Management of Primary and Secondary Education in Nigeria Essay

Introduction There is no gainsaying the fact that education is very vital to the pace of social, political and economic development of any nation. This is why most nations of the world strive to devote a sizeable proportion of their Gross National Income to develop the educational sector. In Nigeria, between 7. 6% and 9. 9% of our annual expenditure is devoted to education. Management of primary education refers to the process of planning, organizing, directing, staffing, coordinating, budgeting for and reporting on primary education system. Primary education in Nigeria refers to the education which children receive from the age of 6 years to 11 years plus. It is the foundation level of the educational system which runs for six years, and it is aimed at developing basic literacy, numeracy, communication skills and transmission of the culture of the people to younger generations. Information gathered through the education data bank shows that as at 1998, there were 41,814 primary schools with an enrolment of 16,348,324 (13. 75% of these were females) and 468,770 teachers (26. 45%) of these were non-qualified teachers). The teacher/pupil ratio at the level was 1:38 while the completion rate was 64. 1 percent and the Crucial Issues in the Management of Primary Education in Nigeria74 transition rate of products to Junior Secondary Education level was 39. 1 percent. The structure of our population in Nigeria is such that about 45% of the people are within the age bracket of six to twelve years. According to the provisions of National Policy on Education, this is the corresponding age group for primary education. Obviously, the enrolment pattern in the educational system follows the pyramidal structure of the nation’s population distribution. The primary level has the largest enrolment, followed by the secondary level and then the tertiary level. This enrolment structure, no doubt, depicts the structure of our social demand for the various levels of education. The primary education level, being the bedrock of the child’s basic education, is a very vital aspect of the nation’s educational system that deserves to be handled with great care and caution. Any error committed in the organization and management of this level of education may reverberate on other levels and thus seriously mar the lives of the people and indeed the overall development of the nation. This is one good reason why all the stakeholders must show enough concern for those issues that concern the organizing and managing of our primary education system. This paper presents a humble attempt to highlight some contemporary issues and problems facing the organization and management of primary education in Nigeria with a view to proffering possible solutions to them. Contemporary Issues in Primary Education Management No doubt, there are numerous issues and problems involved in the management of primary education system in Nigeria. However, this paper would simply highlight some of the crucial ones. Some of such issues include: a. Policy gap in the management of primary education in Nigeria, b. Data gaps, c. Funding gaps, d. Institutional capacity gaps, e. Expansion of the curriculum to cater for early childhood care, f. Gender balancing in enrolment, g. Quality assurance in Primary Education, h. Improved nutrition/Health of learners and i. Issues of HIV/AIDS pandemic 75D. O. Durosaro Over the last two decades, the management of primary education had been experiencing some problems as a result of policy gaps. Teachers salaries were not paid adequately, schools were not well-maintained and facilities were not adequately provided owing to the fact that management of primary education had to be oscillating among State Government, Local Government and Federal Government. At a time, State Government took control, later it was handed over to the Local Government and then to a Federal Commission. Moreover, it was just until lately that a concrete legislation was passed on primary education in Nigeria – the UBE Bill. Lack of accurate and timely data has long been the bane of policy formulation and management of our primary education system in Nigeria. To obtain accurate data on enrolment, teachers, non-teaching staff and even facilities appears to be a difficult task for the school managers. The school managers and teachers appear to lack adequate cognitive development in the areas of data collection, analysis and storage. Apart from this lack of capacity of the school managers, school data collection and analysis seem to be marred by other socio-politico-economic factors such as fraud, politics of national resource allocation and social apathy. Another issue of concern in the management of primary education in Nigeria is that of inadequate funding. According to a World Bank survey on Nigeria, the federal expenditure on education seems to be below 10% of its overall expenditures. For instance, between 1997 and 2002, the total share of education in total federal expenditure ranged between 9. 9% and 7. 6% with the trend showing a downward plunge (World Bank, 2002). Table 1: Federal Government Expenditure on Education as Percentage of total Federal Government Expenditure 1997 – 2002 _________________________________________________________ Expenditure199719981999200020012002 Area%%%%%% Recurrent12. 312. 011. 79. 49. 59. 1 Capital6. 17. 55. 08. 56. 06. 0 Total9. 99. 69. 09. 07. 58. 0 Source: FGN, Annual Budgets 1997-2002 It would have been more interesting to spell out what proportion of this expenditure on education actually goes to primary education but the non ¬ Crucial Issues in the Management of Primary Education in Nigeria76 availability of accurate data did not permit this. It is even worth mentioning here that the bulk of this meager expenditure shown on Table 1 even goes to recurrent activities. This issue of under-funding of education U so endemic that it has now encompassed series of other problems of shortages of human and material resources (Durosaro, 2000). The current pattern of investment within the education sector is such that the tertiary level gets the lion share while the primary level gets the least. This pattern is inversely related to number of institutions, enrolment and teachers at the different education levels. Table 2 presents the data on the pattern of funding of the educational levels by the Federal government. Table 2: Pattern of Federal Government funding of Education by levels, more 1996 – 2002 ____________________________________________________________ __ Educ. 1996199719981999200020012002 Levels%%%%%%% Tertiary79. 978. 968. 469. 175. 868. 176. 9 Secondary10. 411. 314. 618. 715. 315. 515. 6 Primary9. 79. 816. 912. 28. 916. 47. 5 Total100. 0100. 0100. 0100. 0100. 0100. 0100. 0 The issue of gaps in the institutional capacity to deliver primary education of a sound quality is also crucial in the management of primary education in Nigeria. It is a known fact that most of our institutions do not have vision whether written or unwritten nor a mission statement to guide their activities. There is widespread shortage of qualified teachers, shortage of even classrooms, shortage of both pupils’ and teachers’ furniture and a dearth of required fund, teaching materials and textbooks. In a survey conducted on primary education cost, financing and management in Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kwara and Niger States, it was discovered that only f9. 57% of the schools in Kwara and 27. 08% of the schools in FCT had school libraries while none of the schools in both Kogi and Niger States had any school library. It was also found that 24% of schools in Kogi State, 21% of schools in Kwara State, 40. 3% of schools in Niger State and 16. 75% of schools in FCT were not using any form of wall charts teaching aids (Abdulkareem and Umar, 1997). All these gaps have combined with frequent teachers’ strikes and absenteeism in recent years to weaken the capacity of the institutions to deliver sound primary education. 77D. O. Durosaro Furthermore, there is an emerging issue of great importance in the management of primary education in Nigeria. This is that of restructuring the level by expanding it to accommodate both the early childhood care and the pre-primary education curriculum. This is now a burning issue in view of the level of social poverty and the need for poverty alleviation by economic empowerment of women. Stakeholders in primary education are now being mobilized towards this direction with a view to encouraging both public and private participation. This issue will however have grave implications for funding, personnel, facilities, curriculum development and monitoring. A related dimension of this issue is that of expanding and restructuring the system to also cater adequately for the almajiris, area boys, street children and disabled school-age populace across the nation. Furthermore, the issue of poor enrolment in primary schools in some special areas should be of great importance to primary education management in Nigeria. This issue has three major dimensions. The first is that of how to ensure gender balance in enrolment in some parts of the country. Owing to some socio-cultural factors in some parts of the country, female enrolment needs to be improved. In another part, it is the male enrolment that needs improvement. But in majority of cases, the second dimension is that of non-enrolment in public schools. Parents prefer the private school since they appear more effective. The third dimension of this issue is ensuring retention and completion once enrolled. Resolving this issue is closely connected to the next issue of poverty alleviation and provision of good nutrition for children. The issue of poverty alleviation is more about the parents and the wider social constituency of primary education. This phenomenon impacts greatly on schooling particularly at the primary level. Owing to poverty, parents cannot afford to buy school uniforms, books, pay transportation cost and even provide good nutrition for their children. These impair both teaching and learning. There is no doubt that the primary school management should find a way of intervening in assisting the pupils within the national framework of poverty alleviation scheme. Some States have already introduced free mid-day meal service to primary schools. This meal service has some implications for school management to ensure it is . not counter-productive. Nutritional well-being in childhood has been shown to have large benefit on school performance as well as physical and mental capacity in later life (World Bank, 2003). Crucial Issues in the Management of Primary Education in Nigeria78 A similar issue which could also impact seriously on primary education is that of HIV/AIDS pandemic. This could have impact on both teachers and students and its effect on parents or guardians of the pupils could spill ¬over to the school. It was reported in 2001 that the prevalence rate was 5. 8% of teachers nationally (World Ban, 2003). Across the federation, it was found to range between 1. 8% of teacher population in Jigawa and 13. 5% of the teacher population in Benue. This disease was found to be prevalent in the age-group 20 – 24 years which forms the core age group from which primary school teachers are recruited in Nigeria. Table 3: Projected Teacher Attrition due to HIV/AIDS Pandemic in Selected States of Nigeria, 2003 ____________________________________________________________ __ StatesNo. of TeachersPrevalence rateAttrition of % of HIV/A IDSTeachers Benue1384813. 5185 Lagos180405. 590 Plateau175265. 098 Rivers83215. 542 Table 3 presents the projected attrition of teachers due to HIV/AIDS disease in some selected States of Nigeria. This projection is based on the rates found for these States in a previous survey reported by the World Bank. Given the clear fact that AIDS is real and the spread is growing, there is the need to estimate its likely impact on the primary education management in Nigeria and ensure the problems are contained. This could be done through creation of HIV/AIDS awareness programmes on the school curriculum for both learners, teacher and even parents. Expert could be invited to assist in enlightening the school community on how to combat the spread of this pandemics. Conclusion It is quite clear from the foregoing that for primary education in Nigeria to achieve its stated objectives, these crucial issues of policy, funding, data, curriculum review and capacity buildings gaps must be squarely addressed by education managers in Nigeria. In addition, the issues of genderization, poverty alleviation, pupils’ and teachers’ health and nutrition need prompt attention of the stakeholders and managers of 79D. O. Durosaro the system. Primary education is central to the achievement of the overall national educational goals. The primary education managers, in their quest to continue to meet the national demand for primary education quite efficiently and effectively, must constantly device new and improved ways of managing the system. The following recommendations are put forth: There is need for the creation of more social awareness on the recent Ube Bill to ensure compliance. The various States and Local Governments should also back this up with edicts and byelaws where necessary. Various tiers of government should also formulate clear policies on enrolment of pupils, funding, provision of facilities as well as quality assurance. There is the urgent need to set a national minimum standard for primary education which must be followed by all providers of primary education in Nigeria whether private or public. Since the government is still the major source of found to education in Nigeria, there is the need to change the pattern of funding so that provision for primary education should adequately match its needs, To be able to take sound decisions on the management of primary education in Nigeria, there is the need to ensure availability of accurate data on the system. The present effort of the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with both the UNESCO and UNDP on the creation of an Education Data Bank is highly commendable (FGN/UNE SCO/UN DP, 2003). The government should give the data bank all the enabling environment required to generate and analyse and bank the data. The institutional managers and teachers should be constantly trained and retrained in the modern data management techniques. There is the need to step up the institutional capacity building. The school managers should be mandated to attend training workshops and conferences to improve their managerial skills. Organizations like the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, which have been set up for capacity building in educational management, should be empowered to start some annual training programmes towards this end. Concerted efforts by ways of quality control and monitoring would improve the quality of public schools and the drift from them to private schools would be checked. Effort should also be made to promote gender balance in schools Crucial Issues in the Management of Primary Education in Nigeria80 through gender sensitivity of the teachers, curriculum and teaching materials. The school environment should be made more child-friendly. The government needs to step up its poverty alleviation process by rendering assistance to parents indirectly through provision of free books, uniforms and even free mid-day meals to the children of the poor. There is need to embark more aggressively on the public enlightenment on the HIV/AIDS disease control. This would help reduce both pupil and teacher loss that this disease could cause. References Abdulkareem, A. Y. and I. O. Umar (1997) Follow-up Study on Primary Education Cost, Financing and Management in Kogi, Kwara and Nigeria States and the Federal Capital Territory. National Primary Education Commission Project. Durosaro, D. O. (2000) Resource Allocation and Utilization for University Education in Nigeria, Trends and Issues in E. G. Fagbamiye and D. O. Durosaro (eds,). Education and Productivity in Nigeria, N AEAP 51-67. Federal Government of Nigeria (1997 – 2002) Annual Budgets World Bank (2003) School Education in Nigeria: Preparing for Universal Basic Education. , (Human Development II, African Region), September 1. FGN/UNESCO/UNDP (2003). A Decade of Basic Education Data in Nigeria (1988-1998).

Basic Economic Question

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History of Sport Essay The effect of sports on today’s world, particularly in the United States, is indeed profound. The history of sport has the potential to teach us a great deal about social changes and the nature of sport itself. Over the past twenty-five years or so, the field of history has expanded, embracing a broader view of historical topics and going far beyond political and military history in refiguring the historical paths of this and other nations (Nelson). Throughout the many years during the Pre-Colonial era, Colonial era, Industrial Revolution, Post Civil War, and the Twentieth Century, the sports industry was created with several factors affecting its formation. The Pre-Colonial era consisted of the time prior to 1500’s. During this time in North America, the land had been consumed by the Native Americans and their culture. Population was spreading widely across the continent. The people of this era were found to be genuine and quiet. Daily activities such as hunting, farming, running, and warfare slowly turned into more of physical activity and competitive games for leisure. Recreational play was seen as an outlet. Physical activity and games, more often than not, were linked to spiritual beliefs. Staying â€Å"fit† was essential. Common sports known during pre-colonial time were lacrosse, archery, and running. Colonial America started with the Puritans bombarding America during 1600-1800 A. D. to break away from the churches, religions, and beliefs. The Puritans were found to be extremely hard working which was a result from the motivation of staying alive. The Puritans were also widely known (and still to this day) of being very religiously involved. Games were considered to be â€Å"wicked† or sinful; such as gambling and drinking. Aside from the Puritans, sport marketing started to make an appearance during the Colonial era, leading to the growth of interest and participation in sports. Tavern owners were the first known sport marketers on record. Taverns would announce games and sport through posters and word of mouth. During this time the common sports were found to fit the lifestyle and culture; such as horse racing, running, arm wrestling, rifle, cockfighting, and boxing. Colonial America was the start to our sporting industry. The Technological Industrial Revolution occurred along with the Post Civil War era during 1800-1900. Throughout these one hundred years the sport industry was growing rapidly along with technology, factories, immigration, companies, and educational systems. Due to the growth in technology and factories, citizens had more time and more money; therefore recreation was used to fill downtime causing our sport industry to grow further. Faster modes of travel started to develop and be more convenient, helping organized sports form. Immigrants added to the industry by introducing their sports to America as well. Modern spectator sports were on a rise such as boxing, running, and horse racing. However, the Civil War era negatively affected sports by slowing sport activities due to the lack of men and overall population in society. Once men started leaving for war more and more women took jobs that had once belonged to men, which was a huge impact on society as this was the first sign of equality between men and women (Nelson). The working structure was seen as â€Å"feminizing† society, sports helped to â€Å"masculine† society. Wealth was on the rise after the war forcing sports to become very class specific, and the upper class tried to exclude lower classes; Class and race were a deciding factor for accepted participation in sports. The first known organized sports team; New York Knickerbockers’ were a baseball club created in the 1840’s and Intercollegiate Athletics first event occurred in 1852, Harvard and Yale competed in a rowing contest. Society was soon hooked on sports. The era of Twentieth Century made the most dramatic century of growth yet for the sports industry. Sports became part of our educational system as organizations formed to work together creating codifications for different sports, improving equipment, and increasing social involvement. Sports were taken to a very serious level in the early 1900’s. In 1904 the NCAA was founded to hold conferences, regulate rules along with player eligibility, and made coaches from educators. Competitive sports led to changes in our educational system when it established physical education positions. These positions forced research into sports because of the need for better and newer physical education curriculum. At first, Females were allowed to be involved in sports at a noncompetitive level or to promote health. The participation of women in sports grew over time however, with society being the critical factor. Upper-class and middle-class women were absolutely restricted from playing sports as it was thought to not be â€Å"proper. † The National Football League was created in 1911 which turned out to be a major step in the development of sports as entertainment. In 1941 society’s values of class, sex, and race was evident when Joe Namath signed a contract for $400,000 while Curt Flood, a slave had a salary of nothing. In 1972, Title Nine was put into act guaranteeing no discrimination regarding sex for sport institutions. Transportation was even more advanced helping organized sports teams compete against one another. Television and newspapers impacted sports by airing sporting events, criticizing and critiquing each play, as well as displaying the opinion of the program broadcasters. The most popular, known, and leading sports network ESPN aired its first national NFL broadcast in 1987 (Giordano). ESPN started offering magazines, national sports radio, and satellite radio in 1992 in attempt to curve the educational desire of the sporting society. ESPN changed the culture of sports. The history of sport is most likely as old as the existence of man. Physical activity, games, and daily activities contributed to the creation of organized sports with codification. Throughout the many years during the Pre-Colonial era, Colonial era, Industrial Revolution, Post Civil War, and the Twentieth Century, the sports industry has proved several, very different, and unexpected factors affecting its formation. The sports industry is continuing to grow rapidly year after year, changing with society’s values and lifestyle. Works Citied Giordano , Peter. The Evolution of ESPN. SOP: News, Interviews, More.. (2007): n. page. Web. 14 Sep. 2011. http://thesop. org/story/sports/2007/04/29/the-evolution-of-espn. php. Kindred. Century is over get the lights. Sporting News 224. 1 (2000): 63. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 14 Sept. 2011. McClung, Lisa R. , and Nancy E. Spencer. Women and Sport in the 1990s: Reflections on Embracing Stars, Ignoring Players. . Journal of Sport Management 15. 4 (2001): 318. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 14 Sept. 2011. Nelson, Murry. Sports History as a Vehicle for Social and Cultural Understanding in American History. Social Studies 96. 3 (2005): 118-125. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 13 Sept. 2011.

India’s Twelfth Fifth Year Plan | Analysis

India’s Twelfth Fifth Year Plan | Analysis Understanding Macroeconomics (India) Introduction Lately, India has risen as a vibrant economy with a developing local business sector and an incomprehensible system of freely supported Rd establishments. The quality of the Indian economy is situated to some extent on key arranging through the nations five-year plans, which have been used since 1951. The main Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, displayed the initial five-year plan to the Parliament in 1951, which announced inside it an arranged plan of Inr 20.69 billion to be designated to seven expansive regions including; watering system and vitality, farming and group improvement, transport and correspondences, industry, social administrations, land recovery, and the remaining plan to different areas and administrations. The most essential characteristic of this stage was dynamic part of state in all budgetary divisions. The focus for GDP development of the initial 5-year arrangement was set at 2.1 percent for consistently. In actuality, the genuine accomplished development was 3.6% for every year, which fortified the assumption in regards to the viability of the Five-year Plan framework (Rakshit, 2009). India’s Twelfth Fifth Year Plan The Twelfth Five-Year Plan which became effective in 2012 and stretches out until 2017, has set a target development rate of 8.2% of GDP, however the National Development Council (NDC) on 27 Dec 2012 sanction a 8% development rate, communicating concern in regards to the crumbling worldwide circumstance. It is not conceivable to think about a normal of 9 percent (in twelfth Plan). I think some place between 8 and 8.5 percent is attainable said Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia on the sidelines of a gathering of State Planning Boards and offices. The twelfth Five Year Plan additionally says multiplying Indias Gross Expenditure in Rd from its present level of 1% of GDP (Indias Governments using on Rd places it in the worldwide main 10 with Usd36b, barely behind the UK (Mohammad Ali, 2009). At the end of 2016-17, the Indian Government will raise its own particular financing to 1% of GDP and will try to absorb sufficient fortifying measures to raise the private divisions venture to 1% of GDP (Mohammad Ali, 2009). This obliges an expert conveyance component of Government backing to industry for building its engineering profundity and invigorating its venture in Rd. So as to invigorate the private segments speculation in Rd, an inventive pilot venture known as the Global Innovation Technology Alliance (GITA) was started by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the Department of Science Technology (DST) , and Government of India in 2007-08. The DST, under its respective multilateral Science Technology Cooperation concurrences with more than 70 nations, propelled modern Rd programs with Canada and Israel as pilot undertakings (Mohammad Ali, 2009). Through these projects, India and the accomplice nation assign subsidizing to help businesses occupied with joint modern Rd ventures In the nation particular system with Israel – the India-Israel Initiative for Industrial Rd (i4rd) , mutually actualized in Israel with MATIMOP – The Israel Industry Center for Rd, if one industry accomplice from India and one industry accomplice from Israel propose together to lead Rd for creating an attractive item, both the administrations give monetary backing up to half of task expense to their separate commercial enterprises, once the undertaking is together approved (Mohammad Ali, 2009). India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) Customer Price Index (CPI) in India expanded to 139.10 Index Points in April of 2014 from 138.10 Index Points in March of 2014. Customer Price Index (CPI) in India arrived at the midpoint of 122.89 Index Points from 2011 until 2014, arriving at an unequalled high of 139.40 Index Points in November of 2013 and a record low of 105 Index Points in February of 2011. Buyer Price Index (CPI) in India is accounted for by the Labour Bureau, Government of India (Narayanan, 2012). General expansion in the sustenance crate, including refreshments, expanded to 9.1 for every penny in March from 8.57 for every penny in the past month, as indicated by buyer value list (CPI) information discharged by the CSO today (Rakshit, 2009). Vegetable costs expanded 16.8 for every penny in March as against a 14.04 for every penny climb in February. The costs of soil grown foods climbed 17.19 for every penny contrasted and a 15.79 for every penny build in February. Retail or buyer expansion in protein-rich things, for example, eggs, fish and meat moved to 9.54 for every penny in March from 9.69 for every penny in February. The rate of value ascent for oats and related items regulated to 9.61 for every penny in March from 9.93 for every penny. Nonetheless, the cost of milk and its items expanded 11.02 for every penny in March contrasted and 10.37 for every penny in the past month. Costs of toppings and flavours climbed 8.87 for every penny from 8.48 for every penny in February. Retail expansion has been moving for three months since December 2013. Government information prior today indicated expansion as measured by the wholesale value record rose to a three-month high of 5.7 for every penny in March, chiefly because of a spurt in costs of sustenance things, for example, potato, onion and soil grown foods (Narayanan, 2012). India’s Inflation Rate The swelling rate in India was recorded at 8.59 percent in April of 2014. Expansion Rate in India found the middle value of 9.67 Percent from 2012 until 2014, arriving at a record-breaking high of 11.16 Percent in November of 2013 and a record low of 7.55 Percent in January of 2012. Swelling Rate in India is accounted for by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India. Causes of India’s Inflation Its troublesome to say whether Indias proceeding scourge of high expansion need to do anything with any such interruption, notwithstanding what numerous say is a powerless decision government plagued by assertions of debasement and strategy lull, climbing religious roughness in parts of the nation, and a breakdown of bipartisanship prompting parliamentary halt every once in a while. For about four years now, swelling has harassed India tirelessly, pushing up costs, consuming funds, harming the poor most and making life troublesome for its extensive white collar class. Between December 2009 and August 2013, wholesale value expansion which measures swelling at the processing plant door arrived at the midpoint of in excess of 8%. Purchaser expansion which reflects shop and business sector costs has floated between 7.65% and 10.91% since January 2012 (PALIWAL, 2013). Impacts of such Inflation The effect of swelling in Indian economy is declines the obtaining force of dollar and expansions the worth of products and items, particularly those that hails from other nation. Then again, it has a positive impact for the individuals who are winning different monetary standards like dollar. The impact of inflation in Indian economy is decreases the purchasing power of dollar and increases the value of goods and commodities, especially those that comes from other country (Narayanan, 2012). However, it has a positive effect for those who are earning other currencies like dollar. India’s Government Step towards Inflation In India, the legislature is recognizing measures to handle high expansion, as spiraling nourishment costs rise as a key concern. There are developing stresses over the effect of runaway expansion on Indias vigorous financial development. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met top bureau priests for the second straight day, Wednesday, to work out a system to check climbing nourishment costs. The abnormal amount gathering was assembled as nourishment swelling took off to more than 18 percent the most astounding in more than a year (Rakshit, 2009). Conclusion In view of the results given above it might be reasoned that: a. The presence of co-integrating relationship between the variables uncovers a long run connection between them. This obviously infers that the CPI is impacted by the IIP, RM what’s more IMP. b. The ECM mathematical statement is profoundly noteworthy. This infers that the CPI changes with past period pattern and slacks in different variables. So likewise it reacts to past approach basics. c. The IRF indicates that the reaction to stun by the CPI mathematical statement is felt after around 12 months. This intimates that the CPI reacts to stuns after a slack. d. The FEVD of CPI tosses exceptionally urgent light on the determinants of swelling in India. Cash supply does impact the expansion, however the effect is fleeting. The effect on expansion because of the outer division is additionally extremely quick however fleeting. The hugest effect on swelling comes by means of the IIP (PALIWAL, 2013). From the above examination, it could be inferred that the Indian expansion is majorly a interest draw swelling. This is on account of both the cash supply and the IIP speak to the current request in the economy. Notwithstanding, the supply side components which come by means of the imports likewise Impact the swelling in the short run. In addition, the brief time effect of the Imports shows that the outer components are not the central point affecting the expansion. This suggests that our theory that expansion in India in the post liberalization period is because of outer variables is deficient. Therefore the adjustment approaches ought to be proactive by concentrating on the interest administration approaches on a long haul premise, and supply administration arrangements remembering their fleeting effect on expansion. Acknowledging the slack in the effect of IIP, such adjustment approaches will be great. References Rakshit, M. (2009).India amidst the global crisis.Economic and Political Weekly, 94-106. Retrieved: http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/40278667?uid=3738832uid=2uid=4sid=21103776467371 Mohammad, S. D., Hussain, A., Ali, A. (2009). Impact of macroeconomics variables on stock prices: empirical evidence in case of KSE (Karachi Stock Exchange).European Journal of Scientific Research,38(1), 96-103. Retrieved:Â  http://www.researchgate.net/publication/202329264_Impact_of_Macroeconomics_Variables_on_Stock_Prices_Emperical_Evidance_in_Case_of_KSE/file/5b0950e45b76dae18e57dd954b1b8620.pdf Narayanan, S. (2012).Inflation in India.The Indian Economy Since 1991: Economic Reforms and Performance, 2/e, 216. Retrieved: http://books.google.com.pk/books?hl=enlr=id=L4SvlRblIggCoi=fndpg=PT193dq=inflation+of+indiaots=C76Mr3k33Hsig=0UazG-M2u-sPF1Gi3vTX0RpKrNw PALIWAL, J. (2013). INCREASING PRESSURE OF INFLATION ON INDIAS MACROECONOMIC STABILITY: AN OVERVIEW.International Journal of Research in Computer Application Management,3(1). Retrieved: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=trueprofile=ehostscope=siteauthtype=crawlerjrnl=22311009AN=87676257h=6JK8Xw%2FP0hTVztFtk%2BJW6tBQUd52dYCOEQLA7lJ5b3JfDWrEqXuz84CrijFcbnHE9vH95DDkHahYRSRnXncXHA%3D%3Dcrl=c

Hospitality and hospitality management

Hospitality and hospitality management The aim of this paper is to critically review the nature of hospitality and hospitality management that Hilton Worldwide adapted. In view of this it is to be expected that analysis may range from the view at one end of the continuum that this is a lot of unnecessary nonsense which only serves to confuse the issues further, to that which sees this exercise as a stimulating and liberating contribution at the other. The views expressed in the paper clearly raise some significant issues and questions which Hilton management needs to be addressed more fully in the future. The challenge to the conventional wisdom highlights both the identity and parameter issues related to the nature and scope of what should be properly regarded as hospitality and hospitality management. This, in turn, poses some fundamental evaluation concerning the most appropriate orientation and priorities for both hospitality and hospitality management research and practice for Hilton. Counted Words:  ± 4200 Company Overview Hilton Worldwide previously known as Hilton Hotels Corporation is a leading hospitality company located worldwide. The new formation signifies the companys global business reach and strategies; the logo denitrifies the hotels affluent heritage and values and excellence in service (Hilton Worldwide, 2009). The companys vision is to fill the earth with light and warmth of hospitality and the mission is to be the global hospitality company; be the first choice for the guests, employee and owners alike (Hilton Worldwide, 2009). The values of Hilton worldwide is embosses inside the name itself which are H (hospitality) delivering outstanding hospitality experience I (integrity) always do the right thing L (leadership) prominent leader in key business areas and communalities T (teamwork) success is the combination of teamwork in everything it does O (ownership) owner of business actions and decisions N (now) operate in terms of urgency and discipline Hilton worldwide consists of 10 brands includes more than 3300 hotels in 77 countries as of today and is planning to open 300 in coming days. All of these hotels are either operated by contract or wholly owned by Hilton. Management body is headed by a chairman and CEO, the company is divided into 4 global regions: America, Europe, Middle East Africa, and Asia Pacific (Hilton Worldwide, 2009). External Audit Macro Environmental (PESTE) Analysis) A PESTE Analysis is an analysis of external macro-environmental factor that affects firms business. PESTE is an acronym for Political, Economic, Social, Technological and Environmental issues that influences the strategic development of a business. These issues are different in different locations and thus business firms may adopt different strategies in different countries where it operates to identify the business opportunities as well as threats. This assessment task would consider the worldwide strategy of Hilton (King, 1995). Political Political factors include government rules, regulations and legal issues under which the firm must operate and adhere (Nailon, 1982);(Wood, 1994). The issues discussed are environmental regulation and protection, political stability, corporate and consumer taxation, framework for contract enforcement, intellectual property protection, trade regulations, trading partners, anti-trust laws, pricing, mandatory employee benefits, industrial safety regulations, product labeling requirements, competition regulation etc (Edgar and Umbreit, 1988). The political movement can have definite effects on hotel business in UK. For example, if government set a rules under 18 years patrons must be accompanied with parents or guardians, it may result the decrease of young visitors. Imposing high goods and service tax (GST) or similar taxes would prevent more people to visit the hotel more often. By loosing these potential customers, Hilton may loose income and may need increase products and services to recover losses. Though Hilton groups are committed to use high scale safety standards, UK government rules may not give permission to operate business due to safety reason (like hill, low lying areas) even though there may have choice if business growth (Middleton, 1983). If the government plans to subsidies some of the service it provides (e.g. for disabled or senior citizens), the hotel may gain profits as well as increase services. Thus political actions may have both negative and positive impact on hotel business (Edgar and Umbreit, 1 988); (Hilton Worldwide, 2009). Economic Economic factors positively effects hospitality business. It determines how easy or difficult to sustain in a business along with capital, cost, demand, monetary policy, unemployment rates, exchange rates of foreign currencies, tax on exchanges (Wood, 1994). When economic growth is high, consumers income level raises thus demand for hospitality will increase too. Since the recent economic recession started, hospitality business was hit badly and it is yet to recover from the losses incurred. Increase of rates would prevent hotelier to seek for alternative choices (e.g. budget hotel or even home stay). In UK, hotel accommodation prices are extremely high than any other countries around the world. Consumers income level didnt rise up much and they fell the stringent budget allocation for daily needs. Very few people will consider spending holidays in luxurious hotels if they dont afford to. A higher income or wages will allow domestic traveler to get high class hospitality in high clas s hotels (King, 1995). Social Social factors are income level, demographics, geographies, life style, education, weather, culture and fashions (Wood, 1994). Social factors can be both opportunities and threats for a hospitality business (Lewis, 1988). Different age or sex of people would require different services (Slattery, 1983). Elderly people demand is not similar to young people. Business people will seek to have more work related facilities (e.g. internet, video conference) while holiday makers would seek more natural touch (e.g. garden, fishing) (Burgess, 1982). Cultural differences are a major play in hospitality business. While local people like crowd and gossip, tourist would seek for quiet and silent place as they plan holiday. Season is also an important factor (Middleton, 1983). Year end and holiday season are peak time for hotel business while therere not much crowd during working days or off-peak season. Most travelers are affected by bad weather and usually dont think for leisure during extreme either condition specially in winter season (Edgar and Umbreit, 1988). Technological This is the century of technology enhancement. So does business. Aggressive development of technological factors brought rapid growth for hotel business (Slattery, 1983). The factors may include spend on technological research; government effort focus industry based technology, new invention and their impacts, communication alternatives, speed of technology transfer, cost of usage, rate of technological diffusion. New technology could prove a useful input in hospitality business but it has to established with purchase and installment cost along with training to employees (King, 1995). Hiltons business will mostly depend on technological factors. Customers from around the world is now able to evaluate the products and services provided by Hilton through the respective websites, compare prices, seek advice and even can reserve a facility as early as one year prior to arrival. Hilton group itself placed much effort to keep the website simple and user friendly so that visitor will not feel difficulty to find any available information. Any latest service or products can reach to millions of customers through the website or communications (Reuland, Choudry, and Fagel, 1985). Providing details of every facilities Hilton placed itself to the top choice of any search engines. Traveler from any part of the world can communicate in real time with Hilton representative and made their choices, payments etc (Burgess, 1982). Besides for in-hotel customer, Hilton offers state-of-the art high speed wireless, video communications, and teleconferencing, to keep guests always in touch with outside world. These services received a bug thumbs up since it was introduced and continuously keep enhancing technology to stay ahead in business (Edgar and Umbreit, 1988). Environmental Environmental factors have been considered important factors for large organizations which particularly operated worldwide (Wood, 1994). This factor includes environmental responsibility, improvement of performance towards sustainable future, guest and team commitment to environments, reuse and recycle materials etc (Khan and Olsen, 1988). Hilton hotels recognizes their responsibility by embracing environmental mission includes all members under its group to focus on energy water efficiency, CO2 reduction, waste management, renewable energy. It take environment friendly initiatives which will impact guests positively, influence use of resources in harmony with nature by promoting the use of best environment sociable practices, supports local environment policies (Middleton, 1983). As of present days, Hilton promised to reduce energy consumption, CO2 emissions and waste output by 20% and water consumption by 10%. These steps ahead will place the firm in lead position and will increase reputation by means. Industry Dynamic (Porters 5 Force) Analysis Porters model determines the competitiveness of an organization using the five different forces and shows how the forces are related. To develop business strategies effectively, organizations must understand and act in response to those forces. (Porter, 1985) Rivalry Among Existing Competitors Competitive rivalry analysis is one of the key areas that business must consider to determine business strategy that firm must adopt and implement continuously over time (Wood, 1994); (Porter, 1985). The hotel business now days are very much competitive. With millions of tourist travels every year, luxurious hotel is the first choice for most tourists. Having numerous competitors in market (e.g. inter continental, best western) the competition between players are intense (Burgess, 1982). For example, British consumers are said to having higher buying powers thus will seek for high end luxuries. That works behind the reason why companies constantly compete for better products and attractive prices. In order to be leader is luxurious market, Hilton has to offer unique offers (E.g Park and fly with up to 8 days airport parking, ultimate spa journey with six senses spa in London). This force is in favor of Hilton. Threat of New Entrants Threat of new entrants may consider the ease of new entry, competitive advantages, place and positions, customers, government support etc (Porter, 1985). To open a new luxurious hotel by another firm in UK would be quite difficult since there are huge regulations and rules imposed by governments. UK government chooses to advise the existing hotels to improve their business rather than consider letting bring new competitors. Besides, consumer now days doesnt seek much luxurious hotel; instead they would prefer budget hotel. Thus new entry to comfy hotel business is not deep (Nailon, 1982). This force is in favor of Hilton. Threat of Substitute Product and Services This force is said to have much influence in Hilton business strategy in recent years. There force includes factors such as product for product substation, need, facilities, budget etc (Reuland, Choudry, and Fagel, 1985);(Porter, 1985). Hilton not only requires looking after new entrants as threat but also substituted product and service as a major threat. When there is matter of hospitality, its consumers choice what they chose to take. For example, a water bottle in Hiltons cafà © may cost few more pounds which is cheap just the opposite side grocery shop. A lavishness spa may cost few hundreds of pounds which may be proven cheapest for similar kind in other dedicated spa shops. For one night stopper, back packers and Hilton doesnt have any special prices which usually find their way in budget hotel. These type of consumers seems to be become a huge amount at the end as budget hotel is booming every where around the world. Hilton came up with idea of including a theme park in hote ls without considering that some areas may already have amusement park which provide same services as they plan; often in cheap price. This force is against Hilton (Burgess, 1982). Bargaining Power of Buyers This force consists of high income, large service provider, low switching cost etc (Porter, 1985). Before economic recession, consumers were having high incomes and seek more luxuries. As there are choices available in the market, Hilton has to react very quickly to retain customer intention to be their choice of providing world class hospitality in possible lowest price (Lewis, 1988). Todays buyers are most dynamic and well motivated requires more concentration on their needs . Hilton would have to avoid what they think about customer; instead they should identify what consumers think about Hilton. Consumers will definitely seek most affordable having all facilities they required and so, hospitality firms have to struggle of adopts the new trends, lifestyle as quickly as possible to offer their loyal customers (Slattery, 1983). This force is against Hilton. Bargaining power of suppliers This force may include switching cost, high purchase cost etc (Porter, 1985). Raw material suppliers play an important role in firms business growth (Tideman, 1983). A foodstuff supplier may not offer todays price tomorrow due of supply shortage (Middleton, 1983). Thus to offer catering to guest, Hilton has to purchase the same stuffs in higher prices which will be sum of large amounts of money (Burgess, 1982). If this extra money is to be imposed on guests, this would result Hilton loosing business. Besides, switching to another supplier would be a difficult choice too (Edgar and Umbreit, 1988). For example, Hilton has hired a transportation Company to ferry its guest everywhere they go. Considering, high demand of transportation business offers high price, Hilton has to pay high prices than normal to retain transportation facilities in operation. This force is not in favor of Hilton (Khan and Olsen, 1988). From the above analysis of Hiltons 5 forces analysis, the diagram below will provide a summary of the firms overall industry analysis. Porters 5 force analysis talks about the external forces applicable to the outside of business. Todays business is much more vast and robust requiring dynamic approaches which should be an integration of different approaches rather than depends on a single analysis (Porter, 1985). Internal factor analysis requires much analysis as external. Designing, visioning and learning approaches should be considered when an industry analysis is done. Porters 5 forces are lack of these factors. (Jones, 1996) Bargaining Power of Buyers (-) Threat of Substitute Products and Services (-) Bargaining Power of Buyers (-) Threat of New Entrants (+) Rivalry among existing competitors (+) External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Matrix External factor evaluation a strategic tool used for analyze the current business strategy. External factors consider the opportunities and threats that a business or firm may face. These factors are closely related to PESTE analysis. Developing EFE matrix is generally easy in mathematical term. The first step is to gather external factors for opportunities and threats. Next, assign weight to each factor. The weight should be between 1 to 100 (0 means the factor has no value, 1 is most influential and 100 means most critical). All weights at the end must be sum to 100. Then, rate of factors is necessary. Rate indicates how responsive the firm is towards the factors Rating usually be done between 1 to 4 (1 = poor response 2= below average, 3= above average, 4 = fast response). Next, multiply each factor weight its ratings resulting weighted score. Lastly, total sum of all weighted score will determine the EFE of the firm. For Hiltons Worldwide Weight Rating Weighted Score Threats Economic recession 20% 4 0.80 Government Tax 10% 2 0.20 Low cost hospitality 15% 4 0.60 Price change of raw materials 8% 2 0.16 Opportunities Strategic location 10% 1 0.10 High hospitality in low price 7% 2 0.14 Awarding loyal customer 15% 2 0.30 Associate with other business 15% 3 0.45 Total weighted score 100% 2.75 The weighted score 2.75 indicates that Hilton has the high ability to response to external factors (value below 2.50 indicates lower response). Internal Audit Value Chain Activities Internal Quality of Service To sustain in this high competitive market Hilton has to maintain strict internal quality of service (Lewis, 1988). Employees are trained in training center to face any kind of difficulty to ensure the harmony in hospitality business. Up to date information are distributed in a moment when new decision are made (Burgess, 1982). Employee Satisfaction Proper attitude of employer towards the employee in Hilton has been recognized as one of the important factors of company growth which is reflected in their high quality of services to customers. All employees are closely monitored to ensure they dont feel trouble in both on and off-duty (Edgar and Umbreit, 1988). Employee Loyalty Hilton has always come up with the issue to retain their talented hosts to serve guests. Employee has been given extensive facilities and almost 95% employees are proven to be loyal to Hilton groups. Reallocation of task brought diversification to employees and influence them grow their career in first class hospitality business (Edgar and Umbreit, 1988). External quality of Service Hilton is said to be one of to best strategic partner other companies would love be part of. From airlines to travel agencies, Hilton has maintained a good chin of network to reach to any part of the world virtually (Hilton Worldwide, 2009). Customer Satisfaction Consumers in hospitality business seek high quality personnel and dedicated client services (Tideman, 1983). Since adopting high range hospitality strategy, Hiltons focus always has been in its superior client service. From Beijing to Sydney, From New York to Paris, consumer satisfaction has been always taken care of provided with culture and life style mix (Khan and Olsen, 1988). Customer Loyalty The company also manages the world-class guest reward program HHonors. HHonors branding enables their hospitality brands to further build their distinguishing identities and the strong value proposition of the HHonors program through customer loyalty (Pfeifer, 1983). Customer loyalty is yet to get the desired outputs since it is not too long it was introduced (Edgar and Umbreit, 1988). Higher Income So thus, having values in hand, Hilton has no way to slip from business. It has been growing over time. Despite having hard time during recent economic recession, Hiltons business is said to be growing further up with expansion plan to build up to 300 hotels worldwide (Burgess, 1982). Internal Factor Evaluation (IFI) Internal factors consider the strength and weakness that a business or firm may face. Developing IFE matrix is similar to EFE matrix that has been done is page 7. The first step is to gather external factors for opportunities and threats. Next, assign weight to each factor. The weight should be between 1 to 100 (0 means the factor has no value, 1 is most influential and 100 means most critical). All weights at the end must be sum to 100. Then, rate of factors is necessary. Rate indicates how responsive the firm is towards the factors Rating usually be done between 1 to 4 (1 = major weakness 2= minor weakness, 3= minor strength, 4 = major strength). Next, multiply each factor weight its ratings resulting weighted score. Lastly, total sum of all weighted score will determine the IFE of the firm. For Hiltons Worldwide Weight Rating Weighted Score Strength Good reputation 17% 4 0.68 Large hotel chain 20% 3 0.60 Well-built management team 16% 3 0.48 Wide range of services 14% 2 0.28 Weakness Not for all consumer 10% 1 0.10 Expensive 10 % 1 0.10 Poor customer service 8% 2 0.16 Slow growth in change of demand 5% 2 0.10 Total weighted score 100% 2.50 The weighted score 2.5 indicates that Hilton has the mutual response to internal factors. Strategic Plan for Next 3 Years TOWS Matrix Strength-Opportunities Strategies Hilton hotels have a good reputation in hospitality business and a large amount of customer chain. Introducing low cost packages for travelers will means a true hospitality to the existing customer as well as for new customers (Slattery, 1983). Hiltons wide range of services may be available to people of all income level (Edgar and Umbreit, 1988). Strength-Threat Strategies Retain the talented and well managed employees for a smoother business in future could be proven vital (Pfeifer, 1983). Hilton should ways perform task variation, and frequent conversation will all employees to prevent dispute. Employee may be shifted to international chains to gain experience so that they would be loyal to the firm (Burgess, 1982). Weakness-Opportunity Strategies High hospitality in low price is definitely a go ahead step Hilton could adopt to overcome its weakness (King, 1995). Now that, market is been volatile, Hilton may consider leaving high scale profit to high range of customer levels to make its facilities open to all customers (Pfeifer, 1983). For example, golf course facility should be opened to all hotel guests not only for guest who additionally buy the facility. Hilton may not loose much amount of money but it would be proven a customer oriented approach (Jones, 1996). Weakness-Threats Strategies Poor customer service has been shouted long as major drawbacks for Hilton hotels. Sometimes customer has been given something that is not asking for and has been charged for that said services (Middleton, 1983). Price structure very often is not described to customer before offering thus it brings confusion. In hotel customer services is very crucial to maintain in very high level at always and customer must get the price focus than anything else (Lewis, 1988); (Reuland, Choudry, and Fagel, 1985). SMART Objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-framed) SMART objectives refer to an acronym for five measures of well business growth plan. Often these measures are used to define firms objectives and future goals and evaluation of growth plan. Specific (What to do? For who? With whom) Any growth strategy should be specific and certain. Confusion on goals will bring ambiguous results which may prove fatal for a hospitality business like Hiltons. Well specified business goals, responsible resources, affected peoples, impact on the firms business should be well defined in this stage (Burgess, 1982). Measurable (Is measurable? How to measure?) Of course, once the growth plan and objectives are specified, a certain quantity or quality must be assigned to determine the success or failure of the process (Pfeifer, 1983). As an example, for future expansion, Hilton plans to open 300 new hotels in next years. 300 is a measurable amount. So then, if the actual success rate is only 200 hotels, it can be said that, the plan didnt succeed fully (Khan and Olsen, 1988). Achievable (Can it be done within the resource available?) Future growth depends upon many aspects specially political, economical and social aspects. If a sudden increase of raw material price, construction of 300 hotels may not be possible within the said budget. Re- calculation might predict a lower scale of growth size (Jones, 1996). Relevant (Does this step lead to expected outcome?) Once achievable measurement are defined, Hilton must consider whether getting 300 more hotels would be viable; specially consider the recent economic downturn. In some places, consumer may not afford to get Hiltons service; especially poor developed where tourism sectors are not blooming, opening a high scale hotel may not provide desired output (Edgar and Umbreit, 1988). Time-Framed (How much time need to get the objectives done?) Time is a very important factor for any objectives to be proven very profitable or even failure. Timely decision and timely implementation is the crucial mixture of time-frame (Pfeifer, 1983). For any growth strategy, Hilton must choose the right time to go ahead and put a hold when the time is not right (Taylor and Edgar, 1996). When demand competition is high, Hilton may offer lower price for customers which may includes unique packages for a limited time (Khan and Olsen, 1988). 4.3 Ansoffs Growth and Contingency Matrix The Ansoff Growth matrix is a strategic direction tool that helps businesses decides their strategies for growth. Ansoffs product/market growth matrix discuss about the strategies on which the business deliver new or current products in new or current markets (Tideman, 1983). Overall output of Ansoff product/market matrix is sets of strategies that set the direction for the business growth. These are described below: http://strategyiseverywhere.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/ansoff_matrix.png Market Penetration Market penetration is a general name of selling current products into current markets. Hilton should continuously introduce new products and service to customers to leap ahead (Jones, 1996); (Reuland, Choudry, and Fagel, 1985). Since the hotels most incomes come from hospitality facility, reshape of current products will ensure market growth and increase of demands by existing customers (Burgess, 1982). Market penetration for Hilton will be focused on the central markets that it is very familiar with, competitors are known, customer needs are defined and returns are potential (King, 1995). Market development Market development tells about the distribution of current products in new market. With its existing facilities, the hotel may introduce private hospitality for the customers who love personal luxury (Taylor and Edgar, 1996). A possible example could be provide terrace houses for high end customers with dedicated services (e.g. personal driver, personal chef etc). (Lewis, 1988) Product development Product development is the name given to a growth strategy where a business aims to introduce new products into existing markets (Reuland, Choudry, and Fagel, 1985). Customer lifestyle has been changed dramatically in recent years so does demands (Jones, 1996). New generation customers wants champagne instead of coffee. Thus opening of new products with unique style will remind the customers that Hilton cares what customer wants (Edgar and Umbreit, 1988). Diversification Distribution of new products in new markets is risky. Only in certain aspects large organization does adopt this. However, it can be proven a major milestone in firms business if diversity has been done and succeed. Self service kiosk is a new service recently introduce in Hilton hotels (Burgess, 1982). Most consumers still prefer to use traditional over the counter facilities to get the process done manually or meet special request (Taylor and Edgar, 1996). New expansion business should not introduce directly this self service facility. First customer should have provided training or information about the usage of system in new market. Else, this step would be proven as a disappointment (Jones, 1996). Conclusion Hilton International, the worlds best known hotel brand, has triumphed at the prestigious UK National Business Awards for a second year by winning the coveted Broadsystem Customer Focus Award 2005. The judges awarded Hilton Best Customer Focus for demonstrating it has the customer at the heart of its business and deploys and manages its resources to most effectively meet the needs of its customer base. Creative marketing agency, campaign works, has supported Hiltons new brand strategy. The next phase saw the development of innovative internal and external marketing tools that communicated and delivered the brand strategy throughout the organization and to the customer. The strategy led to outstanding success for Hilton International with significant commercial returns. However, like any other company, Hilton still has room to improve further (Burgess, 1982).

O, the Sweetness of Reading :: Literacy Illiterate Education Texas Essays

O, the Sweetness of Reading Works Cited Missing Deep in the wilderness of Texas, the untamed, open fields provide a vast space for imagination to run free. Tales of adventure, cattle ranches, gamblers, rogues, and scoundrels abound. In the book Raising Sweetness, author Diane Stanley contrasts the stereotype of uncivilized lawlessness with a story of eight Texas orphans and the sheriff in their town who adopted them. The contrast of a sheriff of the wild west and orphans provides a unique juxtaposition. Despite this contrast of the stereotypical Texas sheriff, a more realistic problem provides the major conflict of the story—the sheriff and the orphans can not read. Although illiteracy was a common problem in the west it is not a respected method of killing off bad guys. Therefore, modern depictions of the wild west overlook illiteracy. Because illiteracy is the main hindrance to the characters’ quest of being able to read a letter, the illustrations to the book become even more important than just providing interest to the reader. The pictures provide a medium in which not only actions and key information, but also emotions are portrayed. These illustrations become an integral part in adding depth to the story. Through the use of coloring, style, details not described in the text, and perspective the illustrations make the story more effective. The coloring in the pictures makes the story more effective because it portrays the emotion that correlates to the text. For example, one illustration has only the colors brown, black, and white. The corresponding text is a flashback of how the sheriff’s â€Å"darlin’ done broke† his heart (4). Thus, the coloring effectively portrays the sad emotion because dark, neutral colors have a depressing connotation associated with them. Another picture that uses dark coloring portrays the orphanage and the mean caretaker who made the orphans scrub floors with toothbrushes. This illustration uses different shades of brown as the only colors. The picture represents a flashback to a previous book in which the sheriff adopts all the children to save them from the horrid caretaker. The brown tones give the appearance of an old, faded picture. The tones also lack warmth or brightness thus, they correspond to the emotion of dislike for the caretaker. This portrays that the actions took place in the past, and emphasizes the unpleasantness of the memory. Conversely, the illustrator uses light pastel colors whenever the sheriff’s sweetheart, Miss Lucy, is shown.

Vouchers and School Choice - Vouchers are Not the Solution Essay

School Vouchers: Not the Solution       As standardized test scores continue to plummet and our nation falls farther behind such industrial rivals as Germany, England, Australia and Japan in comparable education, parents are questioning the current system of education. After being kicked around the national agenda for decades, the school voucher issue is finally being emphasized in several state legislatures, as well as in Congress. In the website titled "Vouchers: No, but...Taxpayer Help to Parents will Advance Separation", David Bahurlich reinforces his support of school vouchers, both publicly and privately funded, in an attempt to show that vouchers will lead to a better quality of education for the children in our school system today. Although I agree with the goals he thinks this will accomplish, I do not think vouchers to be the most effective manner of accomplishing them.    There are two possible forms the voucher system that is being advocated could take. The first involves matching vouchers in which local businesses provide half of the money for the education of each child and parents match this amount, dollar for dollar ("Privately Funded"). The second form is the one being pushed for the strongest on the national level, public school vouchers. In this system the parents will be given an Educational Performance Grant (EPG) for each child, which can be spent on that child's education in either a private or parochial school, in a different public school system, or on something else entirely. Idealistically, this would force the public institutions to compete for the best students and for funding, leading to a better quality of education ("Freedom Lovers", "Vouchers"). The EPGs would be created by allotting ea... ...eries" February 25, 1997 (http://www.weac.org/resource/nov96/vouchers.html) "Freedom Lovers For Tax-Funded Vouchers" February 25, 1997 (http://www.sepschool.org/edlib/v2n6/favors.html) "Interview with David R. Henderson" February 25, 1997 (http://www.sepschool.org/edlib/v2n6/squirm.html) "Privately Funded School Vouchers" February 25, 1997 (http://www.cbn.org/news/stories/vouchers.html) "Recent Education Publications" February 25, 1997 (http://www.rand.org/publications/RRR/RRR.winter945education/ Recent_Education.html) "Short Takes on Vouchers" February 25, 1997 (http://www.sepschool.org/edlib/v2n8/shorts.html) "Vouchers: No, but...Taxpayer Help to Parents will Advance Separation" rebuttals by David Bahurlich February 25, 1997 (http://www.sepschool.org/edlib/v2n8/advance.html)    Back to the Main Page My Knees are Shaking   

Comparing Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things and Chinua Archebe’s

Comparing Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things and Chinua Archebe’s Things Fall Apart Literature is an amazing form of expression. A multitude of things can be said so in so many creative ways. Whether the story that is being told is true or fiction, the important thing is how it is told. The structure of a story is what gives it power, strength and the ability to move readers. Arundhati Roy and Chinua Achebe are two very talented authors who express their stories in two very different and unique ways. Although their stories are structurally different they have many similarities regarding class structure, societal issues, moral and family betrayals, and tragedy. The God of Small Things, a novel, by Arundhati Roy unravels the secrets of a family in India. Arundhati Roy uses an intriguing technique to tell the story of Ammu, Rahel, Estha, Sophie Mol, Velutha, Mammachi, Chacko, Margaret Kochamma, and Baby Kochamma. Roy starts the story by in a way paraphrasing all the events that are to occur throughout the story. She then proceeds to tell about the funeral of Sophie Mol and Ammu, Rahel, and Estha’s trip to the police station. She begins the story at the end. The reader does not find out until much later who Sophie Mol is and why Ammu and the twins went to the police station. Roy continues the story by jumping from Rahel and Estha’s childhood to their adulthood. Every chapter jumps from past to present. In every chapter Arundhati Roy answers or creates more questions about her characters lives for the reader. She uses repetition throughout the story to make the reader pay attention, remember, and wonder what she is trying to get across. Roy also uses wonderful metaphors, similes, and figurative language to ... ... one who killed his own son. He did not want to look weak in front of his fellow clan members. Okonkwo suffered internally for what he did. Despite the fact that these novels by Roy and Archebe differ widely in structure, they share many common themes. Both authors had their own special way of getting the story out, yet wanted to show the same things. Class structures, societal issues, moral and family betrayal all play a huge part in the lives of their characters. Many times these themes had terrible consequences and even ended up causing tragedy. These three things had the ability to change history forever. Â   Work Cited: Roy, Arundhati. The God of Small Things. HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. New York. 1997. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Vol. 2c seventh edition. Archebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart.

Josef Ackermann Essay

Using Darling and Leffel’s (2010) framework, this essay will evaluate on how Josef Ackermann demonstrated his leadership style as a Swiss banker, the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Deutsche Bank and Chairman of Zurich Insurance. As defined by Peter Northouse (2001), leadership is a process, in which an individual influences a group to achieve a common goal. And to achieve that goal, a visionary leader should put forth much effort to critically apply his leadership skills and knowledge. In general, leadership is more than management. To be successful, a leader has to be strategic, show motivation and innovation, and should be flexible and focused on systems and structures. (Lussier & Achua, 2010). The basic interactive dimensions of assertiveness and responsiveness form two axes of the Darling and Leffel leadership styles paradigm, the four primary quadrants represent the four styles: Analyser, Connector, Director and Creator. It should also be mentioned that different situations require accurate application of different leadership styles. According to Lussier and Achua (2010) there are four key leadership theories: Autocratic, with job-centred (task-initiating structure) behaviour that focuses on the leader who is taking control in order to get the job done quickly (Professional Organizations, n.d.); Laissez-Faire, a style that depicts an inert leader who is averse to stimulating subordinates or giving focus (Deluga, 1990); Participative (democratic),a style in which leaders empower their employees in the decision-making process by meeting with them periodically and listening and trusting them (UCF, n.d.); and Transactional, one that asserts that people will follow leaders who are inspirational as the leader develops a vision, sells the vision and leads the way (Taylor, 2009). Of the four main leadership styles outlined by Darling and Leffel (2010), Josef Ackermann, reputed as the most powerful banker in Europe, could be regarded as Analyser and Director. The author describes the Analyser leadership style as having a low level of assertiveness and responsiveness. Analysers are self-controlled, logical, objective, well-organized and generally leaders who prefer analysis over emotion. Also, the Analyser can be inflexible and formal, prefer clarity and order and tend to resist compromise in problem situations. Furthermore, Analyser-type leaders often find their career tracks in the finance field, very much like Ackermann (Darling & Leffel, 2010). Josef Ackermann charted his own course throughout his life, described as a man of integrity that has acquired huge influence over E.U. finances. As an objective chairman of Deutsche bank, 134-year-old Deutsche Bank became the world’s seventh-largest bank in terms of revenue in 2003. Deutsche bank was ranked 12 th in mergers and acquisitions and 21st in terms of market capitalization (Guyon, 2004). As an Analyser, a lot of people see him as a systematic, formal, ambitious and deliberate lead-by-example leader. In addition to having an Analyser style, Ackermann, could also be described as having a Director-leadership style that shows low level of emotional responsiveness (Darling & Leffel, 2010). Such leaders tend to be results-oriented, objective, independent and pragmatic. The authors state that Directors often find their way into positions of authority and central decision-making in organisations. They are firm and forceful leaders, confident, competitive, decisive and generally willing to take risk. In Ackermann’s effort to turn Deutsche Bank from a German lender into a global competitor, he eliminated results-oriented 14,470 jobs and cut costs by one-third by closing retail branches and outsourcing management of the bank’s computer systems and real estate (Schlager, 2005). Ackermann showed the ability to take high risk, but was especially emotionless for his o wn benefit. On the other hand, he personifies therefore for a lot of people the arrogance and greediness of the banking sector. One of his biggest goals was turning Deutsche Bank into one of the world’s top three advisers on mergers and acquisitions and returning its status to the top ten in market value (Guyon , 2004). As a Director-level leader, Josef Ackermann has been well regarded and  recognised by many as a successful and effective manager and leader, shifting the style of management from a conventional mode to one that focused on the needs of shareholders and on international expansion (Mitchell, 2010). According to Lussier and Achua (2010), leaders such as Ackermann are able to take swift and decisive action, even in the most difficult situations, and take calculated risks while persevering in the face of failure. Strong communication skills, self-confidence, the ability to manage others and willingness to embrace change also characterize a successful leader. Ackermann has also been a member of the influential Washington-based financial advisory body, the Group of Thirty and also served on other company boards, including Bayer AG, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Linde, Mannesman, and Siemens AG. Ackermann changed the distribution of power within Deutsche Bank, resulting in criticism from traditionalists and praise from those who shared his global focus, allowing him to become the most powerful man in Germany’s financial industry (Loades-Carter, 2005). Ackermann successful steered his bank through the 2008 global financial crisis. Quoted in his speech before the Atlantic Council, ‘Germany will ultimately take whatever steps [are] necessary to keep the euro zone intact’ (Robb, 2012). It is unusual to find all four styles in one leader. However, it is important for leaders to be aware of their weaknesses. The Director can become dominating and insensitive while weaknesses of the Analyser are perfectionism and inflexibility. Leadership style has a major impact on the success of an organisation. Without Josef Ackermann ´s determination, focus and vision as a Director and Analyser, Deutsche Bank, may not have become one of the world ´s leading financial services with global focus. Being a symbol of German financial might, he is at the centre of more concentric circles of power than any other banker on the Continent. He has successfully led Deutsche for a decade during the global financial crisis and euro zone debt turmoil. From this seat at the nexus of money and politics, Ackermann, for better or worse, is helping to shape Europe’s economic and financial future. He seems such a fixture that it is hard to imagine Germany without him (Ewing & Alderman, 2011 ). References: Darling, J. & Leffel, A. (2010). Developing the leadership team in an Entrepreneurial Venture: A Case of Focusing on the Importance of Styles: Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 23(3), 355-371. Deluga, R. (1990). The Effects of Transformational, Transactional, and Laissez Faire Leadership Characteristics on Subordinate Influencing Behavior. Basic & Applied Social Psychology, 11(2), 191-203. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database. Ewing, J. & Alderman, L. (2011). Deutsche Bank’s Chief Casts Long Shadow in Europe. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/12/business/12bank.html?pagewanted=all Guyon J., 2004, The trials of Josef Ackermann, Fortune Europe, 149( 2), 111-114. Loades-Carter, J. (2005). FT.com site: Profile: Josef Ackermann. FT.Com,1. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/docview/228871346?accountid=14543. Lussier, R., & Achua, C. (2004). Leadership Theory, Application, Skill Development. Minnesota: Southwestern. Mitchell, J. (2010). The last hurrah for deutsche bank CEO Josef Ackermann. Institutional Investor, Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/docview/221507850?accountid=14543. Northouse, Peter G. (2001). Leadership Theory and Practice, second edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Professional Organizations: Leadership. List and explain the styles of leadership used by effective leaders. D.O. CAPS. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.temple.edu/cte/research/DOCAPS/DOCAPS_09.pdf. Robb, G. (2012). MarketWatch, â€Å"German[y] will rescue euro zone: Ackermann† Schlager N. (ed.). International Directory of Business Biographies, vol.1- A-E (2005) (466s). Taylor, R. (2009). Leadership theories and the development of nurses in primary healthcare. Primary Health Care, 19(9), 40-46. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database. University of Central Florida, (n.d.). Advantages and Disadvantages of the Leadership Styles. Retrieved from mhtml:file://E:UCFAdvantages and Disadvantages of the Leadership Styles.mht.