Side Streets free essay sample

Feet clung firmly to the asphalt, my eyes are bolted straight ahead. My muscles strain to impel my legs forward. The remainder of my body stays still. No breathing in, no breathing out; structures rise and fall afterward. Hues and sounds whirl frantically around me, I proceed at a creeping pace. My life has been an all out haze. My memory comprises of bits of my past, similar to a riddle missing the greater part of its pieces. Everything has been centered around my objective, a vague obscure called the â€Å"future.† Vehicles boom their horns, youngsters chuckle and play on the walkways. Careless in regards to my environmental factors, my eyes stay fixed on my goal, the skyline. Mechanically I stroll on, venturing closer to the convergence ahead. The break of thunder thunders in the sky and downpour starts pouring down over the scene. As my foot ventures into the road, a raindrop arrives over my eye and slides down my skin. We will compose a custom article test on Side Streets or on the other hand any comparable point explicitly for you Don't WasteYour Time Recruit WRITER Just 13.90/page Frightened, I withdraw and wake from my surprise. Sixteen years I have been strolling. An indication of life: I take in and glance around. Off out there the skyline despite everything looms, except to my correct I see the side lanes. The ways are uninhabited, yet encompassed with life rather than cement and steel. Interest surpasses my being as I stray from my street and adventure out into obscure, prepared to investigate the world, to extend my inclinations, to carry on with my life. While this scene is imaginary here and there, it is totally obvious in others. All through the previous year I’ve put forth an attempt to slow time; to value my environmental factors; to investigate more than my forward way. Composing for the school paper this year has fit me staggeringly well and revived my adoration for composing. As not just an assistant in decoding my sentiments, composing is additionally a solid instrument in passing on my thoughts and suppositions. My gifts in arithmetic and the physical sciences have additionally impacted me significantly. I need to make; I need to investigate. I need to be heard, I need to make individuals think, and I need to affect the world for an enormous scope. Through my instructive undertakings I need my life to develop and change with times. I need to be the main individual through the entryway to tomorrow, driving the charge, not just after the generally accepted way to go. Today, as I remain at this junction, I intend to take the side roads. I need my school understanding to permit me to investigate my reality and build up my inclinations more profound. With the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell I can do precisely this. The examination abroad open doors are unending and will permit me to investigate the physical world further, while the various courses and branches of knowledge will assist me with delving further into the psychological domain. I despite everything don't have the foggiest idea where I am going, yet I am eager to proceed to investigate, and I am persuaded Cornell is the spot to assist me with characterizing my frame of reference.

The work poem

Vive arrived at somewhat farther than a large portion of the book and I have been stuck to the spread since the very beginning. One significant subject that Veronica Roth has all the earmarks of being concentrating on is that acting naturally takes boldness. She made this reality where individuals are arranged into five groups dependent on a solitary test at sixteen years old. In the prior parts, her family is appeared to follow convention and take a gander at leaving the family bad (reference). So when both Caleb and Beatrice Prior choose to pick an alternate group and desert there family, it shows the measure of boldness taken.During the arranging function, Beatrice mixed contemplations moving rapidly show the fortitude engaged with acting naturally, not exclusively to yourself yet to people around you. The story opens up with a reflection. Reflection about mental self portrait and what your identity is. It stars multi year old Beatrice Prior's interest in herself, which isn't basi c for those from Vegetation. At the point when she attempts to get herself she winds up ending up In a risky position, being disparate (unique). Her companions, Will, AAA and Christina appear to be useful as they are fairly untouchables (moves) that are not with the Andorra group.Some forecasts I made were that Four, one of the Dauntless Is the child of Marcus and he Is being pushed by Max to turn into a pioneer and potentially the pioneer of the Dauntless. I accept he may likewise be different and have the attributes from the fearless and the magnanimous, thus the way that Max might Want him to be a pioneer. That is the reason the vegetation administers, since they are Incorruptible. I additionally anticipate that the explanation that Divergence Is prohibited and ousted Is on the grounds that they degenerate the system.Their capacities show the blemish In the framework, and how his dyspepsia society and Its limiting reasoning can't be ordered. In what capacity can somebody really g et themselves when they must be arranged Into five distinct territories, where just one of the attributes can be drilled. Another expectation Is an enormous war between the five groups. They all have total contrasts (denial versus savvy, dauntless versus genuineness..? ) and are cooperating at present, however It just takes one gem waiting to be discovered (different) to break the system.As It appears there are numerous individuals who become factionists, this speaks to neediness and destitute Iranians, they may likewise make an uprising Like In the Hunger Games, which Is ordinarily related Josh The Road Journal As I finish the main portion of The Road, my Minimal considerations are that It's an incredible frustrate. Regarding characters, McCarthy adopts an alternate strategy with regards to characters. No names are given to any of the characters. Nonetheless, this doesn't detract from character improvement. I am enamored with the idea of a dad and child as primary characters.I feel as though it includes a curve the class and gives a greater amount of an enthusiastic viewpoint to the story. Also, it adds a spot to identify with, as everybody as encountered some type of fatherly love. With respect to the characters themselves, The dad communicates a profound love for his child. Exhibited by him hurting anybody that contacts him. Be that as it may, as I read on the dad's wellbeing is breaking down. I stress for their possibilities of living. On the off chance that the dad were to bite the dust, assuredly would his child. He is excessively oblivious of what's going on the planet, just as to tolerating of others.Although I wouldn't care for it, I feel the dad will in the end kick the bucket. As far as setting, McCarthy makes an enormous Showing of passing on an infertile and grisly no man's land. Despite the fact that I still can't seem to become familiar with the specific area, I have a decent comprehension of the landscape. The plot is ordinary of a book of such kind. The characters are attempting to endure, and are Journeying down â€Å"The Road†. Be that as it may, McCarthy pulls out all the stops with respect to showing the abominations people could submit. Certain scenes I discovered fierce to peruse, frequently relating to human flesh consumption. The subject of fatherly love is noticeable inside the primary segment of the book.Considering the principle characters, this topic can be normal. McCarthy puts forth an attempt to underscore the man's adoration for his child. At different focuses in the story it is clarified that the man's whole will to live exists in his child. Before his significant other ended it all, she called attention to ; â€Å"the kid was all that remained among him and death†. The citation clarifies that the main thing that kept the man from self destruction was his child. Moreover, Despite the aversion with savagery the two express, the dad rushes to brutality if his child is hurt. At the point when they experience somebody who takes steps to hurt the kid the dad doesn't spare a moment to murder him.He communicates such musings when he says; † My Job is to deal with you. I was selected to do that by God. I will execute any individual who contacts you. Do you get it? â€Å". All through the story the dad and child make reference to whether they are the â€Å"good guys†. They frequently question the activities of others and themselves. With perusing, I feel McCarthy has put accentuation on humankind and ethics. They talk about â€Å"carrying the fire†, which is the term they use to depict individuals who are good. On the off chance that such a circumstance was to occur in present day human advancement, what degree will individuals go to survive?Would individuals truly endeavor to be good in their activities, or capitulate to coldhearted ethos of endurance? Furthermore, McCarthy continually demonstrates the man's assurance to live. In spite of his children inq uiries on death, and his readiness to bite the dust, the man pushes on. Indeed, even regardless of the exhortation of his better half, he can't stand to see his child kick the bucket. His adoration for his child is too extraordinary to even think about letting him go. I think McCarthy needs us to consider what drives us. What do we love and battle for. That through affection and assurance individuals defeat the most desperate of conditions. That if a dystopian situation were to introduce itself would we abandon life?

How The Build-Measure-Learn Cycle Really Works

How The Build-Measure-Learn Cycle Really Works THE LEAN STARTUP METHODAmong the several known approaches towards creating and managing startups, one of the most popular ones is the Lean Startup Method. This method offers a scientific approach, introducing a systematic way for business owners to engage in new product development. It provides answers on how to set up their startup, and how to steer and turn it, in order for it to succeed and grow.In this methodology, startups will test an idea with the potential users and quickly moving it to come up with a product. It will then obtain feedback on the product from users and adjust the product accordingly, depending on the response or feedback obtained. This method is best embodied in the cycle known as “Build Measure Learn”.Advantages of Using the Lean Startup MethodThis approach provides tools that can be used to test whether a vision works or not. These tools will certainly provide an order to things since it provides a systematic process to ascertain whether to continue purs uing new product development projects or to abandon the idea altogether.Application of the Lean Startup Method will instill in entrepreneurs a certain degree of confidence in their business idea turning into products. Owners will definitely have more faith and positive vibes attached to a product that has passed the initial “experiment”.Using this feedback-focused development process will enable startups to use their resources â€" which are already limited, to begin with â€" in a more effective and efficient manner. Time and labor are considerably reduced, since they are able to put the product to the test and see if it is viable before investing more time and money into it.Since the process is systematic, and it requires fast action and quick thinking, the lean method will allow startups to speed up the new product development cycle.PRINCIPLES OF THE LEAN STARTUP METHODThe Lean Startup Method follows five principles. Entrepreneurs are everywhere.  Indeed, anyone can be an entre preneur, as long as you have a viable idea, the determination to see it through, and the resources to make it happen. You do not have to be in a specific line of work in order to be in a startup. Entrepreneurship is management.  When we talk of a startup, we are not referring to just a single product or service. It is a business â€" an institution â€" and, as such, it also requires management. Of course, not all startups require the same type or approach to management. Depending on the context of the startup, or the line of business or industry it belongs to, it will require a specific kind of management. Validated learning.  Some would say that entrepreneurs create startups in order to make money. But that is not the “bigger picture”. Sure, they will have their eye on the profits, but there is a bigger goal at hand, and that is building the startup into a sustainable business. Fortunately, achieving this goal is something that entrepreneurs can learn about, and this can be done by studying and learning about the market, and various other aspects that have an impact on the business. Innovation accounting.  Being able to quantify things is also important in order to monitor and evaluate or assess outcomes. Thus, startups have to be subjected to a new kind of accounting, in order for progress to be measured. As a result, the business will be able to monitor their progress, make the necessary adjustments, set up milestones when necessary, and prioritize projects and work. Build-measure-learn.  Feedback plays a very important role in every business, and it is especially vital in the case of startups. After turning ideas into products, startups are especially focused on seeing how the customers or the market respond to their products, and to assess whether they should continue or just cut their losses and run. Having a feedback mechanism will definitely help in making this happen.THE BUILD-MEASURE-LEARN CYCLEThe Build-Measure-Learn cycle is a feedback loop that is said to be one of the core components of the Lean Startup methodology. Its goal is to turn uncertainties, assumptions and risks into knowledge or “sure things” that will eventually guide organizations and business towards progress. Through this process, the key unknowns can actually be transformed into knowledge that the startup can use in its product development â€" and business operations, as a whole. This whole process can also be called an experiment.In order to understand how the Build-Measure-Learn cycle works, let us first take a look at its components.Phases of the Build-Measure-Learn CycleThere are three phases to this loop: Build, Measure, and Learn. However, it does not have to be strictly in that order. It is, after all, a cycle. In the book entitled “The Lean Startup”, Eric Ries said that, although the startup’s activities happen in the build, measure, and learn order, planning actually works the other way around.In short, the startup will have to realize what it needs to learn, and then figure out what needs to be measured through the use of innovation accounting. This will eventually reveal whether the startup has gained validated learning or not. Finally, it will then figure out what product must be built.Let us go through the phases of this loop. Before you can start, however, there is a need to “frame” the experiment. This is where you will identify what problem needs to be solved, and how you will run the whole experiment. This entails gathering data and detailing the background of the experiment, formulating a hypothesis and considering the variables of the environment. From there, you can now start with the feedback loop.Phase #1. BUILDIn this phase, the startup’s goal is to build or develop its MVP â€" “minimum viable product”, or the bare minimum product that can be built for the purpose of testing a number of assumptions, or the hypothesis formulated â€" as quickly as possible. Before it can do that, however, the startup must first figure out what the problem that needs solving is.Design the experiment. First, you have to build out the details of the experiment and figure out how everything will fit and mesh together. For this, you must have a solid and reliable method of collecting data, meaning the data gathered must be reliable and actionable.Build the experiment. In this stage, think simple and small. Many startups tend to go big and complicated on the get-go, and they end up being overwhelmed and unable to handle it. It would be better to build the smallest possible increment that will still be enough for you to use to validate or reject the hypothesis you have made previously.Run the experiment. This is where you will collect the data. The most common methods include conducting interviews or distributing questionnaires. In some instances, others may come out with prototypes for testing.Among the activities that Eric Ries identified as part of the Build phase includes conducting unit t ests, usability tests, refactoring, and cloud computing.Phase #2: MEASUREIn this second phase, the startup must then determine whether real progress is being made or not, and this involves measuring the results obtained from the experiment performed during the BUILD phase.Data analysis. Analyze the data obtained from the experiment. What happened? What are the implications of the data to your hypothesis? Make a comparison on what you hypothesized to what actually happeneData organization. Organize your data in a way that will make it easily understood, and for the whole scenario to be easily comprehended by whoever listens to it.Data Presentation. Make your presentation of the data as compelling as possible. You want the members of the organization or the company to be engaged, so make sure you present it in a way that will truly grab their attention and hook them.In order to speed up measuring, Eric Ries suggested conducting activities such as split tests, real-time monitoring, fu nnel analysis, cohort analysis and search engine marketing, to name a few.Phase #3: LEARNThis is where the startup will have to make a decision based on the measurements accumulated: should it “persevere”, or should it “pivot”? Persevere, in this context, means carrying on with the same goals, while pivot entails changing or shifting some, or all, of the aspects of the product strategy. Afterward, you would have to document your findings and share them.The questions that are to be asked in this phase include looking into the knowledge that has been obtained. How should that knowledge be preserved?More importantly, what are the next steps that should be taken by the startup?Ries cited several activities for this phase including, but not limited to, conducting customer interviews, split tests, customer deployment, and smoke tests.The 3 phases of the cycle can be simplified in the following activities.Ask whether the new idea of the startup actually solves a problem for the use rs.Quickly come up with an action or a program that will test the idea with the users. Perform reassessment or reevaluation if needed.Obtain feedback from your us Focus on getting information that is relevant and will be useful in helping you create the product / service that is wanted or needed by the users.Consider the sustainability of the product or service. Will you be able to maintain the current level of engagement or service?Illustrative Example of the Application of the Build-Measure-Learn CycleFor purposes of discussion, let us take a look at a mobile app startup and how it should employ the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop.Some mobile app startups would follow this process: they have an idea for an app, and they immediately write everything down on their business plan. Next, they design the app on paper, and they would then start writing the code and finish the development of the app. Once it has been finished, they will begin talking to customers and selling the app.Tha t is not how the Build-Measure-Learn approach works.Application of this cycle would follow entail the following steps.The mobile app startup comes up with an idea.The startup comes up with a business model canvas, presented in a short business plan. (BUILD)They start talking with customers and ask them what features they are looking for in an app. (MEASURE)They will obtain the feedback of customers. (LEARN)Using the feedback obtained, they will have to repeat Step 2 and make revisions on the business plan until they get it right.Once they got the business plan right, they would proceed to the implementation of a prototype, or the MVP (minimum viable product) for testing. (BUILD)The prototype is then shown to the customers. (MEASURE)Feedback from customers is obtained and learned. (LEARN)Step 6 is repeated, making improvements on the prototype until they got the app right.THE ZAPPOS STORY Every business wants to succeed; who doesn’t? Unfortunately, not everyone makes it past the one-year mark. Others even do not manage to survive for a period shorter than that. The failure of most startups can be pinned on a number of reasons: lack of funding, poor management, or even a poor business model to begin with. Much of the success of any business, however, would rely on how the owner or the management acts.What decisions do they make, and how do they reach these decisions? What strategies do they employ in managing their startup? These are only some of the questions that would bring to light the reasons why the startup succeeded or fell short of expectations. In this article, we will 1) get a basic understanding of the lean startup method and its advantages, 2) learn about the principles of the lean startup method, 3) overview on the build-measure-learn cycle, and 4) an example of how Zappos used the build-measure-learn cycle.THE LEAN STARTUP METHODAmong the several known approaches towards creating and managing startups, one of the most popular ones is the Lean Startup Method. This method offers a scientific approach, introducing a systematic way for business owners to engage in new product development. It provides answers on how to set up their startup, and how to steer and turn it, in order for it to succeed and grow.In this methodology, startups will test an idea with the potential users and quickly moving it to come up with a product. It will then obtain feedback on the product from users and adjust the product accordingly, depending on the response or feedback obtained. This method is best embodied in the cycle known as “Build Mea sure Learn”.Advantages of Using the Lean Startup MethodThis approach provides tools that can be used to test whether a vision works or not. These tools will certainly provide an order to things since it provides a systematic process to ascertain whether to continue pursuing new product development projects or to abandon the idea altogether.Application of the Lean Startup Method will instill in entrepreneurs a certain degree of confidence in their business idea turning into products. Owners will definitely have more faith and positive vibes attached to a product that has passed the initial “experiment”.Using this feedback-focused development process will enable startups to use their resources â€" which are already limited, to begin with â€" in a more effective and efficient manner. Time and labor are considerably reduced, since they are able to put the product to the test and see if it is viable before investing more time and money into it.Since the process is systematic, and i t requires fast action and quick thinking, the lean method will allow startups to speed up the new product development cycle.PRINCIPLES OF THE LEAN STARTUP METHODThe Lean Startup Method follows five principles. Entrepreneurs are everywhere.  Indeed, anyone can be an entrepreneur, as long as you have a viable idea, the determination to see it through, and the resources to make it happen. You do not have to be in a specific line of work in order to be in a startup. Entrepreneurship is management.  When we talk of a startup, we are not referring to just a single product or service. It is a business â€" an institution â€" and, as such, it also requires management. Of course, not all startups require the same type or approach to management. Depending on the context of the startup, or the line of business or industry it belongs to, it will require a specific kind of management. Validated learning.  Some would say that entrepreneurs create startups in order to make money. But that is not t he “bigger picture”. Sure, they will have their eye on the profits, but there is a bigger goal at hand, and that is building the startup into a sustainable business. Fortunately, achieving this goal is something that entrepreneurs can learn about, and this can be done by studying and learning about the market, and various other aspects that have an impact on the business. Innovation accounting.  Being able to quantify things is also important in order to monitor and evaluate or assess outcomes. Thus, startups have to be subjected to a new kind of accounting, in order for progress to be measured. As a result, the business will be able to monitor their progress, make the necessary adjustments, set up milestones when necessary, and prioritize projects and work. Build-measure-learn.  Feedback plays a very important role in every business, and it is especially vital in the case of startups. After turning ideas into products, startups are especially focused on seeing how the customers or the market respond to their products, and to assess whether they should continue or just cut their losses and run. Having a feedback mechanism will definitely help in making this happen.THE BUILD-MEASURE-LEARN CYCLEThe Build-Measure-Learn cycle is a feedback loop that is said to be one of the core components of the Lean Startup methodology. Its goal is to turn uncertainties, assumptions and risks into knowledge or “sure things” that will eventually guide organizations and business towards progress. Through this process, the key unknowns can actually be transformed into knowledge that the startup can use in its product development â€" and business operations, as a whole. This whole process can also be called an experiment.In order to understand how the Build-Measure-Learn cycle works, let us first take a look at its components.Phases of the Build-Measure-Learn CycleThere are three phases to this loop: Build, Measure, and Learn. However, it does not have to be strictly in that order. It is, after all, a cycle. In the book entitled “The Lean Startup”, Eric Ries said that, although the startup’s activities happen in the build, measure, and learn order, planning actually works the other way around.In short, the startup will have to realize what it needs to learn, and then figure out what needs to be measured through the use of innovation accounting. This will eventually reveal whether the startup has gained validated learning or not. Finally, it will then figure out what product must be built.Let us go through the phases of this loop. Before you can start, however, there is a need to “frame” the experiment. This is where you will identify what problem needs to be solved, and how you will run the whole experiment. This entails gathering data and detailing the background of the experiment, formulating a hypothesis and considering the variables of the environment. From there, you can now start with the feedback loop.Phase #1. BUILDIn this phase, the startup’s goal is to build or develop its MVP â€" “minimum viable product”, or the bare minimum product that can be built for the purpose of testing a number of assumptions, or the hypothesis formulated â€" as quickly as possible. Before it can do that, however, the startup must first figure out what the problem that needs solving is.Design the experiment. First, you have to build out the details of the experiment and figure out how everything will fit and mesh together. For this, you must have a solid and reliable method of collecting data, meaning the data gathered must be reliable and actionable.Build the experiment. In this stage, think simple and small. Many startups tend to go big and complicated on the get-go, and they end up being overwhelmed and unable to handle it. It would be better to build the smallest possible increment that will still be enough for you to use to validate or reject the hypothesis you have made previously.Run the experiment. This is where you will collect the data. The most common methods include conducting interviews or distributing questionnaires. In some instances, others may come out with prototypes for testing.Among the activities that Eric Ries identified as part of the Build phase includes conducting unit tests, usability tests, refactoring, and cloud computing.Phase #2: MEASUREIn this second phase, the startup must then determine whether real progress is being made or not, and this involves measuring the results obtained from the experiment performed during the BUILD phase.Data analysis. Analyze the data obtained from the experiment. What happened? What are the implications of the data to your hypothesis? Make a comparison on what you hypothesized to what actually happeneData organization. Organize your data in a way that will make it easily understood, and for the whole scenario to be easily comprehended by whoever listens to it.Data Presentation. Make your presentation of the data as compelling as possible. You wa nt the members of the organization or the company to be engaged, so make sure you present it in a way that will truly grab their attention and hook them.In order to speed up measuring, Eric Ries suggested conducting activities such as split tests, real-time monitoring, funnel analysis, cohort analysis and search engine marketing, to name a few.Phase #3: LEARNThis is where the startup will have to make a decision based on the measurements accumulated: should it “persevere”, or should it “pivot”? Persevere, in this context, means carrying on with the same goals, while pivot entails changing or shifting some, or all, of the aspects of the product strategy. Afterward, you would have to document your findings and share them.The questions that are to be asked in this phase include looking into the knowledge that has been obtained. How should that knowledge be preserved?More importantly, what are the next steps that should be taken by the startup?Ries cited several activities for t his phase including, but not limited to, conducting customer interviews, split tests, customer deployment, and smoke tests.The 3 phases of the cycle can be simplified in the following activities.Ask whether the new idea of the startup actually solves a problem for the users.Quickly come up with an action or a program that will test the idea with the users. Perform reassessment or reevaluation if needed.Obtain feedback from your us Focus on getting information that is relevant and will be useful in helping you create the product / service that is wanted or needed by the users.Consider the sustainability of the product or service. Will you be able to maintain the current level of engagement or service?Illustrative Example of the Application of the Build-Measure-Learn CycleFor purposes of discussion, let us take a look at a mobile app startup and how it should employ the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop.Some mobile app startups would follow this process: they have an idea for an app, and they immediately write everything down on their business plan. Next, they design the app on paper, and they would then start writing the code and finish the development of the app. Once it has been finished, they will begin talking to customers and selling the app.That is not how the Build-Measure-Learn approach works.Application of this cycle would follow entail the following steps.The mobile app startup comes up with an idea.The startup comes up with a business model canvas, presented in a short business plan. (BUILD)They start talking with customers and ask them what features they are looking for in an app. (MEASURE)They will obtain the feedback of customers. (LEARN)Using the feedback obtained, they will have to repeat Step 2 and make revisions on the business plan until they get it right.Once they got the business plan right, they would proceed to the implementation of a prototype, or the MVP (minimum viable product) for testing. (BUILD)The prototype is then shown to the cus tomers. (MEASURE)Feedback from customers is obtained and learned. (LEARN)Step 6 is repeated, making improvements on the prototype until they got the app right.THE ZAPPOS STORYZappos.com has been cited by many analysts as a great example of a company that made use of the Lean Startup Method, particularly the Build-Measure-Learn cycle.Now considered to be one of the biggest online shoe and clothing shops in the world, Zappos was founded in 1999 as a startup. It was originally just a site where customers can order shoes. It is not a manufacturer or a retailer since it does not have any shoe inventory. This was the Build phase.When the first orders started coming in, the founders of the startup went to a local store to purchase the shoes that have been ordered and subsequently shipped them to the customers who placed the order. This was where they implemented the Measure phase of the cycle.The Learn phase came in as the founders tried to gauge the interest of the customers in their idea and even obtained their thoughts and reactions to it. Using the lessons learned from the first orders, they made the necessary adjustments and iterations, applied improvements, and continued the cycle.Some could say that this has an element of “trial and error”, and they wouldn’t be wrong.A crucial element in the whole Build-Measure-Learn cycle is the reliance on customer feedback and reactions. It can be said that much of the success of the application of this cycle in the case of Zappos was the fact that the online shoe store makes use of a loyalty business model and utilized relationship marketing heavily.Zappos could have gone another route entirely. It could have started its shoe inventory and simple resold them. However, by using the Build-Measure-Learn approach, it was able to test the waters first, so to speak. Instead of spending a lot of time building its inventory and hiring personnel to handle operations, it stuck to just the founders doing all the work, and getti ng orders first before procuring the shoes. Their first attempt worked, and it was only then that the founders decided to continue (“persevere”) with it. Today, Zappos is no longer limited to the sale of shoes, but is also selling other items as well, and that could be attributed to them “learning” that customers are also interested in buying merchandise other than shoes or footwear.That is not to say that Zappos would have failed if it did not use the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop. It would probably still have succeeded, but they may have taken more time to achieve the results they wanted. What this feedback loop did for Zappos, however, was to make sure that the process was accomplished quicker. Otherwise, Zappos might have taken longer to become established as the successful marketplace and retail giant that it is today.To summarize, the Build-Measure-Learn loop pertains to the cyclical process of turning ideas into products, measuring the reactions, response, and beh aviors of the customers against the products that have been built, and learning whether to persevere or pivot the idea.

Sony Financial Analysis09 - 5577 Words

Acknowledgement We also extend our gratitude to the writers and publishers and of the books from which parts have been included in my report. Lastly, we would like to acknowledge the Almighty God for his guidance and wisdom throughout the process. | |Table of Contents |Page No. | |1 |Introduction |3 | |2 |Profitability ratio analysis |5 | |3 |Efficiency ratio analysis†¦show more content†¦[pic] Sales Sales for the financial year ended March 31, 2009 decreased by 565.7 or 12.9 percent billion yen to 7729.9 billion yen compared with the previous financial year. The electronics, financial services and game segments incurred operating loss when compared to pictures segment that made an operating profit, though the operating income fell 48.9%, to  ¥29.9 billion. Sales Ratio Cost of sales for the financial year ended March 31, 2009 decreased by 629.5 billion yen to 5,660.0 billion yen compared with the 2008 financial year, and sales ratio increased from 70.9 percent to 73.2 percent as a percentage of sales. Gross Profit Margin Gross Profit for the financial year ended March 31, 2009 decreased by 511.9 billion yen to 2,581.1 billion yen as compared to the previous year though the cost of salesShow MoreRelatedStrayer Bus 508 Assignment 4 (Diversification)1577 Words   |  7 PagesAn Analysis of the PlayStation Network Joe Student Date Business 508 Professor An Analysis of the PlayStation Network Sony Corporation is a well diversified company providing many complementary products and services. Not only does Sony offer electronics through its own website, it has a series of online products and services it offers to its users. The PlayStation Network, a part of the Sony Entertainment Network, is one of these many services. Through the PlayStation Network, owners ofRead MoreMarketing Plan Phase 11325 Words   |  6 PagesRunning head: Marketing Plan – Phase I Paper Sony Electronics – SONO Stick University of Phoenix MKT/421 – Marketing Facilitator: Chris Ross April 23, 2007 Sony Electronics – SONO Stick Introduction The introduction of any new product can be and intense process for any company. The Sony organization is a large world wide corporation that since its inception has proven to work towards electronics innovation. The new product that Sony is reviewing is the Sono-stick and prior to theRead MoreNintendo10466 Words   |  42 Pagesbusiness model of the video game industry. In 2000, when Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo (the â€Å"big three† of the video game console manufacturers) released their latest products, Sonys PlayStation 2 (â€Å"PS2†) emerged as the clear winner, outselling Microsoft’s Xbox and Nintendo’s GameCube. 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Effects on Apple iPod due to increasing competition In order to establish the effects of increasing competition on Apple iPod we have used Apple’s financial data which will help us analyze the changes which have taken place. In this analysis we can observe positive effects which have helped Apple iPod retain its dominance in the market and also some negative effects which is not desired by a business after dominating an industry for severalRead MoreMicrosoft1208 Words   |  5 PagesGovernance - The board of directors include: * John W. Thompson – Chairman * Bill Gates – Founder and Technology Advisor * Maria M. Klawe – President, Harvey Mudd College * Teri L. List-Stoll – Former Executive Vice President amp; Chief Financial Officer * G. Mason Morfit – President, ValueAct Capital * Satya Nadella – Chief Executive Office * Charles H. Nolski – Former Vice Chairman, Bank of America * Dr. Helmut Panke – Former Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG Read MoreNrtflix Finance Marketing Plan4052 Words   |  17 PagesTV, and all the major game consoles like the Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo Wii, and Sony Play station. In addition Netflix has branched out to mobile device operating systems such as the Apples iOS, Googles Android and Microsofts Mobile OS. As of 2011 Netflix owns firsts run rights to movies produced by Paramount Picture, MGM, Lions Gate Entertainment, along with archived movies from Time Warner, Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures, MGM, Lions Gate Entertainment, 20the Century FoxRead MoreCurrent Situation of Sony Entertainment3925 Words   |  16 PagesStarting points for Sony Music Entertainment Chapter 1: Mission, Vision Core Competences Mission Sony BMG does not have a publicized mission statement. However, the mother company Sony has changed its mission statements several times in history, whereas it is the following: ‘’To become a leading global provider of networked consumer electronics, entertainment and services.’’ (Sony 2010) Vision Equal to the mission, SONY BMG does not have a publicized vision. The general vision of Sony is: ‘’We HelpRead MoreApple S.W.O.T. Analysis2195 Words   |  9 PagesS.W.O.T Analysis- Apple Inc. Eleanor Arlook DMP- Thursday 6:30-9:20 SWOT ANALYSIS Apple designs, manufactures and markets personal computers and related software, portable digital music players, and related accessories.The company markets third party audio and video products, and provides related services.The company has a strong brand image, which enables it to command a premium price for its products, giving it an edge over regional as well as other global competitors. However, intenseRead MoreNintendo Market Analysis2863 Words   |  12 Pages4C stakeholder’s analysis of Nintendo Wii Market in 2006 Customers: Nintendo Co Ltd (Nintendo) and its new president Satoru Iwata believed potential existence of a consumer market that distanced itself from gaming. They opined that existing games were not only difficult to understand and play, but also found the consoles complex to operate. The games were built more on fantasy and targeted towards traditional over 18 year old male[1] population. Nintendo made a conscious attempt to bring

Platos Views on the Technology of Writing Essay example

Platos Views on the Technology of Writing In the book Phaedrus Plato offers a lot of criticism for a writing technology that not many of us would ever think as writing technology, let alone criticize it. This writing technology is none other than writing itself. When people think of writing technology they mostly think of the printing press, the computer, the typewriter and such. Yet no one stops to think of writing. Writing has had such a major impact on society that who would ever think that the one of the greatest minds of all time opposed it. Plato was not just a crazy old man afraid of change; his criticism can still be applied today. For many people, writing has always been around. It’s hard to†¦show more content†¦For example, in school when students take notes in class they don’t bother to memorize the information right away as they are listening to it. Students rely on the fact that they took notes and can refer to the notes later on. Consider a student getting ready to do their homework. The first thing that student will probably do is look at his/her assignment book where she wrote down what the assignments are for each class and when they are due. Planners are widely used by students to remember all the assignments for each of their classes and due dates. Many people also use planners for their jobs and daily activities. Some of these people could not function without a planner. Not many people think of planners or notes as promoters of forgetfulness, but they are. Just think of how many people could not remember a spouse’s birthday or an anniversary if the y didn’t have it written down somewhere. Think of how many late assignments student would turn in because they relied solely on memory. Forgetfulness was not the only thing Plato was worried about when it came to writing. He was also concerned about how permanent writing was. When you look at the difference between writing and speech a major difference is how variable speech can be. Plato saw this as a benefit not a detriment. When someone gives a speech there are many people present who serve as witnesses. These people can argue with the orator or point out mistakes.Show MoreRelated The Power Of Writing Essay995 Words   |  4 PagesThe Power Of Writing When I entered this class I didn’t think that we would be discussing the concept of writing. In fact, I never thought the concept of writing was that complicated enough to be discussed in a classroom setting. However, as demonstrated throughout history different forms of communication, such as writing, have shaped and evolved human interaction and invoked societal change. For example, in Walter Ong’s essay, â€Å"Writing is a Technology that Restructures Thought,† Ong acknowledgesRead MorePlato And His Influences On Plato s Philosophy1370 Words   |  6 Pagestheir own impact on Platonic ideas or theory. Heraclitus influenced Plato’s conception of the sensible world. Parmenides and Zeno played a strong role in Plato’s Forms Theory. He used the forms to satisfy the requirements of the metaphysical unity and stability. Also, he mixed Pythagorean ideas regarding the intelligible and the politics from Socrates. Pythagoreans is offend known to have i nfluenced the mathematical aspect of Plato’s ideas. Although, he had a lot of influences, no one top Socrates influenceRead More Literary Utopian Societies Essays1747 Words   |  7 Pagesmet, society must analyze utopias in order to improve their existing environment. Plato’s Republic was the first â€Å"true† work considered to be utopian literature. In fact, the Republic influenced almost all later text written on the subject of utopia (Manuel 7). Although the Republic was one of the most influential works in utopian literature, the society that it represented also had many obvious flaws. First, Plato’s utopia had a distinct class system (Morely iii, Bloom xiii). The privileged classRead MoreBiography of Socrates, An Annotated Bibliography1581 Words   |  6 PagesPlato. The use of language and vocabulary is a little difficult for the normal audience to understand. However, the information in the journal is very appealing and informative. Nichols, Mary P. â€Å"Philosophy and Empire: On Socrates and Alcibiades in Plato’s â€Å"Symposium†.† Polity.39 .4 (2007): 502-521. Print. Mary P. Nichols, the chair of the Department of Political Science at Baylor University and author of Socrates and the Political Community (1987); Citizens and Statesmen: A Commentary on Aristotle’sRead MoreThe Contemporary Views On Metaphysics1269 Words   |  6 Pagescenturies views on metaphysics have been laid as foundations, altered for society or simply changed for the better. As this world continues to grow and modernize, so have our views. The contemporary views on metaphysics are extended upon the more traditional views laid in the ancient or medieval times. Martin Heidegger is a contemporary existentialist, who studied the reason of being. He was an important figure of philosophy in the 20th century. His views are very different from the ancient views of metaphysicsRead MoreDavid and Goiath: The Tale of Poetry738 Words   |  3 PagesPoetry The utility of poetry has been debated for thousands of years; around 2,500 years ago Plato called for it to be banned for its lack of utility. Plato’s views on poetry were not wrong; looking at it from a purely practical point of view, poetry is not a necessity. It is incomparable to what society considers essential – medicine, technology, leadership. If there were an apocalypse in the future, and we could select only a few people to survive it, the poet would not stand a chance. And yetRead MoreFahrenheit 451 And The Allegory Of The Cave By Ray Bradbury952 Words   |  4 Pageswife, asks him, â€Å"How long you figure before we save up and get the fourth wall torn out and a fourth wall-TV put in?† (Bradbury 18). Kristin King-Ries goes into depth about censorship with some history about Bradbury, and his state of mind while writing Fahrenheit 451. King-Ries explains how Bradbury witnessed censorship â€Å"†¦in places such as the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin and Germany under Adolf Hitler and his National Socialist German Workers’ (Nazi) Party† (340).During these times there wereRead MoreThe And Theory Of The Tripartite Soul1765 Words   |  8 Pagesinfluential philosopher of all time, how does one stop and gather every thought into one paper. The historical significance of Plato has impacted generations for more than two thousand years. In fact, his writings, which consisted of mostly dialogues, has probably had more influence than any set of writings in the Western World apart from the Judeo-Christian Bible. As I dug into the life of Plato, which can be an endless search with overwhelming amount of information, his lasting ideas can be summed upRead MoreThucydides vs. Plato1598 Words   |  7 Pagesclaims, whereas Plato is making normative claims. Is that true? Support your answer in your paper. Plato and Thucydides together had strikingly dissimilar views on their tactic on the good life. Many have demanded that Plato is making normative rights, whereas Thucydides has made empirical claims. Lets first take a look at Plato. Platos philosophy on the decent life was based on the confidence that all has an objective or use that is classically suited for asset, beauty, fairness, and excellenceRead MoreA Biblical View of Science, Technology, and Business: Do Utilitarian’s Agree with These Biblical Views?1835 Words   |  8 PagesA Biblical View of Science, Technology, and Business: Do Utilitarian’s Agree with These Biblical Views? Utilitarianism was originated by Epicurus in ancient Greece and is the doctrine that an action is right as long as it promotes happiness, usefulness, and overall pleasurableness. If the action inflicts pain than it is not seen as right. Many of these ideas adapted well with the all of the modernization and changes that were occurring in the technology, science, and business world during the

The Contemporary Society Free Essays

Contemporary society is continually informed of advances in technology, be they in biology, agriculture, education, or nearly any other discipline or aspect of life. It appears technology is directly or indirectly linked to all recent progress. Certainly, many of the daily activities in which humans engage (reading a newspaper, making coffee, commuting to work, etc. We will write a custom essay sample on The Contemporary Society or any similar topic only for you Order Now ) require technological devices. With the apparently increased reliance on and development of technology, it seems prudent to consider the consequences inherent in the use and evolution of it. More specifically, one must examine the extent to which humans–the creators of technology, will become redundant in a society in which machines and the tasks they perform are incapable of being extracted from daily routines. As with nearly all issues, the development of technology is advocated by many while it is strongly opposed by others. Regarding the former, one must not search far for arguments favoring technological progress. Proponents, particularly those favoring medical advances, eagerly enumerate the positive outcomes of technological breakthroughs. Some claim a society in which its members are born free of debilitating conditions or cured of them throughout the life span must certainly be a better civilization, or at least a more humane one. In addition, technological efforts to render crops more plentiful, nutritious, and resistant to pests is proclaimed a constructive step towards moral justice, not to mention efficient use of resources. Few deny the moral obligation of providing third world nations the skills and tools to produce food. On a more superficial yet paradoxically significant level, the conveniences made possible by technology are also cause for celebration. That they free humans of otherwise labor intensive tasks and allow many to enjoy other more ‘worthwhile’ endeavors, such as leisure activities, is beyond question. In fact, without many currently employed machines, humans would not be able to engage in such a wide variety of daily pursuits. Considering the individual, societal, and global advantages available through technological advances, it is not surprising many favor its continued development. Without ignoring or denying many of the mentioned benefits of technology, it is nonetheless possible to persuasively argue that its unbridled expansion can and is eliminating the need for many human activities and purposes. Ironically, while technology may solve some of humanity’s ills (for example, relieving humans from tedious and laborious tasks), by doing such at an alarming pace it is also creating unanticipated and insistent problems. Consider the economic consequences of increased technological use. This trend, although allowing for undeniably greater productivity and reduced costs, gives rise to a potent social issue: mass unemployment. On a nearly daily basis one is informed of human redundancy; business is steadily replacing its human workforce with one derived from technology. It is common knowledge that in many industries, machines are adequate and oftentimes better substitutes for humans. Moreover, as machinery becomes more ubiquitous in the workplace, ‘the role of humans as the most important factor of production is bound to diminish in the same way that the role of horses in agricultural production was first diminished and then eliminated by the introduction of tractors’ (Rifkin 283). The replacement of human workers with machines is not limited to a few companies or industries; it is found throughout a nation’s business network. More than 75 percent of the labor force in most industrial nations engage in work that is little more than simple repetitive tasks’ (Rifkin 283). Such jobs are particularly susceptible to ‘machine takeovers’. In fact, ‘automated machinery, robots, and increasingly sophisticated computers can perform many, if not most, of these jobs’ (Rifkin 283). However, the unskilled labor force, particularly that in the manufacturing sector, is not the only one vulnerable to redundancy. As companies restructure their operations to include more computers and high-tech machinery, middle management positions are concurrently declining (Rifkin 284). In a recent article, The Wall Street Journal reiterates this phenomenon by claiming that ‘most of the cuts are facilitated, in one way or another, by new software programs, better computer networks and more powerful hardware that allow companies to do more with fewer workers’ (Rifkin 282). How to cite The Contemporary Society, Essay examples

The Contemporary Society Free Essays

Contemporary society is continually informed of advances in technology, be they in biology, agriculture, education, or nearly any other discipline or aspect of life. It appears technology is directly or indirectly linked to all recent progress. Certainly, many of the daily activities in which humans engage (reading a newspaper, making coffee, commuting to work, etc. We will write a custom essay sample on The Contemporary Society or any similar topic only for you Order Now ) require technological devices. With the apparently increased reliance on and development of technology, it seems prudent to consider the consequences inherent in the use and evolution of it. More specifically, one must examine the extent to which humans–the creators of technology, will become redundant in a society in which machines and the tasks they perform are incapable of being extracted from daily routines. As with nearly all issues, the development of technology is advocated by many while it is strongly opposed by others. Regarding the former, one must not search far for arguments favoring technological progress. Proponents, particularly those favoring medical advances, eagerly enumerate the positive outcomes of technological breakthroughs. Some claim a society in which its members are born free of debilitating conditions or cured of them throughout the life span must certainly be a better civilization, or at least a more humane one. In addition, technological efforts to render crops more plentiful, nutritious, and resistant to pests is proclaimed a constructive step towards moral justice, not to mention efficient use of resources. Few deny the moral obligation of providing third world nations the skills and tools to produce food. On a more superficial yet paradoxically significant level, the conveniences made possible by technology are also cause for celebration. That they free humans of otherwise labor intensive tasks and allow many to enjoy other more ‘worthwhile’ endeavors, such as leisure activities, is beyond question. In fact, without many currently employed machines, humans would not be able to engage in such a wide variety of daily pursuits. Considering the individual, societal, and global advantages available through technological advances, it is not surprising many favor its continued development. Without ignoring or denying many of the mentioned benefits of technology, it is nonetheless possible to persuasively argue that its unbridled expansion can and is eliminating the need for many human activities and purposes. Ironically, while technology may solve some of humanity’s ills (for example, relieving humans from tedious and laborious tasks), by doing such at an alarming pace it is also creating unanticipated and insistent problems. Consider the economic consequences of increased technological use. This trend, although allowing for undeniably greater productivity and reduced costs, gives rise to a potent social issue: mass unemployment. On a nearly daily basis one is informed of human redundancy; business is steadily replacing its human workforce with one derived from technology. It is common knowledge that in many industries, machines are adequate and oftentimes better substitutes for humans. Moreover, as machinery becomes more ubiquitous in the workplace, ‘the role of humans as the most important factor of production is bound to diminish in the same way that the role of horses in agricultural production was first diminished and then eliminated by the introduction of tractors’ (Rifkin 283). The replacement of human workers with machines is not limited to a few companies or industries; it is found throughout a nation’s business network. More than 75 percent of the labor force in most industrial nations engage in work that is little more than simple repetitive tasks’ (Rifkin 283). Such jobs are particularly susceptible to ‘machine takeovers’. In fact, ‘automated machinery, robots, and increasingly sophisticated computers can perform many, if not most, of these jobs’ (Rifkin 283). However, the unskilled labor force, particularly that in the manufacturing sector, is not the only one vulnerable to redundancy. As companies restructure their operations to include more computers and high-tech machinery, middle management positions are concurrently declining (Rifkin 284). In a recent article, The Wall Street Journal reiterates this phenomenon by claiming that ‘most of the cuts are facilitated, in one way or another, by new software programs, better computer networks and more powerful hardware that allow companies to do more with fewer workers’ (Rifkin 282). How to cite The Contemporary Society, Essay examples

Its over free essay sample

It feels like Im melting into the floor as I allow myself to stop running and very hastily drop my enormous duffel bag down. This is the first time I really get a good concentrated look around the room. It is almost blindingly bright from the glow of the florescent light and everything in the room is a bleached out color. The middle of the room is completely empty. The two side walls are filled with rows of bunk beds and tall off white wall lockers. The drill sergeants start to bark orders at us once aging. Dump out your duffel bags on the floor and put everything in order, Now! We all methodically and very precisely begin to set out all of our personal belongings. Going through our bags takes us well into the night. Now that everything is shoved back into our bags, we stand back up in the rows we were first in. We will write a custom essay sample on Its over or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page There is no movement or sound from any of us except the faint hum of everyones stilled breathing. What could possibly be next? As the drill sergeants pace back and forth, they order all of the male soldiers to form a single rank and march outside to another building.All of the females are left waiting patiently for orders. To our surprise we are finally going to get assigned our bunks, wall lockers but most importantly our battle buddies. The bunk beds are Just 4 metal bars holding up sad looking foam mattresses. The blankets are the green rough itchy kind that everyone hates. The pillows are barely held together in a tan pillow case , although I dont know if they started off that color. But because I was so worn out and tired It looked like the most comfortable place I would ever lay my head. How have I made it through today? As Im laying on the bottom bunk with my new battle buddy directly over me , I cant help but wonder what the days ahead will hold. So many different thoughts are rung through my mind. Am strong enough mentally or physically to succeed . I am so scared but at the same time curious for the next day to begin. This Is a once In a lifetime opportunity and I am going to make the best of It. Are you awake? The voice from the top bunk quietly sakes. Hesitantly I reply Yea, Im here. There was a long silence, almost long enough for me to think I ad made up the short conversation. I was staring at the springs and bars above my head trying to force sleep . Then I hear the same soft voice saying the thing I needed most. This may feel Like hell, but now we have each other. All the thoughts and worries that were running through my head dealers. I know I can make It through this suppliers place Its over By cosmos_09 battle buddy directly over me , I cant help but wonder what the days ahead will hold. So many different thoughts are running through my mind.Am I strong enough he next day to begin. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am going to make the best of it. Are you awake? The voice from the top bunk quietly sakes. Hesitantly had made up the short conversation. I was staring at the springs and bars above my head trying to force sleep . Then I hear the same soft voice saying the thing I needed most. This may feel like hell, but now we have each other. All the thoughts and worries that were running through my head disappear.

Literature Overview on HRD Models

Providing Evidence for Approving Humanistic and Normative Approach to Management According to Senge (2006), a humanistic approach to managing organizations creates a potential for building a healthier atmosphere in the employed environment. In particular, the scientist believes that a person-oriented approach is specifically important because it constitute the basis of a learning organization and contributes to enhancing the company’s competitive advantage, leadership, and performance (McKenzie and Taylor, 2001).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Literature Overview on HRD Models specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More What is more important is that learning organization has the right to existence in case people in such organizations are able to expand and develop their skills and capacities as well as create the results they truly wish to achieve (Senge, 2006, p. 146). All these attributes are included into the Th eory Y presented earlier. According to Zastrow and Ashman (2009), â€Å"Theory Y managers view employees as wanting to grow and develop by exerting physical and mental effort to accomplish work objectives to which they are committed† (p. 540). This is why internal rewards, including personal involvement and self-respect are indispensible components of staff motivation. Literature Supporting the Critique of the Two Identified Models Geren (n. d.) states that Chinese managers also apply to Theory Y model, but for different purposes. So far, Chinese organization seek to satisfy the lower needs of workers and employees where higher needs were destined for the member from the upper class. Today, theory Y model has been re-evaluated their previously presented rationales and accept the model as a method for encouraging employees in cultural and economical terms (Geren, n. d., p. 3) . Michigan is also applicable to Chinese culture, because it focuses more on standardization and techn ological development in order to increase performance and achieve strategic goals (Kandula, 2004, p. 4). What is more important is that the presented model provide a solid ground for creating more democratic relations in the working setting. Therefore, cultural diversity aspect becomes more appreciated by the employers so that they become value their employers to a greater extent. Reflection on Potential Use of Emerging Technologies in HRD The Global Trading Model and integration models are the most frequent approaches that are used by Chinese companies (Marquardt, Berger, and Loan, 2004). This potential use of emerging technologies is predetermined by the growing tendencies of applying to a normative model of organizational and human resources management. According to this model, employees can be motivated much more effectively because the introduction of technological devices makes them constantly improve their skills and capacities. In addition, due to the fact that technological advancement is closely connected with the globalization process, the diversity process also becomes on the agenda along with the presented theory.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The brightest example of the interaction between learning organization and technology advancement is presented by Air China and China Construction Bank. Both examples show that shifts in leadership management aimed at achieving cultural contingency. In particular, the introduction of better equipment and effective technological tools contributes to simplifying the production process and increasing the organizational performance. Less pressure is made, therefore, on employees whose self-respect remains unchanged. References Geren B. (n. d.) Motivation: Chinese Theoretical Perspectives. Journal of Behavioral Studies in Business. Kandula, S. R. (2004) Human Resource Management in Practice: With 300 M odels, Techniques and Tools. US: PHI Learning. McKenzie, J. S. and Taylor, W. J. (2001) Opportunities in human resource management careers. US: McGraw-Hill Professional. Senge, P. M. (2006) The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization. US: Doubleday. Zastrow, C., and Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2009) Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment. US: Cengage Learning. Marquardt M., Berger N., and Loan P. (2004) HRD in the age of globalization: a practical guide to workplace learning in the third millennium. London Basic Books.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Literature Overview on HRD Models specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This essay on Literature Overview on HRD Models was written and submitted by user Angelina Y. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Birth Control Pills - Why Theyre Free

Birth Control Pills - Why Theyre Free American insurance companies are required to provide birth control pills and other forms of contraception at no cost to women under guidelines announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in August 2011. The insurance rules calling for free birth control pills take effect on Aug. 1, 2012, and expand medical coverage under the health care reform law signed by President Barack Obama, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act helps stop health problems before they start, said then Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. These historic guidelines are based on science and existing literature and will help ensure women get the preventive health benefits they need. At the time the rules were announced 28 states required health insurance companies to pay for birth control pills and other forms of contraception. Reaction to Free Birth Control Pills The rule requiring insurers to provide birth control for women at no cost was met with praise from family-planning organizations, and criticism from the health care industry and conservative activists. Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, described the Obama administration rule as being a historic victory for womens health and women across the country. Covering birth control without co-pays is one of the most important steps we can take to prevent unintended pregnancy and keep women and children healthy, Richards said in a prepared statement. Conservative activists argued that taxpayer money should not be used to pay for contraception, and the healthcare industry said the move would force them to raise premiums and increase the cost of coverage to consumers. How Insurers Will Provide Birth Control Pills The rules give women access to all Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures, and patient education and counseling. The measure does not include abortifacient drugs or emergency contraception. The coverage rules allow insurers to use reasonable medical management to help define their coverage and keep costs down. For example, they will still be allowed to charge copayments for brand-name drugs if a generic version is available and is just as effective and safe for the patient. Copayments, or copays, are paid by consumers when they purchase prescriptions or go to their doctors. Birth control pills cost as much as $50 a month under many insurance plans. Religious institutions that offer insurance to their employees have the choice of whether to cover birth control pills and other contraception services. Reason for Free Birth Control Pills The Department of Health and Human Services considers the provision of birth control pills as necessary preventive health care. Before health reform, too many Americans didnt get the preventive health care they need to stay healthy, avoid or delay the onset of disease, lead productive lives, and reduce health care costs, the agency said. Often because of cost, Americans used preventive services at about half the recommended rate. The government described family planning services as being an essential preventive service for women and critical to appropriately spacing and ensuring intended pregnancies, which results in improved maternal health and better birth outcomes. Other Preventative Measures Covered Under the rules announced in 2011, insurers are also required to provide, at no cost to consumers: well-woman visits;screening for gestational diabetes;human papillomavirus DNA testing for women 30 years and older;sexually-transmitted infection counseling;human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening and counseling;breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling;and domestic violence screening and counseling. 2018: Trump Weakens Birth Control Coverage Mandate On November 7, 2018, the Trump administration issued two final regulations allowing employers to deny women insurance coverage for birth control measures as a preventative health service. The first of the two rules issued by the Department of Health and Human Services allows exemptions to the Obamacare contraceptive coverage mandate for entities that object to such coverage based on religious beliefs. The second final rule allows coverage exemptions to nonprofit organizations and small businesses that have moral, non-religious objections to contraception. â€Å"The Departments estimate the exemptions may affect the coverage of approximately 6,400 women, and state that in no case will they impact more than 127,000 women, which the Departments suggest is far more than will actually be impacted,† said the Department in a press release. The religious and moral exemptions provided by the rules apply to institutions of education, issuers, and individuals. However, the exemption for moral beliefs does not extend to publicly traded businesses, and neither the moral nor the religious exemption apply to federal government agencies or entities, according to the Department. â€Å"These rules affect a small fraction of the 165 million women in the U.S.† Stated the Department. â€Å"The rules leave in place contraceptive coverage guidelines where no religious or moral objection exists, and they do not change the Health Resources and Services Administration’s authority to decide whether to include contraceptives in the women’s preventive services guidelines for other entities.† Issued in the form of federal regulations at the direction of a presidential executive order, rather than an act of Congress, the rules may be amended or repealed at any time by the current or future presidential administrations. Updated by Robert Longley

Daubert Standard Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Daubert Standard - Assignment Example From this essay it is clear that the Daubert standard states that the evidence should be reliable in nature; this means that the testimony provided by the expert witness should be obtained through a scientific method. According to the Supreme Court, an expert’s testimony is reliable if the scientific method used is testable, can be proved as false, and can be tested to be proved right or wrong. The testimony is even considered as reliable if it has been previously reviewed or is going to be reviewed in future by peers and it has an error rate attached to it already and the testimony or the finding should be acceptable by the community of science.This study outlines that  the crime scene investigators found two different sets of paints on the victims jeans, one paint was from the wall of the victim’s house and the second paint was from an unknown source. The forensic lab decided to figure out whether both the paints were from the same source or not. They developed a hy pothesis stating that both paints were from different sources and then they developed a null hypothesis stating that both the paints were from similar source.  The lab conducted various scientific tests to validate their hypothesis and prove that the paints were from different sources. The tests proved that the paints actually were from two different sources and the paints are not same. This test could have even proved the other way around that the paints were from the same source if other scientifically validity tests were used.

Advertisement to bid Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Advertisement to bid - Essay Example This entails the strengthening of the construction concrete with steel bars known as rebars. Vibrators are also used to remove any air that might be trapped in the concrete to increase the strength. It is also understood that you require stained concrete floors, we have unlimited number of designs and colors for a beautiful finish. We also understand that you require light steel framing of good thermal properties. We have managed to use steel studs for rough-framing in both residential and commercial construction. The steel we use has good thermal and structural behavior especially in cold climate regions as heat loss is reduced and has tenement thermal comfort. We have also used clear windows to do some our previous constructions. Clear windows are able to let in light at the same time keeps inclement weather outside. The entire faà §ade of the building can be covered by curtain walls. We have examined the plan located on Chin building, 55 west 45 street, and confirm that we are able to complete the task in the required time. Enclosed is the bill bond of $18200 for the total of 6000 square foot. We write to inquire if you would be interested in working as a wood framing subcontractor on an office/warehouse project. In case you are interested, you are supposed to present your major history, including main works undertaken by you recently. The details of key personnel you will have performing your portion of work over the entire period should also be presented. The building technique should be the stud technique which provides a stable frame to which the wall coverings are attached. Plywood, oriented strand boards, and wind braces should be used in wall sectioning and stabilization. For other fittings you, glued limited timber and laminated veneer lumber will be used. To save on materials used, dimensional lumber method should be used. You will also be required to fix a laminate floor with a high aesthetic value. The floor pieces should be machine

Dance as a Strategy for Social Inclusion

Dance as a Strategy for Social Inclusion All societies have some sort of division amongst themselves, whether based on race, religion, socioeconomic status, or some other criteria. Typically, those in the dominant group control the opportunities of those in other groups, more so in some communities than others (Levitas 1998). In overly simplistic terms, the degree to which individuals or non-dominant groups may and choose to join in the opportunities of the dominant society is called inclusion. The degree to which they are prevented or decline from joining in these opportunities is called exclusion. The terms social inclusion and its opposite, social exclusion, came into use in the 1970s in France, and have since been adopted by many countries in the EU (Reeves 2002). This study seeks to first define social inclusion and identify effective evaluation of social inclusion policy and programming. Alook at the historic role of dance as a means of social inclusion and exclusion is examined, with discussion of the roles of professional dance, dance instruction and performance, and social dance ininclusion. The study defines the requirements of dance projects intended as social inclusion tools to offer access, provision, accommodation, and empowerment. The results from such a program should include enhanced personal development, increased self-determination,and improved social unity. It is important to also consider the costto individuals participating in social inclusion activities, particularly how their changing thoughts, attitudes and goals affecttheir relationships with family and friends. The study concludes with six examples of well-run social inclusiondance programmes, and a plan for implementing a dance programme with a goal of increased social inclusion. In the examination of social inclusion or the effectiveness of aspecific tool in social inclusion, it is necessary to further definethe term. There is variation in the academic and political communitiesas to the focus and scope, not to mention purpose, of socialinclusion. Many disagree on the exact definition of inclusion andexclusion and appropriate models to describe their effect onindividuals and the community. For example, the United Nations holds that social inclusion â€Å"must bebased on respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms, cultural and religious diversity, social justice and the special needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, democratic participation andthe rule of law† (Britton and Casebourne, 2005). The European Social Fund defines social inclusion as â€Å"the development of capacity andopportunity to play a full role, not only in economic terms, but also in social, psychological and political terms† (Britton and Casebourne,2005). â€Å"Social inclusion is achieved when individuals or areas do not sufferfrom the negative effects of unemployment, poor skills, low income,poor housing, crime, bad health, family problems, limited to access toservices and rurality, e.g. remoteness, sparsity, isolation and highcosts,† according to the UK government (CESI 2005). The Laidlaw Foundation of Canada states, â€Å"social inclusion is about making surethat all children and adults are able to participate as valued, respected and contributing members of society,† while T.H. Marshall, inCitizenship and Social Class, bases the idea of social inclusion onâ€Å"the right to share to the full in the social heritage and to live thelife of a civilized being according to the standards prevailing insociety (Donnelly and Coakley, 2002; Marshall, 1950). There are even more definitions of social inclusion not listed here.However, some common elements included in most definitions aresubjective elements, such as feeling part of the community, respectedand valued, and physical elements, such as services within a reasonableproximity, or a certain level of material resources (CESI 2005). This study contends that social inclusion requires: †¢ Access allowing all members of a society entrance to and full participation in its opportunities †¢ Provision providing a mechanism for removing barriers betweenpeople groups in a society, including economic, language, and proximitybarriers †¢ Accommodation respecting and valuing the differences of itsmembers, whether physical, racial, economic, cultural, or otherwise †¢ Empowerment encouraging individuals and people groups within asociety to reach their full potential, as they define it, and fosteringtheir participation at all power levels Peter Donnelley and Jay Coakley support the above, in their report tothe Laidlaw Foundation, identifying five â€Å"cornerstones† of socialinclusion. First, all members of society must be recognized as having value. Individual differences must be respected, and necessary services provided for the entire community. Second, everyone has aright to development opportunities. This is most clearly seen inchildren; for example, recreation programs must be handicappedaccessible to allow for full participation. Third, non-dominantindividuals and groups should be involved in decisions effectingsociety in general and themselves in particular. An application of this would be senior citizens who suggest or plan their own activities,rather than simply participate in those created by paid communitystaff. Fourth, proximity is necessary for successful inclusion overtime. If the dominant group lives, works and plays in a differentlocation or one removed from m arginalised groups, social inclus ionactivities will be short-lived at best. Finally, inclusion requires the material resources necessary to truly participate (Donnelly andCoakley, 2002). A teen football player that is unable to afford theproper shoes will never be completely part of the team. Accordingly, successful social inclusion activity results in: †¢Personal development including self-esteem issues, skill attainment,creativity, and increased likelihood to participate in otheropportunities. †¢ Self-Determination in both decision-making and self-expression,for individuals and the community as a whole, with participants takinggreater responsibility over time for both the inclusion project andtheir own personal needs. †¢ Social unity improving relationships between members of the community and uniting people groups around common goals. The effectiveness of social inclusion activities and the achievement ofthe above results are often controlled by the political or leadershipmindset prevalent in the programme. It is important to note,therefore, that the above differ from the definitions set forth by theUK government. The government’s aims include â€Å"improved educationalachievement, increased employment prospects, improved health, reduced crime, and improved physical environment† (CESI 2005). Note that theserelate directly to economic concerns, with little consideration forpersonal development beyond the development as a worker, no mention ofself-determination at all, and no mention of social unity or cohesionbeyond a reduction in crime. Some local governments also take a strong economic focus. The Lancashire County Council defined social inclusion as something thatâ€Å"is to be achieved by involving the poorest of citizens so that theyexperience a rise in living standards, from which they are excluded atpresent due to a host of interrelated problems† (CESI 2005). This research supports the argument that social inclusion, while having a significant economic component, also involves the personal actionsand attitudes of individuals and people groups in a society. It is the opinion of this study, supported by numerous others, that the outlookand ownership in society of marginalised groups must first change forany true inclusion to take place. Ruth Levitas, in her book The Inclusive Society? Social Exclusion and New Labour, encapsulates the three primary models for addressing social inclusion. The first and most politically left model is there distributionist discourse, or RED. This model holds lack of materialresources to be the primary cause of exclusion. This leads to a callfor forced redistribution of material resources to achieve social inclusion. The amount of redistribution required for inclusion,however, particularly within a democratic or socialist society, isusually too much for the dominant group to bear. This channels deprived individuals and groups to reliance on â€Å"government handouts† and, ultimately, poverty in comparison to the dominant group. Thesociety practicing redistribution attempts to balance the needs of itsmarginalised citizens with the desires of those in power. This is adangerous game, as the resulting incomplete redistribution can lead tosoc ial unrest and economic difficulties for so ciety as a whole(Levitas 1998). The second model, the social integrationist discourse (SID), is the most centrist given today’s political climate. This model of inclusion focuses on equal access, opportunity, andparticipation in the labour market. The idea is that if marginalised people are given equal access to and participate equally in jobs and job training, they will become part of the greater society. Paid employment raises the standard of living or material resources, which allows them to participate in a wider range of society’s activities.Over time they integrate into the established society. The model presents the concept of community participation, or unpaid work, forthose unable to hold a paying position. This might apply to personswith severe handicaps, substance abuse issues, mental illness, or whoare the primary caregivers of young children or elderly parents. These persons should be encouraged to undertake volunteer opportunities inthe community, and thereby partici pate in society (Lev itas 1998). There are also obvious difficulties with this model. First, it ignoresthe many barriers that marginalised people face when seeking paidemployment, including language and cultural issues, and childcare forsingle parents. These can take many years to overcome, if they areovercome at all (Cook, K. 2004). The model also assumes the availability of jobs and job training, not a reality in our presentlabour market. With the concept of community participation, it isunclear how or where such unpaid work would take place, given thatthese are people who are â€Å"unwanted† by the paid employment sector. The third model, the moral underclass discourse (MUD), is the most politically right model. This assumes that marginalised people are not included in society because they choose not to participate (Levitas1998). According to this model, a young person from a deprived neighbourhood chooses to be poor and to pass by the job training or educational opportunities afforded to him by society. For social inclusion to be successful, these individuals and people groups mustchoose to participate in society. Proponents of this model oftenencourage punishment of some type to individuals who do not comply with programmes aimed at helping them, and rewards to those who comply. The moral underclass discourse overlooks the complexity of manymarginalised people’s situations. It fails to consider the pressureindividuals face from their culture groups, lack of role models andself-esteem issues, and personal resources to overcome initial barriersto societal participation. The model further fails to identify causesof non-participation. Any social inclusion activity should identify and target deprivedcommunities or people groups. In addition, an effective long-termprogramme will seek to address the causes of this deprivation, not justthe results of it. Effective solutions will value the input of thosefrom the deprived community and look at the situation from a holisticperspective (Britton and Casebourne 2005). This addressing of causesand empowering of marginalised peoples is not provided for in the moralunderclass discourse. The government currently pursues policy based on the socialintegrationist model, focusing on providing educational opportunitiesto children to prepare them for later job training, and vocationalopportunities to adults (Reeves 2002). Despite its flaws, it seems themost feasible means of delivery of social inclusion. SID supports theidea that effective inclusion goes beyond simple access issues.Non-dominant groups must be allowed to strive for their full potentialwithin society, raising their standards of participation and acceptanceuntil holistic involvement is achieved. Inclusion, as seen throughthis model, is â€Å"about closing physical, social, and economic distancesseparating people, rather than only eliminating boundaries or barriersbetween us and them† (Donnelly and Coakley 2002). While it is possiblefor individuals or groups to be included in some arenas and excluded inothers, this research assumes that inclusion in any for m contributesto inclusion holistically. True inclusion, however, goes beyond allowing those in non-dominantgroups to simply participate in the activities of the dominantsociety. They must choose to fully engage with the dominant group, andhave opportunity grow and develop to their full potential, andultimately have equal input into the decisions and actions of thesociety as a whole. Both the dominant group and the marginalisedgroups or individuals must work together for social inclusion tooccur. There are three levels of participation in inclusive situations betweenthe dominant group in a society and marginalised individuals andgroups: assimilation, accommodation, and separation. The type ofinteraction occurring is determined by the amount of change anindividual will undergo to fit into the dominant group or groups in asociety, and the willingness of the society to accept individuals orgroups with characteristics, means, or culture different from their own. Assimilation occurs when the dominant society chooses to allownon-dominant individuals and groups to adopt its activities, values,and culture, and non-dominant participants choose to adopt suchthings. Groups immigrating to North America historically valuedassimilation, and often neglected teaching their children the culture,traditions, and language of their native land. There was a great valueplaced on these second-generation immigrant children consideringthemselves â€Å"Canadian† or â€Å"American.† This à ¢â‚¬Å"melting pot† culturalmelding allowed immigrant children to quickly assimilate into thebroader culture, although often at the cost of many of their own uniqueattributes and traditions (Gamble and Gamble 2005). A more current example would be an immigrant Muslim woman whoenrolled in university. If this woman chose to adopt the dominantuniversity culture, she might abandon traditional head covering for ahat or hooded jumper. While continuing to dress modestly, she wouldwear clothing that did not distinguish her from her peers. Herinteractions would be in English. She might join clubs and participatein activities, study groups, and the like in a manner similar tonon-Muslim students, perhaps even dating in a manner typical ofuniversity women. If the other students, in general, accepted heractions, she would assimilate to their culture. If the same woman sought accommodation, rather than assimilation, shewould participate in the academic portions of university, but not tryto be like the other students. She would continue to wear whateverclothing she had worn prior to entering school. While required to speak English in the classroom, she would use hernative language often. She would abide by her religious guidelines asfar as interactions and activities were concerned. In short, she wouldbe a Muslim woman in a non-Muslim, British institution of highereducation. The university community would choose to accept her,cultural differences and all, or separate from her. Sometimes, however, inclusion is not achieved because the marginalisedgroups choose not to participate in society. This is calledseparation, and in this case the Muslim woman would not attenduniversity at all, choosing instead to stay within a community ofothers from her native country who share her religious beliefs. Shewould not make any effort to learn English or interact with thedominant society around her. The dominant society rarely makes aneffort to include individuals or groups choosing to self-separate, andsometimes encourages separation (Gamble and Gamble 2005). Successful inclusion, therefore, r equires a desire or willingness onthe parts of both the dominant society and the marginalised individualor group to join together in community. Society must accept theactions of the assimilating or accommodating person, and the personmust accept the boundaries and norms of society. Further defining social inclusion assumes a desire on the part ofmarginalised groups to join with the dominant society in theircommunity through either assimilation or accommodation. It is important to consider that some persons or groups self-excludebecause of past exclusion, or because of pressure to conform to theculture of their non-dominant group. Not all individuals from deprivedcircumstances are able to take opportunities when presented. Cultural,self-esteem, economic and other issues come into play. Dance should be considered in its use as a tool for social inclusion byfirst studying existing programmes and their effectiveness. Evaluatingthe successfulness of social inclusion programmes, particularly danceprogrammes, is difficult. Although great strides have been made inrecent years, most documentation of social inclusion success has beenwith activities focusing on other areas of the arts. Dance, as aphysical medium, is more difficult to empirically examine over time.While studies of dance tend toward feel-good stories and individualnarratives, several works of credible research have been conducted inrecent years. Evaluators also need to consider the type of dance activity they arestudying. For example, a ballroom dance class aimed atcross-generational integration and appreciation has a far differentpurpose than a performance dance programme aimed at increasing theself-confidence and empowerment of disadvantaged youth. Three types ofdance activities are used in reaching social i nclusion aims,performance dance, instructional dance (classes designed for skillattainment, recreation, or health more than public performance), andsocial dance. Research has been done primarily on the effectiveness ofthe first two types of dance, as they occur in controlled environmentslending themselves to analysis. Performance dance gives groups in the local community theopportunity to work and present their art collectively. This not onlybrings together groups from varied ages, cultures, and socioeconomicbackgrounds for a common purpose, it allows the community to view theirefforts, further reinforcing the inclusive nature of their endeavours(Donnelly and Coakley 2002). Often, professional dancers or communitymembers employed in some form of dance perform with the programme group. Performance dance programmes are typically evaluated by reactions ofparticipants and audience, fiscal results (including support documentedfrom the local community, and quality of performance (Reeves 2002).Participants and audience members are given surveys, indicating theirreaction to the programme and results of their participation. Thosesurveyed are asked about their outlook, goals, and perceptions prior tothe performance dance activity, and after. The number of peopleindicating positive life outcomes and the degr ee to which they reportpositive life outcomes can then be calculated and compared with similarprogrammes (Matarasso 1997). An arts programme for youth in Portsmouth brought togetherprofessional artists and local children, from infant to sixth form.They would work together in a workshop setting, then perform locally.One group of children, for example, worked with the Kokum dancecompany. In this programme, data was collected from the children’steachers, rather than the children themselves. Teachers were asked toevaluate specific items regarding each child’s behaviour, attitude, andperformance in the classroom, providing reliable data regarding benefitthe children derived from participation (Matarasso 1997). As many of these performance projects are funded wholly or in part bypublic funds, fiscal considerations come into play. Were members ofthe community willing to support the project by purchasing tickets?Was the project able to recoup some of its costs, and if so, how much?Francois Matarasso’s 1999 groundbreaking research, Use or Ornament?The social impact of participation in the art s, deals with the growingemphasis on economic contributions of the arts community to the overallfinancial health of communities and the country, and the importance ofthe arts as an export for the British economy. This is sometimes atconflict with the purposes of those initiating and operating danceprojects. However, as funding is required for most inclusionactivities, it remains an evaluative consideration (Matarasso 1997). Quality evaluations of performance dance activities aimed at socialinclusion are as controversial as reviews of dance performances ingeneral (Reed 1998). Consensus between those familiar with danceperformance, however, can be a useful tool in evaluation (Reeves2002). Instructional dance is even more focused on the life impact on itsparticipants. These programmes are typically held in dance schoolenvironments, often in connection with the local schools or a communitycentre, and often focus on children. The dance projects undertaken bythe Merseyside Dance Initiative’s Out of Reach programme areinstructional activities leading to performance. Research conducted byMDI on their dance programmes included survey, interviews, videos,photos, and letters, providing both empirical and subjective resultsfor these activities (Peerbhoy, Smith, and Birchall 2002). It is important to take into consideration the native languages andages of those surveyed in this type of research. Young childr en andthose for whom English is an additional language can have difficultywith written surveys. For example, Out of Reach, a report of danceinclusion programmes by the Merseyside Dance Initiative, describes howparticipants were surveyed using a Face Scale, showing seven facesgoing from broadly smiling to frowning. They were then asked toidentify the face that expressed how they felt about their life ingeneral. MDI also used a Cantrils Ladder, where participants ratedtheir life satisfaction by choosing a rung on the ladder to representit (Peerbhoy, Smith, and Birchall 2002). By using this surveytechnique before and after participation, MDI was able to quantifyparticipants’ views on their experience in their programmes. Thisallowed them to use the same survey for children and adults, regardlessof language backgrou nd. The Merseyside Dance Initiative researchers followed the above surveyswith oral interviews, including a series of questions for allparticipants, an additional que stion set for senior members of thedance programme, and a third set of questions inclusive of the firsttwo for dance leaders. These were open-ended, subjective questions,such as â€Å"What impact do you think Out of Reach has had on your group?†and â€Å"Out of Reach is a community project what does that mean to you?†(Peerbhoy, Smith, and Birchall 2002). Skill attainment is an important item of evaluation, in addition toself-esteem and similar benefits from an instructional dance activity.Skills can be measured by observation on the part of the instructor orclass leader, with data collected at the beginning and end of the classor activity. Again, results can be compared with similar programmes todetermine effectiveness, or used to project the effects of a project tobe implemented. Instructional Dance is not immune from financial considerations or thepolitical emphasis on jobs and job training in social inclusionprogrammes. The Enterprise and Cultural Committee’s submission fromthe Aberdeen City Council in 2004 included a number of such goals orachievements, including â€Å"the training and development of artists,contributing to the cultural and economic vibrancy of an area,†improved economics, â€Å"enhancing the image of Scotland both at home andabroad,† and â€Å"training for play workers, youth workers, and c areworkers to broaden their understanding and experience in utilisingdance as part of their programmes and everyday work.† Instructionaldance programmes, without performance revenues, tend to face even morevolatile financial situations, and are often offered in directcorrelation to funding availability (Aberdeen 2004). The third type of dance, social dance, is difficult to quantitativelyresearch. Social dance activities are usually offered by localorganisations and governments as recreational opportunities, withsocial inclusion aims a secondary consideration. The Aberdeen CityCouncil’s report, mentioned above, cited 1402 community dance eventsheld in 2003 / 2004 by their citymoves initiative. These eventsincluded festivals and dance events (Aberdeen 2004). While participants in a formal dance programme can be surveyed beforeand after their activity or class, this is impractical and, for thatmatter, almost impossible at a festival or public social dance type ofevent. Data can be collected on the number of attendees, any acts ofviolence or physical altercations between people groups, and similarstatistics. General observations made also be made about people’sparticipation and recorded, although subjective. Comparisons betweencommunity situations before and after a series of such progra mmes arealso often used. For example, did the juvenile crime rate andincidences of vandalism drop after the inception of a weekly youthsocial dance? Children in the community are also affected by participants in socialdance activities. They are quick to notice who attends and observe whoparticipates in what activities at a festival. The participation orlack thereof by certain groups within the community reinforces thechild’s perceptions of appropriate community interaction, laying thegroundwork for either tolerance and acceptance or bigotry and mistrust(Hanna 1983). This is an important component almost impossible tomeasure through research. Overall, the need for empirical and fact-based research remains strongfor dance activities, particularly those focused on broader goals suchas improving community social cohesion. Additional studies should beencouraged. Dance has historically reinforced distinctions between people groupsand social classes, particularly social dance. After all, social danceis usually between friends or romantic interests. There is stronginclination at all levels of society to fraternize in such settingswith members of one’s own social group. In much of Europe, for example, those of the upper levels of societyparticipated in court dances, while those at lower levels of societyparticipated in country-dances. The types of dances one learned andthe way one carried oneself at the festival, dance hall, or ballroom,quickly communicated the social level or class of that individual. Itis hard to imagine, even a hundred years ago, a duke or duchess lopingaround a typical country-dance, or the typical commoner being acceptedat a royal ball. To some extent dance remains so today, where a dress worn at formalballs of the wealthy can cost in excess of a working persons wages forsix months. The galas and events reported in the newspapers andmagazines are intended for and attended by the wealthy and theirfriends. By the same token, the patrons at a typical hip-hop club in adisadvantaged neighbourhood would exclude a clean-cut, obviouslywealthy man in business attire. There remains hesitancy between groupsto attend social functions on another group’s turf, or in a communitysignificantly different from one’s own. Many ethnic communities retain dances from their native cultures,accommodating rather than assimilating to the society around them. Ifthese dances are performed or taught to others in the community, thiscultural sharing can have a strong inclusive effect. However, ifnative dances are reserved by their cultural group to only those withinthe group, the practice of such dances becomes exclusive. Another type of exclusionary dance programme remains popular today.A number of communities offer dance activities for disadvantaged youth,or those recently released from incarceration, or a similarmarginalised group. By offering services only to one specific group,geographical area, or income level, these programmes may actually detersocial inclusion (Reeves 2002). Deprived neighbourhoods often lack thephysical facilities or funding necessary for dance activities, andindividuals from outside the community may be reluctant to venture in,fearing crime or similar deterrents. Therefore, while these activitiesare obviously designed to serve a specific population and often are ofpositive benefit, they neither allow access to all members of societynor remove barriers between people groups, and therefore cannot beconsidered truly inclusive. Dance also experiences a higher rate of self-exclusion than some otherart activities. Men are often wary about participating in a danceactivity, as dance is still considered unmanly in some cultural sets.Also, the physical expression necessary in dance is considered immodestor inappropriate by some cultural groups (Reed 1998). Matarassodescribes an art panel activity, the Mughal Tent Project, where womencreate embroidered art panels for public display (Matarasso 1997). Theprogramme serves primarily Muslim women residing in the Leicesterarea. Although there was initial resistance from some husbands,eventually most became supportive of their wives efforts, even watchingthe children so their wives could complete their art. It is unlikelythese husbands would be equally supporting if their wives wereparticipating in a public dance performance (Matarasso 1997)). New Life and Hope, a community centre serving a deprived area with ahigh number of recent immigrants in the Bronx, NY, USA, noted a similardifficulty with performance dance. Many of the people moving into thecommunity were from Middle Eastern areas, predominantly Muslim withsome Hindu. The centre initially offered several art programmes forchildren and adults, including painting, sculpture, music, theatre, anddance. Very few men participated in these activities. Women andchildren were quick to sign up for spots in painting, sculpture, andmusic, somewhat slower to engage in theatre opportunities, and onlyyounger female children enrolled in any dance offerings (Ortiz 2005). Significant promotion of the adult dance programme and changes to makeit more culturally sensitive, including dropping dress requirements,were not able to increase enrolments. Women attending other coursesoffered, when questioned why they did not participate in danceactivities, often cited disapproval from their families. It is unclearwhether discontinuing the public performance portion of the danceprogramme (all participants put on a programme for the public at theend of the course) would have made it more palatable to thispopulation, as it was apparently not implemented. Dance wasdiscontinued from the centre’s offerings after two years due to lack ofinterest (Ortiz 2005). Dance also has historical significance as a means of inclusion within acommunity. From the earliest tribal communities, dance has been a waythe group comes together and reaffirms its unity. Primitive culturesoften use dance as a means to build social cohesion, including adoptingnon-native individuals into their group and marking rites of passage,such as children coming of age or entering into marriage-typerelationships (Kaeppler 1978). Certain dances themselves have aided in social inclusion at severaltimes in the past. For example, in the early 1900s in the UnitedStates, African Americans introduced a dance called the Shimmy to thelocal Chicago nightclub scene. The dance began to be p