Personality Analysis on ‘The Breakfast Club’ Essay

Released in 1985 and directed by John Hughes ‘ The Breakfast Club’ is a film about teenagers that seem different on the surface but come to discover otherwise . When five students from different high school cliques are forced to spend their Saturday in detention, the brain, athlete, basket case, princess and the criminal together are faced with the question of who they think they are. The five characters put aside the ir dissimilarities in aid to survive the painful eight hour detention and in the process they discover they aren’t as unalike after all. The Breakfast Club is a n all time classic film that portrays a number of individual and complex personalities. It is visible in the film that each teenager has their own traits and characteristics due to various circumstances such as; environmental and parental influences . The character focus will be John Bender, the so-called ‘the criminal’ of the five teenager s . Upon first glance, Bender seems to be the average high school ‘bad boy’ getting his position in this specific detention for pulling a false fire alarm . This gives viewers th e idea that his character does whatever he can for attention. Bender also has a tendency to say and do things that will get a negative reaction out of a person, by insul ting and antagoni sing every character at some point in the film . By applying Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and B. F. Skinner’s theory of personality you ge t a more intellectual psychological understanding of Bender’s personality. Abraham Maslow developed his Hierarchy of Needs theory in 1954 to help himself and other humanistic theorists to better understand what motivates people. Maslow believed that people are motivated to satisfy specific needs, in saying this he created a five stage pyramid that depicts the order of importance of these specific needs. Maslow has suggested that o nce one need or category is satisfied and fulfilled by person they can then move on to fulfilling the next need . (McLeod 2007) Figure 1 (Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs diagram- 1954) Thus according to Maslow; if a person does not fulfil their basic physiological needs they lose motivation to satisfy belonging and esteem needs. When this occurs the person feels a disinterest to socialise and make friends, typically leading in said person to become disrespectful and inconsiderate of the feelings of others and their opinion. (NetMBA 2010) Bender is clearly portrayed throughout the film as a person who has failed to meet the first two basic needs of the hierarchy table; refer to figure 1 . In the film, when lunch break is commenced it is showed that Bender has come with no food for lunch, whilst the other characters have all got substantial packed lunches. This could be classified as a sign that shows that Bender’s physiological needs are not being fulfilled. When Bender pulls out a pocket knife during a heated discussion you get the idea that Bender clearly doesn’t feel safe and that he needs a weapon as form of protection, showing that Bender is clearly lacking a sense of security and safety . Further construction of the idea that Bender does not have substantive or rewarding home life takes course when Bender shows the group a scar on his fore arm, given to him by father as mere punishment for accidentally spilling paint in the garage. That being said, it is seen throughout the film that Bender is failing to adequately satisfy his physiological and safety needs, leaving him disinterested in fulfilling social needs and lacking in self-esteem and respect. Bender’s lack of motivation in socialising and making friends is the most dominant aspect of his ‘bad boy’ personality, he constantly insults the other characters in the film about things that genuinely upset them -evidently pushing them away. Bender also suffers from low self-esteem which is why he compensates by putting on a tough, ‘bad boy’ front. You see this through the way in which he dresses, disobeys the Principals orders, constantly challenge s another male character and also in the way that disrespects the school and its property. In behavioural theorist B. F. Skinner’s perspective; an individuals personality development is heavily influenced by their environment and prior experiences (Sincero 2012) , he wrote that ‘A person does not act upon the  world, the work acts upon him’ (Skinner 1971) . Skinner proposed that the development of an individuals personality is largely dependant on the way in which significant adults in their lives would reward or punish then throughout the course of their childhood. (Carter Grivas 2005, p. 407-408) Therefore, children and adolescents raised by abusive and aggressive parents are more inclined to also be come aggressive and hostile towards peers. (Hellesvig-Gaskell n.d) Throughout The Breakfast Club (Hughes 1985) there are multiple scenes that express the negative home life in which Bender is being raised and how it is influencing his personality. In a specific scene Bender imitates a previous heated discussion between him and his father and according to Bender his father called him â€Å"stupid, worthless, no good, goddamn, freeloading son of a bitch. Retarded, big mouth, know-it-all, asshole, jerk† then Bender pantomimes getting punched in the face by his father as a result of Bender retaliating. In a behaviourists perspective this would justify Benders aggressive personality and tendency to lash-out and insult the other characters. When comparing Bender to Brian Johnson; the character portrayed as the ‘brain’ or the nerd of the group, it is visible that as result of polar opposite home environments that Brian and Bender have e qually opposite personalities. Brian’s family are shown as very over supportive and pushy in his school work, yet still compassionate. T his is well symbolised again in the lunch scene of the film when Brian unpacks his nutritious, home-made lunch , whilst Bender has been sent to school with nothing to eat. Brian’s personality comes off as very timid and anxious, and not once throughout the film does Brian retaliate towards Bender when he acts in a hostile or cruel manner- although if the roles were reversed and Brian was acting in a similar fashion toward Bender he w ould lash-out violently or show signs of aggression in return , just as father would to him. By comparing Brian’s personality with Bender ‘s; you come to understand the impact an abusive  home environment and negative parental influences has on Bender’s personality. Al t hough both Maslow’s and Skinner’s theories o f personality assist in better understanding Bender’s character; the two theorists have are entirely opposite perspectives on personality and how it is developed. Behaviourists believe that personality is determined by environment and the way an individual reacts to different stimuli (Sternburg 1995, p.589), whilst Humanistic theories state that personality is a conscious and free choice for the individual to control. (Coon 1998, p.543) Behaviourist s also state that personality is motivated by all kinds of drives, whilst Humanists think that personality is motivated by the want to fulfil self-actualisation. In conclusion, the application of Maslow’s humanistic perspective and Skinner’s behaviour ist views help to understand Bender’s personality efficiently. Discarding the point that both theorists completely contradict one another they both give a deeper explanation into why Bender chooses to be insulting and why he lacks interest in making friends, along with justifying Bender’s rage and aggression struggles. Overall humanist and behaviourist theories on personality assist in the process of understanding and evaluating the personality that makes John Bender of The Breakfast Club. (Hughes 1985) Bibliography- Coon, D 1998, Introduction to Psychology Exploration and Application , Brooks/Cole Publishing Company , California, United States of America. Grivas, J, Carter, L 2005, Psychology VCE Units 1 & 2 , John Wiley & Sons Australia , Queensland, Australia. Hellesvig- Gaskell, K n.d, Parental Influence on Personality , Viewed 12 th March 2014, http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/parental-influence-personality-5605.html McLeod, S 2007, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs , Viewed 12 th March 2014, http://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html n.a, 2010, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Viewed 12 th March 2014, http://www.netmba.com/mgmt/ob/motivation/maslow/ Sincero, S 2012, Behaviourists Theories of Personality, Viewed on 12 th March 2014, http://explorable.com/behaviourist-theories-of-personality Skinner, B 1971, Beyond Freedom and Dignity , Hackett Publishing Company, Inc. Indianapolis, Indian, United States of America. Sternberg, R 1995, In Search of the Human Mind , Earl McPeek , Orlando, United States of America. Van Lersel, H, Bradley, K, Clarke, V, Coon, Koerner, J, Montalto, S, Rossborough, A, Spackman-Williams, M, Stone, A 2005, Nelson Psychology VCE Units 1 and 2 , Nelson, Southbank, Victoria.

Ray Bradbury’s All Summer in a Day

Ray Bradbury, conveys the key ideas related to power and powerlessness in the text All summer in a day. The power of the group, where the group of children go up against Marmot in a successful attempt to physically and emotionally abuse her. The second idea portrays the lack of power of the Individual, Marmot, as she is isolated, and vulnerable against the majority. These are the key Ideas present related to power and powerlessness. The power of the majority/ group Is a key Idea relating to power and powerlessness.Marmot Is the Individual going up against all her classmates, the majority. The power of the group Is represented as the oppression as all the children confront Marmot and taunt and bully her. This can be the mall plot point of the story of this story. These school children hear Marmot's story of how she has been to Earth and experienced the sun before but they become ignorant and start taunting her and twisting everything that she says. The reason behind all this hate is b ecause they are al jealous that she has seen the sun more frequently and that they can't relate to that experience.Marmot is shown to be powerless as all the children taunt her and abuse her. â€Å"What're you looking at? Said William. Marmot said nothing. Speak when you're spoken to. He gave her a shove. But she did not move; rather she let herself be moved only by him and nothing else. † This shows strong direct speech and sets the tone to a dark and intense atmosphere as Marmot is getting bullied and taunted at. This idea shows how strong the majority is in the eyes of the individual.

Pemphigus Vulgaris

Pemphigus Vulgaris Pemphigus Vulgaris is an autoimmune disorder in which there is blistering of the skin. The prefix phemphix comes from the greek work meaning â€Å"bubble†. This disorder affects the epithelial and mucous membranes. Although unlikely, certain medications can cause this disorder. These medications include: blood pressure medications and chelating agents. This autoimmune disease is especially rare and is limited to older adults to the elderly. A way that you can test for it is by performing a Nikolsky test. This test involves rubbing the patient with a cotton swab and if the skin comes off easily, it is positive. To be completely sure about the diagnosis, a skin lesion biopsy can be performed. Symptoms will most likely start with blisters in the mouth or skin. Then these blisters can turn into skin â€Å"lesions†. Lesions are when blisters start to ooze, peel off easily, or drain. The highest likely areas that will be affected are: the mouth, head, back, or stomach. Treatment for Pemphigus Vulgaris may include many different routes. Depending on the severity of the disease, you may need to be hospitalized for treatment. Possible ways to treat this disease include : intravenous solutions that include fluids, electrolytes and proteins, IV feedings in cases where the blisters are predominately on the mouth, numbing agents for the mouth, and some antibiotics may be able to work for this disease. This disease can be deadly if you don’t seek treatment. Even if you do seek treatment, the side effects of these treatments can also be very harsh. Since treatment focuses on the symptoms, this disease is still chronic with treatment. Works Cited â€Å"Pemphigus Vulgaris: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. † National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health. Web. 12 Oct. 2010. . â€Å"Pemphigus Vulgaris: EMedicine Dermatology. † EMedicine – Medical Reference. Web. 12 Oct. 2010. .

Technology and the Future of the Hotel Industry Research Paper

Technology and the Future of the Hotel Industry - Research Paper Example In the last decade, Information Technology did change the lodging industrys plans, controls, and manages operations. The growing demands in the hotel industry are very many the demands are largely brought about by globalization, increased security threats and needed for controls in business (Solomon, 2008). The hotel industry is starting to use kiosks and self-service technologies to change the hotel industry (Solomon, 2008). Through globalization, technology has had great impacts on the hospitality industry several ways: organizational culture, management styles and organizational structure. These three ways shape up how an organization is set up from its decision-making offices to the operations department (Solomon, 2008). This paper, therefore, seeks to draw important regions upon which technology influences the hotel industry. Proper insight will focus mainly on operations, and customer experiences and relations in the hotel environment. It is a report and not a research paper as it may seem to appear. Hotel industry is affected by various issues regarding security from a global to a local perspective respectively. The ability to assure a tourist that, they are safe in a given destination can mean a lot to the proprietors of a given hotel business line (Solomon, 2008). Security threats have made the industry suffer several setbacks that can only translate into losses worth billions of dollars (Kasavana and Cahill, 2003). Travel bans are offered to countries with such security issues, and they incur up to millions of dollars in losses, which can only mean that even the internal operations of such a countrys hotel is affected. Back at home, when the hotel is prone to high instances of theft, and robbery consumers of their products feel more paranoid to visit such establishment (Kasavana and Cahill, 2003). It can only mean that such organizations are closed, and jobs

STOP#3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

STOP#3 - Essay Example This implies that he values his commitments to the society more than his own desires. The beauty of nature also spoke to the rider, making the scene attractive for the traveler. The journey of personal desire, making a choice, and the beauty of nature were all encompassed in this one poem. The persona has to choose between two worlds. The woods are attractive and seem to offer the speaker a perfect quiet and solitude which he seems to desire. On the other side, there is a different world from the woods- the world with people and societal obligations. Both sides interest the speaker in different ways, but he has to decide which side is the best for him. The world with people however seems more important to the speaker. One cannot avoid decision making in life. While the rider is travelling, he stops between the woods and a frozen lake. The beautiful and alluring woods are the reason he stops. He stares at them for a while before his little horse shakes the bell of its harness. The persona realizes that he has to make a decision on whether he should remain in the attractive woods or continue with his journey probably to the village where he has promises that he needs to fulfill. Nature is attractive due to its beauty. Many people like to stop in order to study it during their journeys. Personal and societal desires can be put aside for a moment to appreciate this beauty. The rider encounters a snowy wood scene. The soft sound of snow falling might have made the traveler feel peaceful. The sharp cold air created a sharp scene of being alive. Nature can comfort more than personal or societal desires. Choices delayed for a moment to appreciate the beauty of the forest snow fall. In the poem â€Å"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening†, the horseman finds an option to pick between personal and societal obligations. The rider wants to enjoy the snowy scene but needs to get

Management Paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Management Paper - Assignment Example In the week four paper I identified several strategies that Auxilium Pharmaceutical could pursue. The purpose of this paper is to prepare an implementation plan for the company. A complete financial breakdown of the budget to implement the plan by segment is illustrated in Appendix A. The company must build up the image of the company and reinforce its brand value across the domestic United States marketplace. The company needs the doctors to recognize the firm’s brands as one of the best alternatives to treat Dupuytren’s contracture and hypogonadism. The company must hire a temporary workforce of pharmaceutical sales representatives for a period of six months. Each state will be allocated 100 pharmaceutical sales representatives. The goal of the program is for the pharmaceutical sales representatives to visit the offices of every doctor in the United States and to give them several samples of both drugs. As of 2008 there were 661,400 doctors in the United States (Bls, 2011). The purpose of the initiative is to create brand awareness of the firm’s products and to provide a personalized customer service to the doctors that prescribe the drugs. The cost to implement the plan is illustrated below: total employees 5000 Total hours elapse (6m) 1039 Total man hours 5,195,000 Labor cost per hour $15 Project cost $77,925,000 After the completion of the six months the company will not have to pay anymore the pharmaceutical sales representatives because their contracts will end and the company will no longer need their services. Due to the high implementation costs of the plan the company could divide the visiting doctor project in two years. The project after six months or lower and $38 million in spending would become inactive. The following fiscal year the company would fund the additional $38 million to complete the project. The company will also target the end user of the medicine, the patient. The company must increase its marketing budget a lo t in 2012. The firm’s marketing budget must be at least twice of its 2010 spending. An effective branding strategy requires a high capital investment. The firm should create a new advertising campaign to be launched on Christmas day. The commercial will be launched simultaneously on the written press, television, radio, and the internet. The written press commercial will be a reanimation of the commercial in cartoon format. The radio commercial will provide the same audio as the television commercial. The television and internet commercial are identical. The total elapse time of the commercial will be 15 seconds. The advertising campaign will be run on television and radio for 30 days. The written press will have the commercial on for a period of 30 days with an offering of the commercial once a week. The internet campaigns will be ran for 90 days. The reason the internet campaign will be run longer is due to the lower cost of internet commercials. The total budget for the pr oject is $2,000,000 million. The organization will use additional campaigns in order to raise the brand value of the firm. One of the technological tools that will be used to target specific customer profiles is the use of cellular technology advertisement. One of the advantages of cellular advertisement is that the entire population of targeted customers receives the message into their phones simultaneously. Due to the graphic and online capabilities of smartphones the company could design very appealing commercials. The commercial length should not exceed 15

The US Government Does not Want Iran to Have a Nuclear Energy Research Paper

The US Government Does not Want Iran to Have a Nuclear Energy - Research Paper Example Nuclear energy is cheaper as compared to other forms of energy. This therefore leads to faster development of infrastructure and industrialization which later results in economic growth. 3. . Literature Review History of nuclear programs in the U.S Iran breach of the NPT Safeguards The Middle East Arms Race Iran could attack Israel with nuclear weapons Israel and U.S alliance to stop Iran from developing nuclear programs U.S and Iran disagreements over nuclear weapons 4. Discussion U.S does not trust Iran with nuclear power Difficulties that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) faces Iran is a sovereign state and should deal with the issue the best way it sees fit 5. Conclusion The US believes that it will be more dangerous if countries like Iran are allowed to develop nuclear weapons. It is of paramount importance to understand that nuclear energy is the most secure source of energy for people because it does not result in increased greenhouse gas emissions. Abstract The US Government Does Not Want Iran to Have a Nuclear Energy This paper discusses the issue and the reason why the U.S does not want Iran to have nuclear energy. The paper starts by giving the definition of nuclear energy and weapons. There are two types of nuclear weapons; these are atomic and hydrogen bombs. Nuclear energy has several pros and cons which are clearly discussed in the paper. The main disadvantage of nuclear energy is that it poses an adverse effect to humans, animals and the environment when used as a weapon. The main advantage is that it has significant economic effects that result in development of infrastructure, industries, thus countries with nuclear power plants experience quick economic growth, and this leads to development. The literature review mainly focuses on Iran in relation to nuclear power programs and the fears of the U.S on terrorism. Introduction The U.S Government Does Not Want Iran to Have a Nuclear Energy Nuclear energy is a form of energy that comes from the splitting of the uranium atoms during the fission process. During fission, there is generation of heat that leads to the production of steam that runs the turbine to generate electricity at the power plant. Nuclear weapons are explosive devices that are capable of changing matter into power. Nuclear weapons are classified in two categories; atomic and hydrogen bombs. The main characteristic of atomic weapons is the splitting of the atoms of plutonium or extremely saturated uranium that gives out a lot of energy. Hydrogen bombs use atomic explosion to join two hydrogen atoms to form helium. In terms of strength, hydrogen bombs are more destructive than atomic bombs. The two types of nuclear weapons are capable of causing mass destruction in terms of death, sickness and destruction to the environment. There are several advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power. Countries that own nuclear power plants experience rapid economic growth. Nuclear energy is cheaper as compared to other forms of energy. This therefore leads to faster development of in

Competitive pushy parents Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Competitive pushy parents - Essay Example However, some children do not feel pleasant when their parents ask them to do anything against their will. In such cases, tensions between children and parents increase which upsets the overall environment of a family. In this paper, we will discuss how American competitive parents affect the wishes of children and how children and teachers can deal with the competitive parents in order to find a middle way between the wishes of the children and the parents. How Competitive (Pushy) Parents Deal with Children Competitive parents jam their children’s social lives with unusual activities, such as, play dates, baby yoga, and teaching foreign languages (Woolcock). Competitive parents deal with their children in an influencing way. Such parents care less about the personal wishes and aims of the children and try to impose their will on the children. They are very curious about the activities of the children and keep a constant eye on all activities of the children. Competitive paren ts also want their children to be competitive in all fields of life. Children of competitive parents are generally more likely to be obsessive about their interests (Macrae). In America, most of the parents start advising their children from the very early stages of their lives to work hard for achieving success in the future. For that, they guide their children to the way, which they think to be the most appropriate ones for the children. â€Å"Parents are so anxious for their children to do well, partly because their children are a reflection on them – but also they are all too aware of the economic realities† (Landesman). In some cases, the will of the parents go against the will of the children and the clash occurs. For example, a child wants to become a teacher in future but his parents want him to become a doctor or a surgeon in order to become a good earner in the future. Now, here the clash begins between the parents and the child because of separate viewpoints regarding selection of the most appropriate profession. The result is not favorable for both parents and children every time. Sometimes, plan of the parents becomes successful when the child becomes what the parents want whereas sometimes the child is not competent enough to meet the expectations of the parents, which results in the educational and professional failure of the child. â€Å"The parent who is proud when an offspring achieves what is deemed to be of value and ashamed when they fail is an age-old predicament† (Meakins). The dilemma is that, in case of failure, parents start blaming the children for not studying hard for success in the selected field of study. However, in reality, failure is not a fault of the children because every child has a separate mindset and he or she selects the field of study based on the personal interest. â€Å"Parents are frequently encouraged to play a full role in their children's education† (Young). However, when parents try to force the children to study what the parents want, it becomes difficult for the children to get along with the wish of the parents properly because they are not always competent enough for that. Competitive or pushy parents not just force the children in the field of studies but they also try to influence the extra curricular activities, interests, and hobbies of the children. Pushy parents want to make their children competitive in every field of life. For that, they try to

STRATEGIES USED BY THE POLICE TO DEAL WITH ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN Research Paper

STRATEGIES USED BY THE POLICE TO DEAL WITH ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN BETHLEHEM, FREE STATE - Research Paper Example 72). The sample size is chosen as 20 police personnel from the Namibian Police and the Ethiopian Police departments. The sample size is chosen such because this is adequately representative of the entire population (Moore and McCabe, 2005, p. 136). A purposive sampling process is used for choosing the sample size which is a non-probability sampling process. This sampling process focuses on identifying the sample group which has the characteristics most relevant to the research (Creswell, 1994, p. 52). The collected data for the semi structured interviews are analysed to suitably interpret them. The collected data are interpreted through the use of reasoning as well as comparative techniques of data analysis. Also, comprehending the responses and synthesising the responses with the research objectives is done for proper data analysis. The ethical considerations made in the research are in accordance to the policy of research ethics as defined by UNISA. The principles of human dignity, social justice, equality and morality are adequately considered in the report (Brynard and Hanekom, 1997, p. 69). The dignity and privacy of the participants as well as the groups on which the research is carried out are accordingly maintained. The methods of research and the data analysis techniques have been selected for the research after mapping the research objectives with the scopes and boundaries of the research (Jarrat, 1996). The research process is chosen to be qualitative with the use of semi structured interviews of a sample size selected by purposive sampling. This is deemed to be the most feasible and appropriate way for conducting this research in the social domain (Tabachnick and Fidell, 2007, p. 81). According to Amadou (2009), male initiation is common in South Africa (Amadou, 2009, p. 18). The initiation process is a tradition for passage to

Dc Power Supply Report Essay Example for Free

Dc Power Supply Report Essay Overview The goal of this experiment was to construct a power supply that would convert a 120-volt 60 Hz input ,such as that received from a wall socket, to a 12-volt dc voltage output with a ripple factor less than 0. % making it suitable for the operation of small electronic devices. Block Diagram Schematic Diagram Discussion The 120-volt rms 60 Hz input was used to represent a wall socket. To reduce the voltage from 120-volts to 12-volts a 10 to 1 step-down transformer was placed in the circuit. An FWB bridge was implemented to convert the AC signal to a DC signal. A voltage regulator was added to stabilize the output. Capacitors were also added to aid in the stabilization of the output signal. The capacitor values as well as the value of the load resistor were manipulated achieve the ideal output. Results Conclusion Utilizing the procedures apparatus discussed in this report, an output reasonably close to the ideal output was produced. The amount of components used in the experiment was minimized to reduce the overall cost of the circuit. However it was necessary to add capacitors to reduce the ripple voltage.

Penicillins Structure and Function

Penicillins Structure and Function Rachael Sim Hwee Ling A Molecule that Shapes the World – C16H18N2O4S The discovery of penicillin has revolutionized the world of medicine and saved millions of lives. Penicillin is a group of antibiotics derived from Penicillium fungi  [1]. Antibiotics are specific substances derived from living organisms that can inhibit the life processes of other organisms  [2]. Penicillin is effective against a range of bacteria such as staphylococciand streptococci and bacteria causing diseases like meningitis and gonorrhea  [3]. Unlike sulfanilamide which is toxic to the kidney, penicillin has no harsh effects. It is non-irritating and can be applied to tissues directly  [4]. During World War II, the administration of penicillin to the wounded soldiers greatly reduced their chanceS of injury infection and raised their survival chances in the interim time between the wounding and surgery (14 hours for the Allied Forces), thus dramatically reducing the need for amputations and the death toll from infected wounds  [5]. Today, penicillin is still commonly used to treat conditions. Penicillin is often prescribed after dental surgery to prevent infections  [6]. The diseases and infections mentioned above are caused by bacteria. Almost all bacteria have cell walls made up of peptidoglycan, a rigid but elastic structure, that protects the underlying protoplast from mechanical damage and prevent it from bursting under osmotic pressure. Peptidoglycan is made up of long polysaccharide chains that are cross-linked via flexible peptide bridges  [7]. The synthesis of bacterial cell wall is catalyzed by the enzyme transpeptidase. Such synthesis is essential to the growth, cellular reproduction and maintaining the structure of bacteria. In 1965, Tipper and Strominger hypothesized that penicillin kills bacteria by blocking the action of the transpeptidase that catalyzes the last step of synthesis which involves the cross-linking of different peptidoglycan chains, thus inhibiting the synthesis of the cell wall  [8]. Water then enters the cell causing it to swell and explode. This essay will discuss how penicillin’s shape, structure, instability enable it to inhibit the action of transpeptidase, examine the science behind penicillin’s reaction, how the structure and size influence its effectiveness and the significance of the lack of symmetry. Penicillin structure consists of a thiazolidine ring fused to a ÃŽ ²-lactum ring to which a variable R group is attached by a peptide bond. (Fig 1) Penicillin G (Fig 2), which has a benzyl side-chain, is often regarded as the prototype of the class as it is one of the first-generation penicillin that can be obtained directly from the fungi. It is the most potent of the class against susceptible gram-positive bacteria and is still widely used.[9] Penicillin G is only effective against gram-positive bacteria in which the transpeptidases are directly accessible. Fig 1: General Penicillin molecule with R side chain, 3 chiral centres (*) and a ÃŽ ²-lactum ring (blue) Fig 2: Natural penicillin-G where R = benzyl group Fig 3: D-Alanyl-D-alanine which closely resembles penicillin (In D-amino acid, with the H atom pointing up and looking down from the H atom and moving anti-CW, the amino acid has the order COOH, R, NH2) One explanation about the mechanism of action of penicillin is that it mimics the shape and structure of the D-alanine-D-alanine termini of bacterial peptidoglycan (the usual substrate) and is thus recognized by transpeptidases  [10]. The transpeptidase enzyme reacts preferentially and binds irreversibly with penicillin. The penicilloyl-enzyme formed is stable and does not react any further  [11]. The free COOH group present mimics that of terminal carboxyl of D-alanine-D-alanine and is needed for penicillin to bind at the active site  [12]. The similarities in their molecular structures can be clearly observed in Fig1 and Fig3. Furthermore, as penicillin lacks symmetry, its mirror images are non-super-imposable. In order for penicillin to be biologically active, the 3 chiral centres in penicillin must be in the configuration in Fig1  [13]. As penicillin’s activity is stereo-dependent, penicillin synthesized must be enantiopure and the arrangement of the groups relativ e to one another should resemble that of D-alanine-D-alanine. This also explains penicillin non-toxicity. D-alanine only occurs in the cell wall of bacteria and all the proteins within our body are built up from L-amino acids. Hence, penicillin kills bacteria but will not adversely affect humans.  [14] Another explanation also relates to the structure of penicillin and the instability of the cyclic amide in ÃŽ ²-lactum ring which is fused to the thiazolidine ring. Research by Strominger has shown that the activity of penicillin is due to the inherent strain of the four-membered ring or to the reduced amide resonance  [15]. In the four-membered ring, the C and N atoms are forced to have a bond angle of approximately 90 ° which is far below the preferred bond angle for singly-bonded sp3 hybridised carbon and nitrogen atoms (109.5 °) and doubly-bonded sp2 hybridised carbon atom (120 °). This put the small ring under great ring strain which is further aggravated by the five-membered thiazolidine ring fused with it. X-ray crystallography has also showed that the two fused rings and the amide bond is non-planar. This leads to a loss of resonance stabilization normally found in these amide bonds  [16]. These make the amide group more reactive. Penicillin acylates the enzyme and form an open chain compound to relieve the strain. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that the –COOH group in penicillin’s structure contributes to penicillin’s widely varying acylating ability and its ability to travel through bodily fluids unaltered and only target transpeptidase in bacteria. Experimental data obtained from inelastic neutrons and quantum chemical theory suggests that the activity of penicillin is pH dependent  [17]. Under physiological conditions (pH = 7.4), penicillin’s -COOH group is deprotonated. As COO and the lone pair of electrons of N are on the same face of the molecule, the COO will repel the lone pair of electrons on the N atom. This shortens the amide bond, increases its strength and decrease the acylating power of the lactam ring  [18]. When near the active site of transpeptidase, COO group is protonated and the ÃŽ ²-lactum amide bond regains its strong acylating power  [19]. The 2 CH3 group is also important for activation as research has found no activity for penicillin analogues with these groups removed.  [20] At the active site, the science of reaction is as follows. The nucleophilic –OH group of the serine residue attacks and opens the ring. A covalent bond is formed between the serine on the enzyme and the penicillin molecule  [21], irreversibly inhibiting the normal function of the enzyme and kills the bacterial cell. The R group in the penicillin structure determines the effectiveness of the penicillin drug. Penicillin-G cannot be consumed orally as gastric acid will catalyze the hydrolysis of the highly unstable ÃŽ ²-lactum ring, destroying its antibiotic properties. The ÃŽ ²-lactum ring is also susceptible to attack by O atom of the neighboring carbonyl group. To prevent this, we can choose an electron withdrawing R group to decrease the nucleophilicity of the carbonyl oxygen on the acyl side chain to reduce the self destructive mechanism[22]. To avoid degradation by penicillinase enzyme, we can choose a bulky R group as a steric shield. The small size of penicillin molecules increases their potency as it enables them to penetrate the entire depth of the cell wall. In conclusion, penicillin-G is a molecule that was cleverly designed molecule by nature. All features in its structure – its bicyclic system, unstable ÃŽ ²-lactum ring, COOH group, stereochemistry and size is essential and influence its effectiveness. They enable penicillin to irreversibly react with transpeptidases, kill harmful bacteria and by doing so, save lives and shape the world. [1] penicillin. (n.d.)The American Heritage ® Medical Dictionary. (2007). Retrieved January 31 2015 fromhttp://medical dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/penicillin [2] antibiotic. (n.d.)The American Heritage ® Medical Dictionary. (2007). Retrieved January 31 2015 fromhttp://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/antibiotic [3] penicillin. (n.d.)Dorlands Medical Dictionary for Health Consumers. (2007). Retrieved January 31 2015 fromhttp://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/penicillin [4] Fleming, A. (1929). On the antibacterial action of cultures of a penicillium, with special reference to their use in the isolation of B. influenzae.British journal of experimental pathology,10(3), 226. Couteur, P., Burreson, J. (2004). Wonder Drugs. InNapoleons buttons: 17 molecules that changed history. Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin: New York. [5] Medicine and World War Two. (2014, January 1). Retrieved January 31, 2015, from http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/medicine_and_world_war_two.htm [6] Ross-Flanigan, Nancy; Uretsky, Samuel. Penicillins.Gale Encyclopedia of Childrens Health: Infancy through Adolescence. 2006. Retrieved January 31, 2015 from Encyclopedia.com:http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3447200431.html [7] Graumann, P. (2007).Bacillus: Cellular and molecular biology(p. 333). Norfolk: Caister Academic Press. [8] Tipper, D., Strominger, J. (1965.). Mechanism Of Action Of Penicillins: A Proposal Based On Their Structural Similarity To Acyl-D-alanyl-D-alanine.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,1133-1141 [9] Penicillins. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2015, from http://www.emedexpert.com/compare/penicillins.shtml#4 [10]Tipper, D., Strominger, J. (1965.). Mechanism Of Action Of Penicillins: A Proposal Based On Their Structural Similarity To Acyl-D-alanyl-D-alanine.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,1133-1141. [11] Berg, J., Tymoczko, J. (2002). Enzymes: Basic Concepts and Kinetics. InBiochemistry(5th ed.). New York: W.H. Freeman. [12] Tipper, D., Strominger, J. (1965.). Mechanism Of Action Of Penicillins: A Proposal Based On Their Structural Similarity To Acyl-D-alanyl-D-alanine.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,1133-1141. [13] Bentley, R. (2004). The Molecular Structure of Penicillin.Journal of Chemical Education,1462-1462. [14] Otter, C. (2008). Chemical ideas (3ed. ed.). Oxford [u.a.: Heinemann Educational. [15] Strominger, J.L. (1967) . Enzymatic reactions in bacterial cell wall synthesis sensitive to penicillins, cephalosprins and other antibacterial agents. Antibiotics, 705–713 [16] J. C. Sheeman, The enchanted Ring: The Untold Story of Penicillin, The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1982 J. R. Johnson, R. B. Woodward and R. Robinson, in The Chemistry of Penicillin, ed. H. T. Clarke, J. R. Johnson and R. Robinson, Princeton University Press: Princeton, New Jersey, 1949, ch. 15, pp. 443–449. [17],18,19 Mucsi, Z.; Chass, G.A.; Abranyi-Balogh, P.; Jozart, B.; Fang, D.-C.; Ramirez-Cuesta, A.J.; Viskolcz, B.; Csizmadia, I.G. Penicillin’s catalytic mechanism revealed by inelastic neutrons and quantum chemical theory. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2013, 15, 20447–20455 [18] [19] [20] S. Wolfe, J. C. Godfrey, C. T. Holdrege and Y. G. Perron, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1963, 85, 643 ; S. Wolfe, J. C. Godfrey, C. T. Holdrege and Y. G. Perron, Can. J. Chem., 1968, 46, 2549.; J. Hoogmartens, P. J. Claes and H. Vanderhaeghe, J. Med. Chem., 1974, 17, 389;T. K. Vasudevan and V. S. R. Rao, Int. J. Biol. Macromol., 1982, 4, 219. [21] Yocum, R., Strominger, J., Rasmussen, J., Waxman, D. (1979). Mechanism of Penicillin Action: Penicillin and Substrate Bind Covalently to the Same Active Site Serine in Two Bacterial D-alanine Carboxypeptidases.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,2730-2734. [22] Proctor, P., Gensmantel, N., Page, M. (1982). The chemical reactivity of penicillins and other ?-lactam antibiotics.Journal of the Chemical Society, Perkin Transactions 2,1185-1185.

Coaching Session Using the GROW Model

Coaching Session Using the GROW Model This study looks to conduct a coaching session with one individual. In order to do this effectively, a range of coaching techniques will be drawn upon using empirical research. As this study cannot cover all areas of coaching research, we will only focus on areas that will directly influence the implementation of the coaching session and therefore topics have been carefully chosen to suit the GROW model and the coaching relationship. Once a good base of literature is collected, the paper will then apply these guidelines to develop an evidence-based framework to implement. In order to assess the success of this framework, a self-reflection log and client feedback will be documented to evaluate the impact of the session on a more personal level. A discussion will also be formed to critical assess the data collected. This will help to understand any implications and improvements for future practice. GROW is arguably the most well-known approach used in coaching (Palmer Whybrow, 2007; 2009; Palmer, 2011; Grant, 2011). Although the GROW model has been around since the early 1990s (Whitmore, 1992), it has only been empirically measured over the last decade (Alexander Renshaw, 2005). It is a behavioural model that focuses on external behaviour and how it is adapted. The coaching relationship is one that is similar to Socrates and Plato, where the coach uses open-ended questions to help move the coachee through each of the four steps. By moving through these four steps the coachee enhances their performance and moves closer towards achieving their self-chosen goal. These four interrelated steps are: Goals; Reality; Options; and Way Forward. The definitions of these can be found in table 1. Goal setting is seen as the start of a â€Å"GROW journey† which then moves into reality which helps the coach gain understanding of where they are currently (Grant, 2011). GROW description table with example questions. Sourced: Grant Greene, 2004; Whitmore, 1992. Although research suggests that having a basic structure like GROW in place is effective, many would argue that GROW alone is incomplete. McKenna and Davis (2009) developed four ‘active ingredients’ that directly affect the success of the coaching outcome. These include: Client factors (40%) The relationship (30%) Placebo or hope (15%) Theory and technique (15%) These percentages suggest that the success of coaching largely due to the coachee’s own processes and the coach’s ability to develop and maintain a robust coaching relationship. It further argues that applying GROW to the session will only contribute a small part to the coaching outcome. Therefore, a primary focus on building the relationship as the coach cannot control intrinsic factors of the coachee. Since these findings, more research has been published to argue the importance of the relationship (De Haan, 2011; 2013) and linking it to outcomes (Ianiro et al., 2012). Passmore (2007) suggests that a coach needs to invest more into the relationship when the group of participants is smaller. Passmore (2007) further states that the relationship is most fragile at the beginning because this is when coachees are unsure whether they trust or like their coach. A relationship built on trust and respect is not a new concept to psychology. To build a relationship effectively, Rogers (1957), a humanistic writer, suggested that a successful therapeutic relationship relies on a series of factors. Firstly, the coach needs to hold a positive self-image. This implies that coaches with high self-esteem construct stronger relationships. This may reflect â€Å"I’m ok† from the Transactional Analysis model (TA). Secondly, the coach must believe that the coachee is able to find the answers to their own problems. This may reflect the â€Å"you’re ok† in TA. Passmore (2007) adds that a coachee’s self-esteem rises when they feel that their coach believes in their ability. Thirdly, the coach must be able to empathise with the coachee throughout their relationship. Fourthly, the coach needs to act with integrity in the relationship. Lastly, the coach must work with the sole objective of meeting the needs of the coachee. Rodgers (1957) meta-research findings were written over 70 years ago, but still have an impact on recent theory and practice (Passmore, 2007). More recently, Passmore (2007) also added that the coach must be non-judgemental of the coachee for the coaching relationship to be successful. These findings are potentially a good framework for developing the coaching relationship, however are not sufficient to maintain it. Passmore (2006) published a study looking at whether executives value the outcome of coaching. They found that a coaching relationship is not solely based on trust and respect. The coach must be able to create an environment that optimises achieving goals. In order to do this effectively, the coach must be able to firstly monitor their own behaviours and feelings. Secondly, monitor the behaviours and feelings of the coachee and the coach needs to manage his or her emotions. Lastly, adapt behaviours appropriately to maintain both professional detachment and empathetic supp ort. These are all key components of emotional intelligence (EI) which have been linked to forming and maintaining effective relationships (Stein Book, 2000). If a highly effective coach is one that uses transference and countertransference effectively (able to transfer or redirect feelings from one to another), then a coach needs to be aware of the dangers of an unbalanced power dynamic forming (Pezet, 2007). Instead, a successful power dynamic that surrounds the relationship must have the best interests of the coachee at heart. Otherwise, the coach may be seen as a â€Å"superhero or supervillian† neither of which fit into the â€Å"I’m ok, you’re ok† approach mentioned earlier. An approach to reduce the likelihood of an unbalanced power dynamic forming is to set all expectations at the start of the relationship. This allows the coachee and the coach to know what to expect from the relationship. There are also guidelines available for coaces which are provided by their chosen professional association. There is a range of coaching associations available. Popular associations include International Coaching Federation (ICF), Association for Coaching (AC) and the British Psychological Society Special Group of Coaching Psychology (SGCP). The ICF and AC are popular associations within the industry, but they do not align with the practice of SP. SGCP are one of the few associations where SP as a primary focus. As a result, this report abides to the SGCP ethical regulations, as the practice of SP is essential when working as an Organisational Psychologist. Please see appendix C for a clear understanding of all the SCGP guidelines considerations needed when designing and implementing a coaching session. In order to create an effective coaching session, a coach must firstly set expectations with the coachee to reduce any conflict or power dynamic forming. The coach must further create a relationship based on trust and respect. This can be achieved by adopting an EI approach to coaching, as well as being high in self-efficacy and able to put any agenda they have aside. Lastly, in order to be an effective coach psychologist, one should follow the ethical guidelines of SGCP. Methodology Participant- 93 The participant involved in this study has been recruited online from a Social Media advert posted on a social media site. In order to achieve a coaching relationship with no power dynamic, the participant is an individual that is not close to me. However, as I am not insured nor am I officially signed to SGCP, the client I have chosen is someone that is in my network. I have chosen these specifics as this participant is the safest option and still allows enough distance to prevent any pre-determined dynamic effecting the session. Establishing the Coaching Relationship- 243 In order to set expectations effectively, a welcome pack (appendix C) and a coaching contract (appendix D) was generated explaining what coaching is and asked the coachee a few questions about their: Expectations of the coaching process Expectations of the coach Expectations of the coachee Experience of therapeutic relationships (what they found to be a good/poor approach) How they would like to be treated within the coaching relationship if challenged A coaching contract is also a part of the welcome pack. The contract further sets expectations of the coaching relationship, e.g. logistics of the coaching session and set expectations of coaching and the coachee. Both the contract and the welcome pack state clearly that an SGCP ethics guideline sheet will be provided if requested. It should be noted that, the contract will state that all details about the coachee will be kept anonymous. Once these questions have been answered, a follow-up phone call will be arranged with the client. This helps to cement expectations by both parties answering any questions. We will then arrange a time and date for a session that is suitable for both parties. For my own record keeping, I will also keep a confidential record online of the coachee’s details and create a spreadsheet log of my coaching (Appendix D) Conducting the Coaching Session- 139 The session will be conducted in a meeting room in City University Library. This location is neutral to both parties to keep the power dynamic balanced and the session undisturbed. Both parties will have their phones switched off to ensure no interruptions. I will further arrange the chairs so that they are sitting next to one another is a less intimidating stance for both parties (STUDY). The coach and coachee will be provided with a pen and paper for note taking. As a means of gauging the success of the session, the client will fill in a short Likert scale questionnaire before and after the session (See appendix E). Diagram 1: Seating positions of coach and coachee In the 60-minute session, the coach will follow the GROW model (see Diagram 2) using the framework set in table 1. The session will commence with a tighter structure at the beginning, but the structure of the session will become less tight as the session moves in ‘R’ and ‘O’. However, once heading into ‘W’, the session will become tighter again. Allowing flexibility in ‘R’ and ‘O’ gives the client creative freedom to explore their situation and their options. Please see Diagram 3 for a clear understanding. Diagram 2: GROW MODEL PROCESS Diagram 3: Dimensions of Session Structure Once the session is complete, the client will be advised to email a week later with any homework and feedback from the session. This aims to give the client accountability and give leverage their self-chosen goal. A final questionnaire will be sent to the coachee to see whether their motivation has fluctuated from the previous. Follow-up from client 480 â€Å"Coaching was an overall good experience. I particularly liked being given permission to speak about my passion! I also enjoyed breaking things down into small manageable goals- smaller than I usually would. I further enjoyed indentifying where motivations like, or is enjoyable about work. The questions were sometime difficult but they were thought-provoking and forced me to consider things from a different perspective. However, a little more input would have been helpful. I realise the point is for you to get me thinking, but possibly some suggestions of your own, or things that other people have tried might help when Im stuck on finding an answer for something. I am happy with the general dynamic. I think the style of a semi-structured conversation works well, it let us explore things as they came up but also felt like there was a clear process. As a person I think youre very approachable and friendly but you keep a strong focus at the same time so that works well.† Self-Reflection- 308 I have written a self-reflection report to clear my thoughts on the session and improve my self-awareness and skill set. In this session, the client initially came into the session with a long-term goal and so most of the session was spent breaking it down. I did my best to help the client find their tangible first step that they can achieve in the short term and provided the coachee with homework to research and evaluate different options. However, I felt that more work could have been done to add value to the goal. For instance, I could have spoken about the benefits and consequences of achievement more. I could have also done more work on drawing out client’s strengths and highlighting previous success strategies. This would build on their ‘can-do’ attitude, which could increase the quality of actions they may generate in their homework and make it much more likely to leave with a specific idea of what resources to research when completing their homework. Nonetheless, I feel that I was able to challenge my coachee and was unafraid to question their commitment to action, their motivation and the possible consequences of inaction. Additionally, I feel that I was able to active listen without having the urge to interrupt or give advice, with only the urge to interrupt once to provide a suggestion. I tackled this by asking the client’s permission to give the suggestion and provided two other options alongside it. I did not so that the choice of action was still in their hands. Lastly, I made sure to paraphrase and summarise using the client’s words (i.e. habit, energy, focus) at every milestone in the session. I did this by writing down key words being said by the coachee. This helps both the coachee and I gain understanding and reflection on what was previously said.

The Effects of Toxic Gardens Essay -- Environment Environmental Pollut

The Effects of Toxic Gardens    The urban family is proud of their immaculate garden and neatly manicured and pristine backyard. They feel proud when guests visit and comment on the vibrant, green grass, the weed free flowerbeds and garden and the lust tomatoes on the vine. It is delightful to watch the children roll around and play on the lawn without worry of them being bitten by ants, fleas or other distasteful insects. Best of all, is the delight of the children when they can pick the vegetables right out of the garden for dinner. The entire family loves the fresh vegetables and prides themselves on having raised the carrots, beans, and tomatoes themselves. Sounds ideal, eh? Alas, reality is the pristine backyard is a veritable toxic wasteland since pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are routinely dumped on the lawn in an effort to maintain the weed and pest free yard. Additionally, the garden vegetables are loaded with the most recent "bug spray" application that has been absorbed into the vegetables. These toxins have been found to cause cancer, infertility, birth defects, etc. Therefore upon reflection, the above-mentioned scene is more of a nightmare than a dream. The Institute of Medicine has conclusive evidence linking herbicide use to cancer (Turner-Lowe 1). The exposure may be minor in the produce that we grow and eat from our chemically treated garden; the cumulative effects are significant. The effect of continually ingesting foods with toxins within is what may eventually create some forms of cancer. Many fungicides and herbicides contain orgaanochlorines, which collect and remain in the fatty tissues of human for long periods of time. Pesticides are toxic and can poison humans. Children are especially vulne... ...fects. 11/1/98 http://www.pmac.net/erice.htm Schardein, J.L. (1985). Chemically Induced Birth Defects. Marcel Decker. New York, New York. Pp. 600-604. Fagin, D. and Lavelleby, M. (1998, November 1). EPA Offers This Shield of Safety. http://www.pmac.net/shield.htm Robinson, J. (1994, April). Pesticides in the Home and Community: Health Risks and Policy Alternatives. Gopher://gopher.igc.apc.org.2998/OPESTIS?r907874266.10911.1 Mather, Mort. "Mulching a Vegetable Garden." Mother Earth News June 1998: 64. Goldburg, Rebecca. (1998, November 19). Evaluating Risks of New Associations Resulting from BioControl. http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/bcconf/talks/panel.html. 1998, November 19. 1998-1999 Socialist Party Platform. http://www.teleport.com/~socparty/p2.htm 1998, November 19. Recommendations. http://www.envadvocates.org/public_html/Pest/recommendations.html   

Prejudice :: essays research papers

Prejudice In Society   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The world that we live in today, although improving, is tainted with cruelty and hatred toward different races. Personally, I have never considered myself to be racist. Growing up attending predominately white catholic schools, though, really sheltered me from any type of diversity. Between first and twelfth grade, I could count on one hand how many African-Americans I knew. Living in a society like this, I had a tremendous culture shock upon enrolling at the University of Cincinnati. I have now realized that when making judgments on people, you need to do so with closed eyes, blocking out any types of stereotypes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Upon coming to the University of Cincinnati, I knew that it would be a dramatic change to be around such a diverse group of people, but I never expected what was coming up next. While checking in at the front desk of my dorm, I noticed there were two names on my room assignment that I didn’t recognize. While unpacking my clothes, the door opens and my other two roommates, which happened to be black, walked in. at first I felt a little uncomfortable, but I was alright because I still had three of my friend moving in soon. As I talked to my two new roommates, I found out that they both went to inner-city schools within ten minutes of mine. As the day went on and I kept getting to know them, we began to get along better. I now consider them to be two my best friends here. This experience has taught me to never judge a book by its cover.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Whether it is from watching B.

Introduction in Accounting System for Sari-Sari Stores Essay

A. Introduction Sari-sari store is the term used in the Philippines for small convenience store. It is from the tagalog word â€Å"sari-sari† which means â€Å"variety†. Such stores form important economic and social location in the Filipino community. It is present in almost all neighborhoods, sometimes in every street. The store is often attached to or part of the owner’s house but it may also be a freestanding store just in front of the owner’s house. Many stores have advertising material alongside the store name on the signboards. Sari-sari stores vary in appearance but they all have certain traits in common. First, the customers do not enter the store during the transaction. It is only through a small window and sometimes it has a long counter in front. Items are being displayed by hanging some of it from the ceiling, or it can be on the walls and in front of the store to save space and so that items can easily be seen by customers. Candies and other small items sold by pieces are placed in transparent jars and are arranged mostly in front. A lighter is tied to a string, being hung up and displayed in front of the small window or counter. Often it is not possible for every kind of item in the store can be displayed, but customers can be assured that the most basic needs are available. The storekeeper waits for customers inside the store. Sometimes, benches and tables are also provided in front. The cover of the window or the front portion of the store is being placed above when the store is open. It is being brought down to cover the window or the front portion of the store when the store is closed. Sari-sari stores sell various everyday necessities in small packages or by pieces, a practice called â€Å"tingi† by Filipinos. For instance, shampoo can be purchased not by bottle or by dozen but it is by sachet. There are miniature packets of just about every commonly needed item. Most of the items are sold by pieces. The sari-sari stores also allow credit purchases from loyal customers. It is called â€Å"suki† in tagalog (repeat customers known to the owners). The owners usually keep a record of their customers’ outstanding balances on a notebook and demand payments on paydays.

HR Strategic aspects of the labour market and Managing organisational performance Essay

The economic events occurring during the last two decades provide indications and evidences that the area of human resourcing has significantly changed in response to the emerging complexities of the discipline. Perhaps, among the primary components of corporate organization, the dynamics of human resourcing appear to be the most challenging as well as complex. Experts in the area of Human Resource Management (HRM) invariably agree that the surging demand for a new organizational role for the human capital. Even the usually common terminologies used to describe the HRM processes, such as labor contracting, training and development, performance evaluation, have been recycled to outsourcing, learning and growth or performance management systems. Many even replaced, such as personnel to human resource to human capital, to describe in more sophisticated way, the new character of human resourcing. Still, HRM practitioners are of the opinion that changes will continue to pervade the HR area and may soon take or evolve into new competencies again. Torrington’s Views: The HRM discipline and the Labour market Torrington presents the burgeoning labour issues confronting many organizations as propounded by theorists and practitioners. Indeed, the complexities of human resourcing are invariably revealed in the documented HR practices compiled by the author, who has been keenly observing that the area of human resource management is beginning to undergo a form of transformative process where the task s, positions and the organization virtually mutates into its more sophisticated form. Based on data provided by the author and taken from a report, there is a general shortage of workers especially the young sector. In the area of healthcare, the National Health Service (NHS) is spending ? 1bn annually on temporary, agency and locum staff. According to Laing and Buisson, well known heathcare analysts, the demand for agency staff is expected to increase across public and private healthcare sector in response to the long-standing manpower shortages in practically every healthcare occupation. The author adds that the size of the market for manpower has risen by more than four times during the two decades commencing from 1992. Even the NHS had to triple their budget expenditures during the same period. Torrington estimates this sector is worth ? 2. 4bn in the market. However, the core of the problem has shifted to the quality of care that many temporary staff provide, thus the decision to reduce manpower outsourcing, Here, the need to get better deals from agencies is becoming paramount as new alternatives of human resourcing in this sector is being addressed. The author concludes by proposing an appropriate response system through flexible staffing solutions. Torrington highlights the strategic aspects of resourcing to respond effectively to the critical messages demanded and manifested by the labor market trends. Here, he analyzes the need to adopt certain flexible resourcing choices that will focus attention either to the ready-made or home grown human capital. The labor market trends bespeak of the dilemma faced by the human resourcing industry in general. A number of recommendations are provided to address this set of HR issues – the retention strategy. The retention indicators point to a disturbing trend at the charts. The issue of retention and its corresponding techniques and strategies has been brought into the open as a result of the need to assuage the cost of transfers, job and even career shifts. The author brings the issue of turnover rates and trends as indicative of HR instability in many sectors while exacting some forms of costs on the organization as a result of new rounds of resourcing and the need to adopt staff retention strategies. Torrington insists that organization strategies versus HR strategy issues not only should be HR-driven but primarily must mutually provide a perfect fit. The author discloses the strategic aspects of performance how these are driven by HR policies and processes as practiced. This is implied to mean that a change in perspective be made in the human resourcing function: from taking control of the employment processes to a more significant HR function of managing performance. True enough, this shift in focus may have been long wanted to smoothen human capital transitions to work excellence. This further suggests that efforts are better spent on ensuring that performance management becomes the primary driver of the HR function. A number of firms have found better insights into this form of HR shift considering that the new HR performance processes adds relevance and more meaningful roles for HR theorists and practitioners rather than just the documentary and aspect legalese of human resourcing. The author proposes the adoption of a performance management system that translates into organizational performance anchored on the knowledge and learning processes as HR initiatives. Here, the proactive roles expected of the HR practitioners are deemed directed towards gradually converting the company into a learning organization where the human capital competencies are planned, managed and nurtured. Performance management system indeed is a critical need as with the 360 degree feedback system. Conclusion Torrington proposes a two-dimensional performance appraisal system based on individual and team perspectives. He emphasizes management of employee performance guided towards organizational and personal goals and objectives and an objective appraisal system to measure extent of accomplishment based on target setting. A sequential and step-by-step approach is propounded with a component critique system based on an overarching 260 degree feedback system. A comparison and contrasting view of performance management system (PMS) and its environment of procedures indicate that the PMS has and is being widely used in organizations out to harness the potentials of its people. The degree of effectiveness indicates the variability of conceptualization and implementation, but nonetheless removes the major irritants in people management that ultimately affect the relationship as well as the performance dimensions of each of the component of the human capital sponsored primarily by senior management. Thus, the proactive nature of the PMS approach entitles it to wider adoption and desirability among organizations aiming to address many of its human resourcing issues. Subject 2 Performance Management System: Linking Organizational Goals Torrington outlines the essential factors in managing organisational performance showing how a Performance Management System (PMS)links to organisational goals. Concrete and abstract benefits and disincentives are identified and benchmarked with industry practices guided by the universal principles and theories of performance management. As practiced, performance management systems commence from the goal and target setting based on the requirements of the job. Here, employees and workers are clarified in the objectives of their positions, the requisite competence, and the learning and growth perspectives if the job as well as the compensation based on how the organization assesses the relative important of the task. The use of the PMS has been tested widely and has proven to be more effective than the traditional evaluation system. This is because of the inclusion of a compendium of measures that ensures that organizational goals are aligned with the specific tasks assigned to the employee. From the targets, agreements on the degree and how these targets are achieved under quality processes are laid down and the PMS target setting contract is accomplished. Thus, the use of the PMS allows the following benefits to accrued to both the worker and the organization: among others, expectations are clear and scope and limitations of the jobs are understood by both sectors; employees can clearly predict and manage their own levels of performance based on targets as well as the needed support to accomplish the tasks; there is an objective system of evaluation and appraisal that removes subjectivity and abstract judgments; when provided with an incentive and reward systems, PMS becomes effective as a tool and basis of rewards and incentives; and, there is a better working relationship between the worker and his superior based on earlier agreements and covenants. Likewise, PMS considers possible constraints and limitations on both sides, thus alternative measures are agreed for the degree of performance resulting from the occurrences of such constraints and impediments. For the organization, the benefits are clear in terms of stronger motivation on the worker; budgeting can be integrated into the system through measurable and appropriate inventive and rewards system; the subsequent appraisal and evaluation system allows for an ideal atmosphere for the discussion of the evaluation and appraisal results to encourage future performance based on areas that additionally needed reinforcement and support. In addition, PMS encourages both individuals and teams to be evaluated based on targets that are aligned with the organizational goals. On the other hand, the disadvantages of adopting a Performance Management System (PMS) includes the requirement for a more detailed procedures and measurement system that may prove to be too elaborate and complex for the worker to understand and appreciate. Likewise, the process of documentation in support of the performance is considered difficult and tedious. Further there is no assurance that performance can indeed by achieved as there may be unforeseen circumstances not considered during the target setting completed before the start of the performance period. (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, & Wright, 2008) Nonetheless, there is a need to study the organizational culture on whether the latter would help the system or otherwise. Conclusion Taking into account the benefits and disadvantages of Performance Management Systems (PMS), the absence of a more measurable, objective and comprehensive system of measuring and evaluating performance is non-existence despite the presence and utilization of good measuring tools and instruments. This is the complexity of the new HResourcing strategy that allows greater flexibility and uniqueness in the approach to managing performance. On the overall, the rationale for adopting PMS far outweighs the need to ignore the benefits provided by this new system. Often, the major constraint in adopting PMS is whether the organizational culture would allow such a change in the system. Thus, the efforts may indeed be tedious, but nonetheless, there is strong desirability in the system that will be more advantageous to every stakeholder in the PMS environment system.

Literature Changes During the Civil War Essay

When the country was still quite young and change was ever-imminent, our great America wasn’t always so great. This budding country lacked its own culture, and every single work produced by its inhabitants was rooted to an earlier version from its mother Britain. Much of our nation was devoid of literary culture and education. We were often looked down upon by other countries flourishing with their own trademark foods, goods, and customs. Very few prominent writers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson were able to create a base example of what an American literature might actually look like. Prior to the Civil War, there were almost no published American authors, as the United States was more inclined toward English texts, which were less expensive. Reading and writing had just begun to trickle down to the middle class, making literature much more popular among the common man, as rates of literacy rose tremendously. The multitude of uses for literature once the Civil War began caused an even larger development. During a time of great change and conflict, America began a period of immense literary thirst. Before the Civil War started, literature had only recently become a more regular piece of daily life. At first only the wealthiest could be expected to know how to read and write. However, as the nation approached the time of the Civil War, the lower classes were also expanding their education by becoming literate. The common man started to take more of an interest and a stand in the goings on of the country- for the most part, learning how to read allowed them to keep up with the happenings from around the nation. Literature was also serving a more entertaining purpose. Fiction grew in popularity, but infamy too. â€Å"American statesmen and leaders were fearful of fiction. They accurately understood its subversive power: fiction empowered individuals; it catered to people’s passions, fancies, and whims, which threatened republican ideas of order and rationality,† (Stauffer 237). As this quote explains, many politicians believed that fiction would lead to chaos and revolution. Literature has always had the power to plant a seed in our minds, and this was no different during the time of the Civil War. Still, these opinions did not keep novels from finding a place in most households. Mostly middle- and upper-class women were the audience for this type of reading material. Fiction, spreading rapidly, became one of the most popular types of literature in this era. Literature before the Civil War was mainly centered on functionality. Literacy had just begun to grow, so the people who learned to read had to have a reason for it. The most common reading material of the time included religious reading, instructive reading, newspapers and magazines, and â€Å"reading for escape† (Salisbury). The best method of escaping for bored housewives or even the common man was a novel. As previously stated, these fictional stories had just begun to boom in popularity. Religious reading mostly included bible study, common for the average Christian household. Newspapers and magazines were crucial for spreading news, and when the nation found an efficient way to broadcast information, people snatched them up. During a time when you couldn’t turn on your flat screen television or pull out your iPad for news updates, newspapers were essential to society. Finally, guides were another usual form of reading material. Stay-at-home wives collected cookbooks and mothering manuals by the shelf-full. All these types of reading provided some function to those who read them, which displays how the country used literature in a very confined manner. The Civil War had a big impact on literature, but literature also had a large impact on the Civil War. For example, the movement against slavery was intensified by passionate works of literature such as Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. These novels helped to spark an interest in the subject for many more people, particularly those of a higher class, who then began to encourage the movement. Literature needed to change in numerous ways. When the war began, letters would be used to keep families in touch with soldiers. News would become more biased and exaggerated depending on its origin (North vs. South). Many children created care packages and wrote letters to soldiers, which gave the men at war some hope and knowledge of the outside world. In 1864, Harper’s Weekly published a story about a young girl named Lula who wished to write a letter to a soldier. That letter wound up in the hands of Daniel P. Fleming- a man who had no family to write to. â€Å"Lula’s letter came when he felt forsaken—desperate—and saved him† (Diffley). Their correspondence created a magnificent bond that carried Fleming throughout the war, and impacted both he and Lula for the remainder of their lives. Literature served a great purpose in the Civil War, and its growth did not stop there. When literature grew in popularity, it had a plethora of effects. It both helped and hurt our country. On one hand, it led to the letters that kept the spirits of our soldiers high. On the other, it produced media that exaggerated truths and spread lies. Since the North and South had greatly varying opinions at the time, their news sources also greatly varied. Each would produce its own version of the truth, and neither would be completely honest. This sensationalism only continued to spread, which became its worst in the 20th century. Not all of the effects of literature’s changes were completely bad, though. Novels allowed people to escape the awful experiences they were going through, if only for a little while. Writers became more successful and American authors had more of a chance as American writing took over the aforementioned British literature. Essays and stories meant to rally the nation during war kept each side unified, even as the country itself split in half. Literature was, perhaps, a great factor in keeping the United States from permanently disbanding. Literature impacts a lot in our lives today: it is a tell-tale sign of the amount of education one receives, it determines a lot of our viewpoints on many issues, and it can even affect the choices you make. This was true during the Civil War era as well, but this took off mostly at the time of the Civil War itself. Before the war, literature had only just begun to spread. It was quite obviously linked to social class as well, as the upper classes were known to have a much higher percentage of literacy than the lower classes. Also, British works became less popular, while American authors prospered. With novels on the rise with the common woman, literature asserted itself as an everyday piece of life. This was reinforced by the use of newspapers, magazines, and books that provided instruction and recipes. Literature took off right before the start of the Civil War, in part causing it. Certain literary works had a strong impact on society, creating controversy and drawing the boundary between the North and the South. Literature also played a huge role in the lives of many soldiers during the war itself. It not only kept the soldiers motivated by giving them something to look forward too, but it also connected them to the outside world and reminded them of all the people they were fighting for. Literature helped to both keep this country together and tear it apart. While the printed media was not always as honest as it should’ve been, and the letters did not always keep the soldiers motivated, it is impossible to argue that literature went through an incredible change during the Civil War. Literature will always be a part of our lives, and this rang especially true during this time of struggle, which unlocked an appetite for literature that our country had never known before.

American Jewry Order nov 3

In the United States around 1992, American Jewry came into a process of reformation directing toward a consolidation of the Council of Jewish Federations, the United Jewish Appeal, and the United Israel Appeal into the new broad-based organization that could speak in the name of American Jewry in new ways ( Elazar, http://www. jcpa. org/dje/articles3/rwjintro. htm). Travel and communications advances facilitated the increasing solidity of the Jewish race across the world.With the progress noted, more and more of its people have connections throughout the Jewish world, or at least across long distances within in it. Gradually more individual Jews, their families and communities relied upon resources in other communities, in the form of religious guidance from Israel or whether it is just for encouragement from the American Jewish experience as measures of intensifying Jewish identity. Even with the overabundance of organizations and organizational activities, a majority of the Jewry s eem to be oblivious of them.For most Jews, familiarity of their area community involvements is all they know about structured Jewish life, if that. Nevertheless, an institutional structure has developed and a network of connection more or less involving most of the existing organizations and institutions has been progressing. The Jewish people now have a superior prospect to uphold unity than it has had since the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BCE. Up to this day, American Jewry remains the primary pioneer in the advancement of world polity.They are committed to nation-building, the development of Israel, relief and rescue of Jewish communities in need, fighting anti-semitism, representing collective Jewish interests in world affairs, mobilization of leadership and activists to undertake these and other functions, governance functions in the world Jewish polity, assuring that there are appropriate bodies for the carrying on of the functions, raising funds to cover the costs of these functions, oversight of the organizations and institutions handling the functions, developing appropriate inter-organizational relations both among the authorities that comprise the world Jewish polity and the local, countrywide, regional, and worldwide arenas (Bubis). The National Jewish Population Survey (NJPS) 2000-01, a $6 million study carried out by The United Jewish Communities, is said to provide the most all-inclusive, trustworthy picture of American Jewry to date. Records show that there are 5. 2 million American Jews. This is 5 percent less than the 5. 5 million counted in the 1990 population study. There 4. 3 million American Jews attend Passover seders and light Chanukah candles.This figure also takes account of those more Jewishly devoted — families who maintain kosher homes, regularly join synagogue meetings, enrolled Jewish schools and go to at least one Jewish society. The percentage of intermarriage is growing, but at a stable rate, with 47 percent of today's Jewish newlyweds marrying non-Jews. The mean Jewish age is 42, in contrast to 35 for Americans in general, and the birthrate was 1. 8, lower than the 1. 9 rate for American women generally. The picture of American Jewry highlighted by the study is multifaceted. On the one hand, the American Jewish population is aging and shrinking, as the birthrate is falling and intermarriage is rising, and most Jews do not take on communal or religious pursuits.On the other hand, a vast majority of American Jews attend a Passover seder and celebrate Chanukah and Jewish education is booming. Jews are more affluent than Americans generally. More 33 percent of Jewish households report an annual income of $75,000 or higher, compared to just 18 percent of U. S. households. The median Jewish household income is $54,000, compared to $42,000 for Americans generally. Speaking about affluence, the world’s richest Jew is Steve Ballmer, a Detroit-born son of a Jewish mother, 43 years old, wh ose worth is an estimated $25 billion. Steve Ballmer was selected president and chief executive officer of Microsoft Corp.on January 13, 2000. In his position as president and CEO, Ballmer is oversees the entire management of Microsoft. It has been said that the outside terrorization, such as pogroms, coped with by Jews over the centuries act as unifying power. Jews needed each other in order to survive in a Jew-hating world. In line with this idea, the elimination of those external threats has become a factor to assimilation. The more accepting the non-Jewish world has become of Jews, the less Jews have felt they need other Jews and the Jewish community for support and the more Jews have become open to giving up their Jewish ways in an effort to blend with the world around them.Thus, the cost of Jewish living exceeded the value of Jewish living for many 20th century American Jews. While Jewish community efforts to lower costs and increase value have attempted to tip the scales in t he other direction, combating the integration of Jews in America, the â€Å"Land of Opportunty†, has been a harsh struggle to win. In an effort to assimilate and minimize threat, the American Jewry of late has developed a system of beliefs wherein it has become a community characterized with an exclusive and normalized behavior that is attributable to a specific people and that is expressed through certain images, symbols, rituals, myths, and other kinds of stories.There developed a sense of pluralism which is defined in their context: having the conviction that more than one religion can instruct truths. To put it strongly, religious pluralism maintains that no specific religion can assert total certainty to teach absolute truth. Within the Jewish population, there is a collective history, a shared expression of prayer and study, a shared Bible and a shared set of rabbinic literature, consequently often providing for Jews of considerably diverse worldviews to nevertheless id entify some level of common ideals and purposes. Reference: 1. Bubis,Gerald B. The Costs of Jewish Involvements and barriers. http. //Judaism. about. com. 2. Elazar, Daniel E. Jerusalem Center for Public AffairsI. http://www. jcpa. org/dje/articles2/futureamerjewry. htm.

Information Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Information Policy - Essay Example ough investment in education is very crucial, it is restricted by the budget constraints of the available resources (Global-economic-symposium.org, 2015). The world today is a technological world, and everybody would not wish to be left behind in the wake of these developments. Information technology (IT) as a subset of education is, therefore, an essential instrument to create all round students equipped with valuable knowledge and skills around computing and communications devices. Learning systems have gone digital, for example, e-learning and Skype, thereby transforming the entire education to a whole new digital platform. These factors make IT a priority investment in education systems. Education systems of developing countries are relatively limited compared to industrialized nations due financial shortages, limited internet access, inadequately trained teachers as well as lack of proper policies and implementation strategies (Heeks, 2002). Developing countries also face digital divide not only between countries but also within the countries themselves. In developed countries such as the USA, all students have access to IT in classrooms, schools and home with all teachers using IT. The learners also access information and computer literacy easily with the internet everywhere. Education technology is a scientific principle in the teaching in industrialized countries. It is a general term that is not just as a series of components or processes. The knowledge encompasses education technology in teaching, software education, self-education, and system tendency that are just dreams in developing countries. Global-economic-symposium.org, (2015).  Effective Investments in Education — Global Economic Symposium. Retrieved 1 July 2015, from

Community, Education and Project Management Essay

Community, Education and Project Management - Essay Example A comprehensive analysis regarding complete features of workshop sessions is provided in a chronological sequence, followed by details of my personal development and experience from this entire exercise. Here, I also discussed a special case of a particular child who showed symptoms of evolving through the knowledge and confidence gained from my sessions and how I was moved from this astounding development. This area confers about how I take pride and credit for achievements that I gained by conducting an effective workshop and for amazing feedback I received from an audience as well as my mentor. The chapter closes in with a concluding summary of how this whole exercise enhanced my learning curve and how I see myself merging as a new person after the end of this spiritual journey. The notes provided in this report can be helpful for anyone who desires to conduct a successful workshop, learning from where I made mistakes and how I coped with challenges that came my way! Background: W ho’s who and what’s what? Location for workshop After being instructed to plan a workshop, the very first step to ponder about was the location where the workshop could be possibly held in the most effective manner. To discuss regarding this, I met my mentor and talked in detail about my placement. Initially, my intentions were to try for some non-profit organizations engaged in community development activities with a primary focus on schools and educational institutions. My theme was dance and movements and I strongly believed that dance can be best used in education for children who can’t communicate verbally and therefore, seconding to Mertz in ‘As I See it,’ dance is a language and communication mode which uses one’s body and movements instead of vocal notes to convey a message. The person at the other end reads the gestures and decodes the subtle meaning behind them. For kids, it could be the only mode of speaking up until a later age an d the workshop could be useful in this context. It was vital to decide what target I desire to target for the workshops for which an article by Natura Networking Programme (ELO) came in handy. Based on nature of my workshop, I needed to determine whether I shall need an assistant, any external funding, group of people for whom my intended workshop shall be most fruitful and associations that might be interested in my subject matter. My mentor gave me the names of some popular groups and associations where I could consider conducting my workshop. Accordingly, I applied to these entities requesting them to grant me permission to hold a workshop as part of my coursework. In order of my priorities, I applied first to Village Primary school but got a negative response on the grounds that it already had a full subscription of clubs. However, the school referred me to another association namely Refugee Housing Association.

Project Controls Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Project Controls - Essay Example This paper will therefore discuss issues on the changes likely to occur, quality evaluation, change control and appropriate communication of performance objectives. There are various changes that have not been planned for that may affect the project if not well catered for before project execution. These changes may be as a result of various problems that may occur during project implementation. They are mainly logistical as well as technical or operational problems. This paper has, however, identified three major problems that may create need for changes in planed process flows. First, the acquisition of the server’s license meant for the San Jose facility may be faced by delay if the legal provisions are changed to include more requirements and say additional application fees. Secondly, since the acquisition of the servers and modules for the various upgrade components may depend on the global and local supply changes, delivery may be affected through extended lead times. Lastly, there is likelihood, even though to minimal levels, of compatibility problems with the existing hardware at the facilities where upgrades will be conducted and hence creating further delays or even project overhaul. The intended project has set a higher quality assurance measures that will ensure that its implementation will be a success in terms of costs and performance. With the work breakdown structure in place, every implementation stage will ensure that the best techniques of installation and the best available and relevant software and hardware components are utilized. Having looked at the various changes that may come up during project execution, this paper proposes a three step for change control. The first phase will involve the evaluation of how the change is likely to affect the project. Secondly, the project implementation team will draw a timeline of tackling

RESEARCH ARTICLE ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK - Phase #2 of the lit review Essay

RESEARCH ARTICLE ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK - Phase #2 of the lit review paper - Essay Example 614) The researchers analyzed three motivation orientations (instrumental, required, and integrative) during preactional phase, in relation to expectancy (actional phase) and finally, self-evaluation in postactional phase. The results revealed that â€Å"within the EFL context in the current Chinese cultural environment, integration may not be a significant factor in motivating language learning effort† (Chen, Warden, & Chang, 2005, p. 622). The authors have illumined ESL educators of the relevance of cultural factors in motivating foreign students to learn English. As revealed, there is this noted Chinese Imperative motivator, which the authors indicated as â€Å"reflecting the emphasis on requirements that are internalized within the culturally specific context† (Chen, Warden, & Chang, 2005, p. 623). The emphasis placed on generating high scores in ESL exams to conform to the expectations of parents are the most crucial measure of a return on investment for learning English and has been recognized as the motivating factor for this particular culture. This study is relevant in one’s review particularly because it identified a cultural factor that assists in determining how students from other cultures could be motivated to learn ESL. One would thereby evaluate if this cultural preferences for high scores in the exams could be used to motivate ESL students in other cultures as a means to facilitate learning. The question guiding my literature review is: How crucial is cultural orientation in defining the motivational strategy to be designed by educators? Likewise, how effective are these strategies in enhancing ESL learning on a cultural context? Research question(s) OR Purpose of the study: The author aimed to determine â€Å"the motivation of Indonesian adolescents toward learning English over the first 20 months of junior high school† (Lamb, 2007, p. 757). Through employing mixed methods of questionnaires

Church Architecture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Church Architecture - Essay Example The early church building architecture is one of the most outstanding designs ever seen in human construction history. Churches all over the world share similar architectural designs in the interior and exterior regions. Normal church architecture always seems to be dominated by a round shape style. The basic architecture of the church includes a Nave, which is the part where worshippers stand during the service. The Pulpit is the podium on the left side of the church where the gospel is read, and the Nathex am outside part of the church that serves as an entry to the Nave. The church is characterized by wooden seats arranged in from the front. The interior design of the churches includes minimum three entries, a high ceiling and large decorated windows (Campbell, 2004). The exterior of the church is mainly raised roof, with a cross at the top. Early churches have the exterior decorated with statues of angels. The exterior design of churches is large and spacious just as the interior and constructed using strong stone blocks. Apart from this the doors were made of wood and locked by interlocking strong metal pieces. The main material used in construction of early churches was a huge stone blocks, clay bricks wooden beams, timber and bricks. The roofing was mainly made clay tiles (Ward-Perkins, 1994). Islam can be traced as far as Christianity and its architecture is unique and attractive. Mosques have interior is spaced just like in a church, but it has no seats. Since Muslims worship while kneeling down, the floor of a mosque need to a furnished material such as a carpet. The interior architecture f a mosque boasts of beautiful decoration mostly of handmade tiles (Haog, 1991). Islamic interior architecture also includes arches and domes giving the most spacious view from the inside. The domes are decorated with glass to allow sunlight; this ensures the spacious interior of a Mosque is nicely light. The decorations include verses of Quran, patterns of different shapes in different colors and many windows some of which are blind. The most important part of the mosque is the Mihrab to the right of the Mihrab is the Minber or pulpit. This is where the Imam stands when giving the sermon. The exterior architecture of the Mosque has a minaret, a raise tower like structure shaped like a pencil which mainly is used to call worshipers to the morning player. The Mosque is made of Marble carvings, wood, plaster, stone, glass for windows and handmade ceramic tiles decorating both the interior and the exterior (Ward-Perkins, 1994). The gothic buildings were mainly made up of stone, and emphasized on strong buttressed walls, minimal wall space, highly vaulted ceiling and vertical lines. The roof of the Gothic building was quiet heavy and architectures had to consider the possibility of a collapse. To prevent this from happening they developed buttresses. These exterior structures ensured that the walls and pillars could support the heavy roof by distri buting weight evenly enabling them to resist the outward pressure of the roof. The Gothic building exterior also comprised of a tower forming part of entry to the Nave. The towers had a large window in the entry side to ensure that the inside of the building is well lit. The interior of the gothic building almost resembled the church, it had large stained glass windows, wooden seats, a nave, pulpit and an altar. The interior decoration mainly comprised of stone carvings and coloured windows. Gothic architects appreciated geometry therefore the stones used in construction of gothic buildings were specifically cut to fitting. Other than this metal, glass and wood comprised the main materials used on construction of the buildings (Draper, 2006). The renaissance period architecture emphasizes on geometry, proportionality, symmetry and regularity of parts. The columns, plaster, and lintels were arranged orderly and the architects utilized the use of dome, niches and aedicule’