used to them. However, we should also work to find the ways of making our dependence on technology less dangerous for us. New developments should appear only when really important and helpful for people.

A Generic Supervisory Of ICT Agriculture Information Technology Essay

A Generic Supervisory Of ICT Agriculture Information Technology Essay Agriculture is the most assured engine of development and a reliable key to industrialisation (Ajibola, 2007). It is the basis of development, especially in Africa and other developing countries. Increased in agricultural production is the best way of assessing that development. However, adoption of agricultural technologies is the tool of measuring the levels of achievement and production potentials. Thus, reliable means of improving the living conditions of the farmers. Priorities are therefore attached to the ways of exposing the farmers to current agricultural practices (Mando, 2002). High population increase and excessive competition on limited agricultural and related technologies, mandated various stakeholders to devise the ways of utilising agricultural resources effectively. The appropriate means of achieving that and increase productivity are through involving farmers to various decision making processes, and make them realise the ways of manipulating and combining various techniques that involved both scientific and indigenous knowledge. The use of desirable information technology that enhance horizontal and vertical exchange of ideas among farmers and other related components becomes instrumental towards increased agricultural production and improve the living conditions of the rural people. (Michiels, 2001) have defined ICT as a range of electronic technologies which when converged in new configurations are flexible, adaptable, enabling and capable of transforming organisations and redefining social relations. In related development, (Greenidge, 2003) defined ICT as those technologies that can be used to interlink information technology devices, such as personal computers with communication technologies, such as telephones and their communications . The definitions above, stresses on the need for integrating modern communication technologies with conventional ones, aimed at devising more diversified means of exchanging and sharing of ideas among individuals. However, failed to consider the printed materials, group meetings and workshops, and question and answer service as ICTs that are used frequently, conveniently filled the gaps of impersonal communication and enhances the feedback mechanisms. According to Joseph Schumpter, innovation is simply the doing of new things or the doing of things that are already being done in a new way. A definition that is more appropriate is the application of technological, institutional and human resources and discoveries to productive processes, resulting in new practices, products, markets, institutions and organisation that are improved and efficiency enhancing. (Nigel, 2006).The two generic sources of innovation in agriculture are informal system of experimentation and selection, and formal systems of research and development. These two systems are connected to national and international sector organisations. The bottom line is how to consider the two (2) approaches to innovations, i.e. central and multiple source models. The central source model emphasise on the theoretical and rhetoric concepts of formal agricultural research and extension institutions, where major technical, institutional and social innovations evolved from the syste matic work of international research centres. While the multiple sources of innovation model embrace natural and farmer selections, and considered agricultural research and diffusion processes within various political, economical, institutional and historical context through which technological changes occur. Thus, innovations evolved from various sources of farmers, international centres, extension staff, national research system and non-governmental organisations (Biggs, ). Information and communication technology is an example of private sector innovation of high priority. Agricultural extension/education considered ICT issues as the most important topics for quite a long time. (Poole, 2000) examined the conventional ICTs like radio and television as the most important means of establishing a strong link between the farmers and their respective market demands, which are their major area of interest. And the information gap among the farmers and other beneficiaries are bridged up through providing additional sources by the modern ICTs like satellite, computer, internet service providers and telephone systems. Both ICTs are used for addressing developmental issues and reducing poverty, and are adopted by target audience. Agricultural knowledge sharing created by information flow helps in developing different agricultural sectors. However, there is a significant difference in sharing of information between rural areas and agricultural knowledge centres. Accessibility of information by the targeted audiences are the responsibilities of some stakeholders and intermediary organisations(Stienen, 2007). In earlier and closely related observations by (Kenny, 2000)the accessibility of ICTs by rural people assist in devising a multi-dimensional approaches to technological uptake, poverty eradication and other related developmental issues. While (Skuse, 2001)argued that the use of ICT in addressing such issues, especially poverty eradication, depends to a greater extent on the desirable information content and infrastructural facilities. It is important to appreciate the earlier perceptions of (Chambers, 1997), that, individuals use of information and the reasons for using that information supercedes the infor mation context. He further emphasised that, in rural areas, priorities are attached to policy and decision makers than the end users. Rural areas are therefore deprived by appropriate information, which is important for initiating developmental activities. There is the need to bridge the gap in knowledge and solve some problems through information acquisition. In considering the roles of ICTs in adoption of innovation, it is absolutely necessary to examine the differences in the needs of the rural and urban people, and the benefits derived. ICT uses could be more inclined to rural areas, mainly because of the contributions they provide towards agricultural developments. The roles therefore, provided by ICT in rural areas towards improving their livelihoods are unparallel to other areas. The roles of ICT in adoption of innovation in Nigeria is related to provision of agricultural support services, improving market efficiency and weather forecast, through the use of internet and Global Service Mobile (GSM) phones, which improve farmers production potentials successfully, and reduces social isolation(Pickernell, 2004). Modern ICTs like internet, computer and mobile phones that improves rural banking systems and accessibility to credit facilities were encouraged and approved in Nigeria by the World Summit Information Society (WSIS), 2003 2005 as tools for developing rural communities (Stienen et al., 2007). The applications of ICT in Nigeria are considered vital for revolutionary role in diversification of scientific and indigenous technology. ICT abridged the gap created by geographical and cultural barriers, which are detrimental to agricultural production. Thus, information are shared effectively in post harvest technology, databases, market prices and other related information for immediate and future use, which is achieved by internet, email and world wide web to facilitate communication (Obayelu, 2010). The roles of ICT in adoption of innovation are suppose to first be considered from the integrated point of view, before addressing the roles of individual ICTs. This is particularly important due to the differences in the socio-economic status of the rural people, and the need for encouraging the participatory action community approach, which is user-driven in nature. It is important however, to appreciate the uses of combination of conventional and modern ICTs in adoption processes. To this effect, therefore, the benefits derived from the Telecentres in Nigeria and other developing countries towards exposing the rural people to more diversified ICTs need to be discussed. Kiplang at 2001, defined Telecentre as community-based centre that accommodate ICTs, including fax, telephone, computer based system with internet connection and photocopying. A few telecentres provide additional services such as postal facilities, selling of telephone cards, newspaper and refreshment. The main objectives of establishing telecentres in the rural areas is to eradicate poverty and capacity building among the rural people. Telecentres are used for sharing knowledge among the rural people. It expose the farmers to various agricultural technologies and makes them to adopt the most desirable innovation. Telecentres are widely used in Africa and other developing countries. According to Synman, 2002, South Africa established fifty-six (56) telecentres in the year, 2002 out of the projected one hundred (100) through Universal Service Agency. The average visiting clients were 140 per day, and the clients are from different areas of community-based services, like agricultural extension workers, farmers, teachers and students and health workers. Telecentres are widespread in Uganda, Senegal and Kenya, owned by Governmental and Non-governmental organisations. While some are managed by agricultural research institute, like Ugunja Communication Research Centres in Kenya (Oguya, 2001). Oke-Ogun community development network (OCDN), located in Oyo-State -Nigeria and Fantsuan Foundation ICT in North-Central are two telecentres established in the years, 2003 and 2000 respectively, by the people of those communities, provided only four (40) computers to Ago-Are town, mainly used for training rural people, without telephone services. With the intervention of Pam Mclean from the United Kingdom, internet service provider was installed through internet connection in 2004. Information about agricultural innovations becomes readily available to the farmers in the area. Pam Mclean and Carole utilised the centres, with extensive web site on solar cooking information, which is rich information source, and introduced solar cooking video project which was widely adopted in the area. Participatory action research approach was the research method used. The technology is particularly relevant in minimising deforestation and other environmental problems caused by mining, and excessiv e farming activities on forested lands in Nigeria (Carole, 2005). As earlier emphasised, agricultural information in Nigeria and other developing countries are targeted to rural areas where the farmers lives, so that, their social and economic conditions are favourably improved. To achieve this, Emerald Publishing Group of the United Kingdom established a broad band service knowledge centre in Nigeria in Ihala village of Anambra State, which had a projected population of 20,000 people. The project took up in 2007 mainly for exchange of agricultural ideas among the farmers, aided by volunteer students. Computers with internet services and customised website were installed and monitored. Social interactions, mutual exchange of ideas and information retrieval were enhanced in the village. The project was successful, with up to 61% of the participants utilising the knowledge centre website for socialisation and discussions with farmers. Participatory community approach was effectively used(Ha, 2008). The serious problem facing all the telecentres in Nigeria is poor electricity supply and lack of stability in internet services. This problem is particularly not only in the rural areas, but in the urban counterparts. The unreliable internet connection reduces the efficiency of such telecentres, especially when users are eagerly anticipating urgent response to the ways of combating a disease/pest infestation and immediate call for directions of use for newly introduced package. Farmers in Nigeria have different backgrounds, speak various languages. Standardised ICT usage cannot be applicable to all of them. The variation in the language of communication, coupled with low understanding of English, inhibits effective utilisation of ICTs. It is therefore, recommended that, software translators should be developed for proper ICT use. Linkages of such centre with universities and research institutions are not highly intensified. Only one of the available telecentre in Nigeria (OCDN) is linked through ICT with International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the university of Ibadan for certain project implementations. Combining socialisation and research activities in the same spot, makes the people to inclined more to social related activities than research. Radio is still the frequently used ICTs for adoption of innovation in Nigeria. This can be attributed to its availability than any other conventional or modern ICTs. Various adoption of innovation were successful in Nigeria through the use of radio. Combination of radio, posters, video and global system mobile (GSM) were used, with core extension programs for extending Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage (PICS) technology in Nigeria and other West African countries. The project realised that, accessibility of the rural people in Nigeria to television was very low, mainly due to inadequate supply of electricity. Radio messages were used during various events of sensitisation, demonstration, follow-up and open the bag. There was a great difference in the adoption rates between villages with and without PICS radio messages. Thus, radio messages had significantly influenced the adoption of PICS sacks in Kano and other Northern states of Nigeria (Moussa, 2009). Posters were also distributed to various stakeholders that are involved in the adoption of PICS technology, which revealed the various stages that can be used for optimal utilisation of PICS technology . A video sketch on the use of the technology in the languages that are easily comprehended by rural people in Nigeria, Niger and Burkina Faso (Hausa and French ) were transferred to the GSM phones through Bluetooth to augment the demonstrations performed in various villages. The use of GSM phones was due to the realisation of the project of the expanded use of those phones in rural areas of Nigeria and other African countries (Moussa, 2009). Integrated ICTs (Radio, posters, video and mobile phones) were used in this project and tremendously increased the rate of adoption of this technology (PICS), thereby increase in the income level of the adopters, when sold the cowpea during lean period, and more importantly improved the health conditions of the people. Radio is the most persistently used conventional/traditional communication medium that is capable of transmitting various information to different set of people(FAO., 2004). According to (Chapman, 2003), radio has the capabilities of reaching farmers, regardless of their educational status and provide relevant information in the language they can understand. They emphasised that, radio is the cheapest means of providing information with exceptional power of linking the modern and conventional technologies for improving the livelihoods of the rural people. (Okwu, 2007) argued that, radio is the most widely appropriate medium used by all research and extension systems to extend messages to rural people, with little intellectualism to reach the remote places that could not be reach by the extension workers. The sensitive assessment of great impact of radio in Nigeria is related to the findings of Iro, 2006 that, radio is the most preferred means of educating pastoral Fulani, which they found portable, even when herding. The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) utilises radio and television to introduce educational and enlighten programmes to Fulani. Educational status of Fulani is still low, despite the programmes aired for educating them, the enrolment pattern of their children in Nomadic schools is very low when compared with children of farmers in the same schools. The possible explanation to this is the nature of their movements from one place to another, which could affect the reception of the radio in some areas. It can also be attributed to lack of clear information about the time when the programmes are to be broadcasted and the content of the language. With all little things taken care of, and increasing level of awareness, educational and enlighten programmes would reduce the Fulani/farmer conflict that is persistently affect agricultural production in Nigeria. However, with all the benefits of radio as conventional ICT in Nigeria, the current status of telecommunication system after the sector has been reformed, is the emergence of many private radio stations. Those radio stations are profit-oriented, attached exorbitant charges to programmes sponsored by Non-governmental organisations, with little or no consideration to agricultural related programmes. While the public radio stations are producer-driven, inclined more to programmes that are satisfying the interest of the government. Television and Video: Are important communication tools, ideals for demonstration of various techniques for easily understanding. They have an additional value of displaying motion pictures, essential for teaching and learning processes. Many farmers are reached and stimulated about the new ideas(Ifran, 2006). When appropriately used, it is a source of reliable information, but most people considered it more as entertainment tools (Kari, 2007). According to (Omotayo, 2005), video has the potentials of using undistorted messages to reach large number of farmers, since it doesnt depend on any reception/coverage patterns. Video could be use to inspire individuals to involve in various planning and implementation stages of agricultural activities. It allows farmers and extension agents to edit and document important events like agricultural shows. Telephone: There was remarkable increased in telephone lines in Nigeria when GSM was introduced in 2001. GSM lines were then 450,000, raised to over 38 million lines in 2007. The teledensity increased accordingly from 0.4 to 24 g/cm3 (Adeyinka, 2009). Telephones are available in either fixed or mobile form. Telephones are the rapidly spread ICT that cover large area in exchange of messages across various agricultural components of farmers, research and extension. According to (Shaibu, 2008) telephones are used by famers to access the agricultural markets conveniently. This helps in having knowledge about real situations in various markets, so as to enhance market efficiency and consistency. It can be integrated with computer for internet connectivity. Telephones are used by farmers to seek for immediate attention of extension agents during disease outbreak or other consultations which are prevented by geographical barriers. Nomadic Fulani are relating efficiently with veterinary assistants through mobile phones as long as there are network coverage. Computers : For agricultural information to be sufficient through web technology, established connection is needed between computers and internet service providers. Such connection is useful for generation, compilation, dissemination and exchange of agricultural information (Zaman, 2002). Internet is therefore used by farmers to realise appropriate agricultural information that can be useful to adopt and utilise various innovations.(Munyau, 2000) explained that, world wide web (www) is used as important tool for creating awareness and providing agricultural information to farmers, while email services complements the www function , through establishing interactive linkages and effective feedback mechanism. High cost of computer hard and soft wares and lack of computer literacy prevent rural people from using computer and other internet services effectively in evaluating relevant information about current technological advancements. THE WAYS ICT HELP RESEARCH AND EXTENSION IN OVERCOMING THE CONSTRAINTS OF ADOPTION OF INNOVATION IN NIGERIA: The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has divided its agricultural research institutes into five (5) agro-ecological zones, and these zones are liable for effective linkages between research and extension components. There are various senders and receivers of agricultural innovations and ideas that are involved in the communication of agricultural technologies to rural communities. Such communication sources are considered obnoxious when sent to the farmers at a later stage of agricultural production (Obayelu, 2010). There are eighteen (18) agricultural research centres in Nigeria that are solely responsible for improving the local crop varieties and developing new ones that are conducive to the existing farming situations, like rice, sugarcane, cassava, banana, soyabean to mentioned but a few.(Faturoti, 2006). Research and extension components have distinctive functions in agricultural development. The research component is responsible for providing science-based innovations, which is significant for creating the much needed change to agricultural productivity. While the extension components conveyed the innovations to the farmers for adoption, and in turn communicate the results, expectations and problems of the farmers to research component. For the roles of these components to be effective, there should be well coordinated linkage between them, which will enable each component to realise its potentials. In an effort to develop and strengthen these linkages, the FGN established various systems, like On-Farm Adaptive Research (OFAR), Farming System Research (FSR), Small Plot Adoption Techniques (SPAT) and Research- Extension Farmer- Input Linkage system (REFILS). Although, the systems are relevant in providing much needed interaction, the FGN failed to support the linkages financially. There is the need to provide effective means with less cost and highly satisfactory result. This could only be achieved through integrating ICT for reinforcing the linkages (Lawal-Adebowale, 2008). The roles of ICT in augmenting the services of agricultural research are considered significant in adoption of innovation. This can be achieved through ways in which the results of some findings generated by research institutions can be extended to farmers, which is associated with changing agricultural information systems, such that the information about new agricultural innovations can be assessed by farmers through the web-based information systems. This helps in providing access to relevant publications directly. Efficiency of agricultural research could be enhanced by making soft wares that are related to agriculture more readily available. Accessibility of research soft ware is highly intensified in International Agricultural Research Centres. It is particularly important to involve various stakeholders, so that high interactive sessions for improving information generation and utilisation among farmers can be achieved successfully. Agricultural development and improving the quality of peoples life in Nigeria and other developing countries depends to a greater extent on the viability of the nations agricultural research and extension systems (NARES). Investment in NAREs, by the FGN becomes necessary for achieving the much needed progress in agricultural development. World Bank provides sufficient loans to Nigerias agriculture, specifically to Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) and research institutions for effective performance. Nigerian Agricultural extension system passed through various stages of development from commodity focus to professional services which have vision for farmers production potentials. ADPs are available in all States, still the most dignified extension service delivery in Nigeria, involving Local Government staff for carrying out various tasks. REFILS provides the desirable linkages for various stakeholders to interact in generating appropriate technology, assigning responsibilities to the actors involved and strategise the effectiveness of the modified training and visit extension system. Farmers and private sector involvement is still low in technological development and planning of the programme, with strengthen linkage mechanism. NARES and private sector (commercial and NGOs) provides specialised roles in the linkages, while the former is responsible for technological development, the later is engaged in the provision of essential inputs and supply services of credit and marketing. The major partners in REFILS are the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the project coordinating unit (PCU). Non-Governmental organisations i.e. profit and non-profit oriented, joined extension services in Nigeria. The non profit oriented are providing extension services in a participatory inclined approach and weak linkages to NARS and public extension services. (NAERLS., 2002) ascertained that, in Nigeria, extension agents are the most effective means through which farmers have information about innovation. Until the intervention of State-wide ADP in 1980, the ratio of extension agent to farmer was 1: 2000, sometimes 1: 3000. They further realised that, the ratio ranges from 1: 848 in South Western zone to 1: 1,650 in North Western zone, with more wider range when it involves women extension agents. The ratio failed to meet the recommendation of FAO of 1:500. This therefore calls of integrating ICTs for cost effective and wider coverage of extension services that can complement the existing usage of ICTs in research and extension to overcome the problems of adoption of innovation. The inclusion of modern ICTs to complement the existing conventional ICTs becomes imperative for making the farmers more knowledgeable about the current agricultural practices for increased in productivity. According to (Arokoyo, 2002), the roles of ICT in research and extension is traced after the establishment of ADP as World Bank assisted project. The strategy utilised the T V extension services in developing effective communication system. It was achieved through the use of mobile cinema vans, moving from one rural area to another, with extension publications that are printed in the languages easily understood by the people. Successful implementation of which led to additional ICTs like radio, video and television in the mobile vans, when the bank increased the assistance. ADPs in various states extends its extension messages through radio and television programmes. National Agricultural Technology Support Project (NATSP) was established by ADP, as one of its second developmental phase in 1996, with Development Support Commission (DSC) units, which increased the viewing facilities. Through NATSP, more radio listening clubs were formed. (NAERLS., 2002) examined that, in the year, 2002, 70% of the states ADPs utilised one or more radio programs to broadcast agricultural information to farmers in their local languages that enhance proper understanding. The findings further revealed that, more than 48% of the ADPs broadcasts are relevant agricultural programmes in the television. The CTA-supported Questions and Answers service in Nigeria used by NAERLS and nine (9) collaborative institution popularly known as Nigerian Question and Answer Service (NAQAS) has revolutionalised the ICT in research and extension. Users of NAQAS are provided with information required through references, factional information referral and advisory services. In a similar development, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Communication for Change (CFC), NAERLS and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, established the Information and Communication Support (ICS) for agricultural growth in Nigeria, with aim of strengthen capacity of farmer assistance organisations to package and disseminate information to farmers, thus, enhancing information flow(Ogunyinka, 2002). The project was started in eight ADPs states. (Ogunyinka, 2002) emphasised that, the networking in the project involves all the stakeholders and farmer association. The major activity of ICS is establishment of farmer resource centre in each of the eight states. The centres are supposed to have and utilised the following ICTs; Radio and Television, Camera and Video, Computer with internet facilities, Telephone and Fax, Scanner, Photocopier and Printer, Cassette recorder/player, Generator and Lamination and Spiral binding machine. The NAQAS and ICS are established to use ICTs in improve horizontal exchange of ideas among the farmers, thus improving extension services. The information flow focus on the end-users (user-driven), in order to satisfy their needs. Establishing integrated ICTs like NAQAS, ICS and other telecentres are exceptionally significant towards providing a relevant and reliable information to the farmers living in rural areas. It is important to note that, any sustainable information development that entails using modern and conventional ICTs that is not encouraging a strong linkage between research/extension and the farmers should not have a significant impact in agricultural development. In Nigeria, the linkages between extension and farmers is highly intensified, while that, between research and farmers is relatively weak. This can be attributed to the low level of literacy for assessing information easily, on part of the farmers and weak contacts to the farmers, depending on extension component to disseminate information and more emphasis on the managerial activities. The constraints the NAQAS and ICS may likely face is the domination of accessibility of such centres by researchers and other literate individuals in t he communities. The centres are supposed to provide intensive trainings to farmers for proper utilisation of the resources. The sustainability of this and other related projects that are funded by international organisations, tend to terminates if such funding terminates. The Local, State and Federal Governments are expected to consistently monitor and evaluate the activities of such centres for achieving the desired objectives. The status of ICT in agricultural research and extension organisations in South Western Nigeria was assessed by Lawal-A., 2008, analysed that, all the eight agricultural research institutes and six extension organisations except, Osun State ADP, had computers, internet facilities and telephone system. Telex/fax machines were available in four research institutes, and two extension organisations. The result however, shows that, the ICTs were only found in some offices at the headquarters. The research and extension personnel with whom the field works are assigned have little access to such facilities. Adequate ICT infrastructure is necessary for agricultural development and the effect of such development could not be felt with the marginal improvement in ICTs infrastructural facilities (Institute., 2005). Kano State ADP is currently using mobile telephones to call for meetings, workshops and other important information to farmer groups. More than 12,000 farmer groups were formed, each group comprises of 25 members. Focus group discussion and use of existing traditional groups were the techniques used in forming the groups. Each group has a leader possessing a functional mobile phone through which the head of extension unit of the ADP contact them for important messages that deserve immediate attention. Thus, the use of mobile phones facilitates communication and established reliable linkages between the extension and rural farmers. From the discussions, it was observed that, research and extension in Nigeria are currently using integrated ICTs in motivating farmers to adopt various innovations. However, the use of effective individual ICTs are relevant for extending messages to fa

Barbie as a Real Woman is Anatomically Impossible Essays -- Female Ide

Millions of girls around the world are dressing their Barbie dolls in skimpy designer outfits and high heel shoes, and slide her slender legs into a bright pink convertible next to her male counterpart, Ken. These same girls will gaze into the mirror, staring at their thighs and hair, and attempt to balance themselves in a pair of their mother’s high heel shoes. They will wonder why they do not look like Barbie. They will wonder today, just as I wondered years ago. As the years of make-believe with the American plastic icon of girlhood nostalgia passed, I discovered Barbie’s hidden effects. Although Barbie lent herself to fond memories of childhood, she also influenced my early ideal image of the female body. As I began to realize Barbie’s false representation of a real woman, I dis...

Biblical Figures and Ideals in Shakespeares Richard II Essay -- Richa

Biblical Figures and Ideals in William Shakespeare's Richard II William Shakespeare's Richard II tells the story of one monarch's fall from the throne and the ascension of another, Henry Bullingbrook, later to become Henry IV. There is no battle fought between the factions, nor does the process take long. The play is not action-packed, nor does it keep readers in any form of suspense, but rather is comprised of a series of quietly dignified ruminations on the nature of majesty. Thus, the drama lies not in the historical facts, but in the effects of the situation on the major characters and the parallels drawn by Shakespeare to other tales. The outrage felt by Richard and his fellow royalists is not due from a modern sense of personal loss, but from the much more important sense of loss of order, which came most predominately from the strictly Catholic sensibilities of the time. In Richard's time kings were believed to be divinely appointed and "not all the water in the rough rude sea can wash the balm off from an anointed king" (III.iii, 54-5). T his disparity between the perceived will of God and the way in which the events unfold creates trouble in the minds of the characters and the audience. Shakespeare makes it clear that this is not just a simple switch of power, rather a series of events whose meanings and effects penetrate far deeper than the mere surface of the story. Although not as advanced in its stagecraft as many of Shakespeare's other plays, the intricate web of metaphor and poetry in Richard II makes it perhaps the most meaningful and intense of the historical plays. Richard is not the sniveling villain a lesser playwright might have made him, but a philosopher and a poet whose ideas of majesty have been c... ...49-50), desiring to repent his sin toward Richard in Jerusalem. The historical reality of this story is merely that a bad king was replaced by a better one. However, Richard II is not merely a play about a few men long dead; it is about betrayal, dignity, sacrifice, and redemption. Seen through Shakespeare's eyes, the story is not even only about the characters contained in it, but about biblical figures and ideals that enrich the play, allowing this drama to speak to its readers no matter their location in time and space and enticing all to say, of Richard, as of Christ of Shakespeare: the King is dead, long live the King. Work Cited Shakespeare, W. "The Tragedy of King Richard the Second." The Complete Classic Shakespeare. Toronto: Harcourt Brace Johanovich, Publishers, 1997 The Holy Bible, New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992.

Managing Individual Performance

It’s crucial for the manager to make right decisions about the members of his team. The organization can be very successful only in the case of well-balanced personnel, and it’s the manager’s responsibility to employ the right people for the positions. Even when all the technical resources in the company are at the highest level, the skills of employees appear to be the most important key to the organization’s success. It’s a well-known fact that â€Å"†¦everyone wants to feel that they are on a winning team, that the company is moving ahead, and that they are an integral part of the group.† (3)Therefore, it’s necessary for the manager to take employment of personnel very seriously. First of all, the manager needs to make sure he knows all the major objectives which the company sets in front of itself. Without the deep understanding of the organization’s goals, it’s impossible to employ people to achieve those goals. As soon as the goals are determined, it’s necessary for the manager to do his best to find people whose education, general background, and personality will fit the best into the positions available. There is no general criterion for choosing the members of the team because the decision of the manager depends on the goals which he sets for his team.The manager has to analyze the profiles of the potential employees very carefully in order to get a full idea about them. The major criterion is ensuring that every employee in the team will have a position which answers both his expectations and expectations of the company. The goals of the organization will be achieved only in the case when the manager makes right decisions about the choice of employees and the responsibilities which each of them can fulfill the best. However, the task gets more complicated because â€Å"building the winning team requires more than just hiring a bunch of talented people.It means hiring people wh o will work well together. It means developing a shared vision and commitment. It means physically bringing people together in formal group meetings for open discussion of broad-based issues. It means encouraging positive, informal interactions between group members. It means instilling a â€Å"winning† attitude throughout the organization. It means watching for and quickly trying to reverse team-building problems such as jealousy, cynicism, and defensive behavior.† (3)In the simulation I chose the following employees into the team: Tony Wu for the position of building case files; Lisa Stafford to moderate self-help groups, Nicola Minelli for performing follow-ups, and finally Daniel Nichols to supervise confrontation sessions. Out of all the employees whom I selected Daniel Nichols has the most experience, he also has an MBA which puts him one step ahead of everybody else who only have bachelor’s degrees.That is why he gets a very complicated task of supervising confrontation sessions. In order to keep Daniel Nichols motivated, he needs to have an important position, so I chose one for him with the most responsibility. Tony Wu is a good professional, and he cannot fulfill the functions on a very important position just yet because he has never worked as a manager. He is not very ambitious as the profile shows, so he is much better on the position when he has to exercise duties like building case files. Tony Wu has a very important feature of character- accuracy, and this feature is very useful in the position which I have offered to him. For Tony Wu, it’s better to work with documents and build case files because when he has to make important decisions, he might fail them due to his mild character.Lisa Stafford necessarily has to be on my team due to her success-orientation. She is not the type of employee who will sit in the shadow of somebody else during her whole life. She wants to fight for success, and she is very ambitious. He r future is pre-destined by her character, and she will be in the manager’s chair shortly. For the moment, she doesn’t have enough experience to be a manager or supervisor, so the best suitable position for her is moderating self-help groups.However, I as a manager realize that it’s very important to motivate Liza in every possible way because she expects to have the most important chores, and wants to show herself from the best possible side. Out of the last 3 potential employees I have chosen Nichola Minelli. She had almost equal chances with other 2 candidates but I preferred her to them for a couple of reasons. The position which remains vacant is performing follow-ups. I had 3 alternatives for the position: Nicola Minelli, John Connor, and Michelle Levy.The negative side of Michelle Levy is that she is a pessimist. This quality is absolutely inapplicable for the team which we are forming, considering the goals of our organization. John Connor is a very expe rienced worker but I prefer to include younger members in the team who have a high potential. They have a much better performance due to their expectations of future promotion. Nicola Minelli possesses a very important quality which makes her a perfect candidate for the position is that she has good analytical skills.In order to manage the created team effectively, I had to consider many factors. First of all, the ways to motivate every one in the team. Every employee has his own interests and needs, and in order to choose the right strategy of motivation, I needed to study their profiles carefully. Whenever I felt that one member of the team was growing uninterested towards the functions which he was fulfilling, I had to apply different forms of motivation for him. I also needed to check all the time what new responsibilities I can give to the members of the team if I saw they were ready for that.I as well had to consider the way the members of the team interact with each other bec ause a team works successfully only in case when the communication among members is on the highest level. An individual’s personality plays a crucial role in the success of my team as I have discovered. Every person in the team is a part of it. The system can work efficiently only in the case when every part of it works efficiently. If I employ a person for some position whose personality doesn’t answer the responsibilities which he will have to bear, he will not be able to fulfill his duties at the required level.If one of the members stops performing at his required level, it immediately has a deep effect on the work of the whole system because every member is dependent on each other. Another influence on the member’s personality is communication with other members of the team. Individuals employed in one team need to be as compatible as possible by their characters in order to bring success to the organization.â€Å"The 126 item Myers-Briggs Type Indicator ( MBTI), Form G, provides data on four sets of preferences. These preferences result in 16 learning styles, or types. A type is the combination of the four preferences.† (8) E (extroversion) versus I (introversion) tells about how people â€Å"change their batteries†. Extroverts find all of the support in the outside world, as well as see the outside world as the reason of their failures, if they occur. Such employees are better on important positions because they are very action-oriented.Introverts are more concerned about their inner world of ideas, so they are better at exercising tasks given to them by other people. N (intuition) versus S (sensing) tells about a person’s preference in relying on and making decisions. Some people prefer to rely on their intuition, others on sensing. For my team, I chose 2 members who have intuition preference (men) and 2 members who have sensing preference (women). This creates a good balance. T (thinking) versus F (feeling) tel ls whether a person trusts to his mind more, or to his feelings. People who prefer feeling make decisions according to what their heart says to them.Others are guided by their rational mind. I have also used the same proportion of team members with this preference because this proportion can help employees have right decisions. P (perception) versus J (judgement) describes the way people act in their lives. Perceptive people make spontaneous decisions, and can do things at once when they think of them. Judging people weight their actions first, and provide the analysis of the situation. Perceptive people are more preferable for positions in teams because they make decisions very quickly.Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can be described as the following:1) Physiological: hunger, thirst, bodily comforts, etc.;2) Safety/security: out of danger;3) Belonginess and Love: affiliate with others, be accepted; and4) Esteem: to achieve, be competent, gain approval and recognition. (7)The hie rarchy of needs effects motivation in such a way that every employee has his needs. One employee only needs his 2 basic needs to be satisfied (psychological and safety). Others will not be satisfied unless they are accepted by others and gain recognition. In order to motivate every employee, you need to know about his needs.You as a manger need to focus on his need satisfaction as the key to motivating him. It’s important to select such team members whose needs are relatively high because they will perform at a very high level in order to achieve the goals which they set for themselves. In the team which I selected, Lisa Stafford and Daniel Nichols are the most competitive, and their needs are definitely on the highest level- of esteem.In order to motivate them, I have to give them the most challenging tasks which will let them show how smart they are and be recognized by everybody. Tony Wu and Nicola Minelli don’t have such high ambitions, and their needs stop at the level of belonginess and love. In order to motivate them, I don’t need to give them high responsibilities for them to be recognized by management. They need to have tasks which from their point of view will bring use to the society and the company.My team selections worked perfectly, exactly like I expected. At the end, I got 100% of performance which is the highest result. I chose all the members of the team in the most efficient way, and placed them on the right positions, and motivated their activity during years in such a way that they performed at their maximum of abilities. The factors which I selected for motivating my team include:reminding them about the importance of the mission for which they are working. Whenever employees felt pessimistic about their work (for example Tony Wu and Nicola Minelli), I made sure he realized how important his work was for the society.giving them an opportunity to show their skills. It was important for Daniel Nichols and Lisa Stafford to show their intellect through difficult assignments they had.giving high responsibilities to the team members who are very ambitious. I needed to motivate Daniel Nichols and Lisa Stafford to keep high interest in the work they were doing.giving recognition to the members who are performing the best. Every member of the team needed recognition for the important work he was doing.promising possibilities of promotion to members who work the hardest. Lisa Stafford and Daniel Nichols need to be promoted soon in order to keep the level of their performance equally high, so I needed to talk about future opportunities with them.Since I chose the best possible team during the first run of the simulation and got 100% performance at the end, all of my later runs of the program didn’t make the result better because my first choice was completely accurate. This lesson learned in the workplace is very useful because it helps us to develop our skills as future managers. When managing rea l teams at companies, we’ll be able to apply everything learned in practice and achieve equally high results which will lead to the success in the organization.Bibliography. Franken, R. (2001). Human motivation (5th ed.).. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. Managing People: Motivation Building the Winning Team // www.businesstown.com Maslow, A. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50, 370-396. Maslow, A. (1954). Motivation and personality. New York: Harper Nohria, N., Lawrence, P., & Wilson, E. (2001). Driven: How human nature shapes our choices. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. William G. Huitt. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. February 2004. www.gsu.edu