O’Connor and Chaotic Life

In â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find†, Flannery O’Connor highlights a chaotic family relationship in a chaotic and changing world.   The grandmother is the most animated member of the family and is constantly reminiscing about the past and lamenting about the current state of mankind.Her life is in constant contrast with the lives of the rest of her family; her aloof son Bailey and especially, the disrespectful grandchildren.   In her is the embodiment of southern values and respect, even a sense of piety.   She worries about the loss of values that others obviously disregard and dismiss.She makes an ominous statement about the character â€Å"the Misfit†, who embodies all that is bad in the world that would later make a connection with the setting of the deaths of the family.   In this final setting, the true face of human nature shines through, as the grandmother attempts to reason with the Misfit, to no avail, and then tries to save only her own life an d not the lives of the family.   It is here that it becomes obvious that reasoning with people, in this case the family and the murderer, is impossible in a world of chaos.More importantly, the human condition is presented to show that each person cares more for him or herself than their fellowman.The characters of the mother, baby, and the Misfit’s friends are very peripheral and offer little or nothing to analyze.   The couple at the barbeque place do illustrate turmoil in their lives that is easily connected to the family in the story.Red Sammy is an interesting character, who laments about the dangers of the world, as does his wife and their obvious disconnection with each other in their conversations, point to the parallel nature of an individual in a family.The grandmother seems to not be moved by the way that the woman is dismissed by Red Sammy and this reflects the grandmother’s views of people.   The grandmother constantly says that she is â€Å"a ladyà ¢â‚¬ , so the treatment of Red Sammy’s wife may be looked at by her as fine, because the wife was not as special as she.   There is another instance in the story that illustrates the way that the grandmother feels about herself, in an arrogant sense.When she sees a young black child with no pants, she explains to the grandchildren how poor people are in the country.   Though she makes no mention of how unfortunate this is, instead she begins to talk about her wish to learn how to paint, and how she would paint a picture of that boy in front of his old shack.In believing that she is a lady, she attempts to rule the family and teach the grandchildren about how they should view the world, through her own lens.Although the lens does not fit, as the world has changed and the grandmother goes back and forth between looking to the past and dealing with the future.   There is an obvious disconnect of time here, just as there is within the family.   The obvious disconnect of the family highlighted is the exasperation of Bailey toward his mother and the condescension of the children toward the grandmother.Though the grandmother sometimes acts haughty and overbearing, she does act as if she has the welfare of her family and the world at large in her thoughts and actions.   Though her lie about the plantation leads them all to death.   The lie she tells about the plantation is that there is treasure hidden somewhere in a secret place in the house.This excites the children, as they want to explore the passage and even come up with ways to get into the house (an illegal act itself).   The grandmother knows that this family is very chaotic and unbalanced, so the children would get their way.   The lie and the talk of finding treasure, because of the children’s greed led the family to their destruction, as one lie begins a course of what may be considered sins, to the ultimate sin of all.This lie leads to the meeting with the Misfit.   The Mis fit embodies all that is to be feared in the world.   He is lawless and immoral.   He is dangerous and sneaky.   But his view on the acts that he has done, illustrate the imperfection of every person and even the family, itself.He makes an interesting statement when he reveals that if you murder someone or steal from them, you will be punished.   In this way, the grandmother is forced to face her own demons, as she has believed that she is the most sensible and moral person in the family, but it is this side-tracked and mis-led trip that leads her to the realization that she is neither sensible or moral.She had remembered just before the accident that the plantation was not even in Georgia at all and the adventure that she wanted to take personally was only agreed too, because she lied to the children about its uniqueness.   Had she been sensible and moral, she would have not burdened the family with her lie. This mistake leads them all to death, one she cannot prevent for herself and does not seem to do for the rest of them.In conclusion, â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† is an illustration of a chaotic family in a chaotic world.   The grandmother, who acts like a beacon of hope in the family, ends of being the agent of their death.She must come face-to-face with her own demons, literally with the encounter with the Misfit and metaphorically with her own sense of herself.   The finality of the family’s deaths and the continuation of the lives of the Misfit and his friends further shows how there is no real sense of justice in the world, only chaos.   The sense is there too of it being very easy to judge someone else and to then be judged.   The grandmother continuously tells the Misfit that he is not â€Å"common†, showing her disdain for common people. It is that type of judgment that can be said to have caused her downfall from grace.Additionally, it is exactly what the Misfit wants, to be common and to blend in with o thers.   He puts on her dead son’s shirt to be this common person and her last thoughts, arguably, would have been about the way she has led her family, both in their lives and on the final journey they would ever take.Works Cited:O’Connor, F.   â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find.†Ã‚   The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction, 7th Edition.   Ed. Richard Bausch, R.V. Cassill.   New York: W. W. Norton and Company, Inc., 2005.

Firefighter Employment Scenario Essay

Based on the fact that Doug and Sam earned the first and second highest test scores, is it a reasonable assumption that the city of Davis will add Doug and Sam to the certification list? Yes Why or why not? With the top scores on the exam, they should be first in line for certification and an opportunity to interview for the position in question. Can the City successfully defend itself on the basis of â€Å"disparate impact?† No Why or why not? Doug and Sam had the top scores on the certification exam. This does not automatically make them promotable, they would still have to go through the interview process just like any other candidate. The city could have easily certified additional members of minority groups in addition to Doug and Sam. Since they were the top performers they should be on the list, this could be a case of reverse discrimination. Under what circumstances may racial discrimination be proved by â€Å"disparate impact?† Disparate impact according to the book occurs when an employer discriminates against an entire protected class (Cheeseman, 2013). It would be difficult to prove disparate impact, because the city has the ability to accept multiple applicants and certify more than just two slots.

Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 165

Summary - Essay Example It is important to first understand the cause of the migration before attempting to provide a remedy. These causes, whatever they may be, can be termed as attractions. Thus, to counter this problem, it is required that better attractions be created in the country to lure people there. Take the analogy that the cities are magnets and people needles, to distribute people, it requires that stronger magnets than the cities be created. The country is associated with agricultural activities while the town with industrial activities. This has created a belief among people that there exists only two alternatives; the town and country. This is however, not true because a third alternative, that is a fusion of all the good qualities of town and country, exist and is the very solution that will pull people from the congested towns. Consider the town and country as two magnets each striving to attract people. Town has its advantages and disadvantages as does the country. Town-country is a marriage of the good qualities of town and country and thus does not have disadvantages. Town boasts better wages, comfortable homes, social amenities but with high rents and prices together with pollution. The country on the other hand is characterized by low rents, natural beauty and plentiful water but with a dull lifestyle, poor drainage and slum-like life where people huddle at one place leaving the rest deserted. Town and country need to be married to take advantage of their positive qualities. The combination enables the human society to be enjoyed together with beauty of nature. Town represents the society – man to man interaction through science, art and religion. Country represents God’s love for man – the source of life, the resource that drives industries and an inspiration for art and music. The fusion of town and country is therefore the main ingredient that will see rise of new hope, new life and new

The Theories Of The Debt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

The Theories Of The Debt - Essay Example The influence and role of debt in both democratic and neo-liberal conditions are to be considered in the process of understanding how debt should be re-conceptualized and disciplined in the contemporary democratic situations. The morality, politics and economics of debt as an element of any financial and economic construct are highly debatable and complicated discussions. Though the pre-history of debt suggests that monetized debt are obligations for sustaining a society, the recent history of debt suggests that focusing on the human economy rather than the commercial economy would be a more valuable and practical way of viewing and imposing debt in a democratic society. Both debt and money can be related to subjectivity in two complementary and heterogeneous manners. The first is driven by social subjection while the second is based on mechanic control. While, social subjection functions on the basis of human factors like conscience, judgment and mutual benefits, mechanic control op erates on pre-individual and structural elements. Since the current state of the global economy has become more of a debt economy, therefore, the consideration of debt as a crucial contributor to economic and social structure and efficiency has become mandatory for developing economically, politically, theoretically and morally efficient global constructs. In the recent times, many social theorists and economists have presented their view on how debt has become the main determinant of social and economic relations in different countries while superseding the existing relations of consumption and production in the socially formative and economically dynamic contemporary nations.

Individualism and Community Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Individualism and Community - Dissertation Example The period before 1900 was characterized by an element of self-reliance. This probably because of the people involved in writing that time; the majority of the writers during this period were men. As a result of this, it is evident that most writings of the period were influenced by gender. For instance, Emerson asserts that his writing is all about himself and not what he has heard about other men (1873). In relation to his assertion, it is apparent that egotism of men influenced their ideas in writing. To emphasize the point of self-reliance, Emerson expounds on how the words of one of the painters of that period made him realize the essence of believing in oneself thought and what is in one’s heart (Emerson 1163). In relation to his assertion, one can deduce that self-reliance was a virtue of the majority of the men in the period before 1900. Decision-making was not influenced by outside forces; men believed in themselves in making decisions. The art of that period also enc ourages people to abide by their â€Å"spontaneous impression with good-humored inflexibility† (Emerson 1163). In relation to individualism, men emphasized on trusting oneself and the environment in which one resided. For instance, Emerson claims that great men worked through their hands, and as a result of this, he advocates the independence of solitude. Majority of the misunderstandings in the society were as a result of men’s individualism in making decisions. According to the writing by Emerson (1168), men trusted their emotion.

Nurture and Nature in the early human development Assignment

Nurture and Nature in the early human development - Assignment Example However, due to the rise in behaviourism, experts opined that nurture played a role in human development. This argument was based on the fact that training in early childhood can make the child develop into any kind of adult. However, most psychologists of current generation are of the opinion that both nature and nurture have a role in the development of humans and adulthood depends on the interactions between these two aspects. Most attributes of human beings, like emotional stability, sociability and psychiatric illnesses are a result of interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Experts are of the opinion that even innate biological attributes are modifiable by environmental factors. A good example for this is development of congenital anomalies and other problems in the fetus consequent to exposure to infectious diseases, maternal malnutrition, maternal smoking and maternal alcoholism. Similarly while development of milestones is programmed genetically and all childr en go through similar milestones at similar ages, some research has shown that achievement of milestones, to some extent depends on the stimulation. Similar features were noted in speech development. While newborns are born with functioning sensory, development of the sensory systems depends on environmental stimulation. For example, at birth newborns watch only flashing lights, or ridges and movements of head. They however gradually learn to recognize faces and identify them. Newborns start at loud noises and turn their head towards sound. But this disappears at 6 weeks and reemerges at 3-4 months age when the infant even turns the eyes towards the source of sound. Speech development occurs based on perception of sounds. Babies also have taste sensation and touch sensation and have preference to sweet taste and different types of touch. Their expressions towards different tastes are different. They also have good olfactory sensation and behave

Experimental research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Experimental - Research Paper Example people see winking, where male to female winking is seen somewhat to highly offensive and somewhat uncomfortable, somewhat negative, and somewhat rude, as well as male to male winking. My findings showed that when a female is winking to a female, it did not make females uncomfortable and they felt highly comfortable instead (n=4). They found it unusual though (n=3), but not offensive (n=4). They also found the wink very friendly (n=4), compared to when a male winked at them. They also found the winking somewhat polite (n=3), as if a secret is being shared. These females thought that winking means that there is a â€Å"secret† or â€Å"joke† going on (n=3), soon to be revealed, or just plain â€Å"silly† (n=1). They did not feel the same when males wink at them. When a male winked at them, they found it somewhat normal (n=3), but somewhat offensive (n=4). They were also somewhat uncomfortable (n=4), but a very friendly wink made them feel less uncomfortable (n=4). They found the male who winked at them somewhat unfriendly (n=4), but a friendly wink perception made them see the male as somewhat friendly (n=4). The winking was also somewhat rude (n=3) to very rude (n=1). They think that the winker meant some rudeness or flirtation in one or two words (n=4). These outcomes suggest that gender is important in reading non-verbal communication practices. Male to female winking is generally usual, but it makes women altogether uncomfortable too. Males found females winking to them more acceptable than when males do it, and the friendlier it is, the more the winking was seen as uncomfortable. Males winking to males found it somewhat unusual and highly offensive (n=4), but when females do it, they found it somewhat unusual (n=4), but completely harmless (n=4). Males felt somewhat uncomfortable when males wink at them (n=3), though somewhat friendly (n=3) winks made the wink less harmless (n=3). Males winking at males found it somewhat negative (n=3) to highly negative (n=1),

Art history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Art history - Essay Example The museum can be used for academic purposes for major academic resources to reinforce data and documents on relevant subjects. Thus, its importance lies in the fact that students, teachers, professors, art enthusiasts, archaeologists, and historians can utilize the museum for some exploration of knowledge that would aid research. The museum can likewise provide entertainment and knowledge to tourists who decide to visit it. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located in New York City and was designed by Richard Morris in 1895 after being founded in 1870 by a group of civic leaders, philanthropists, and artists. The conception of the museum began in 1866 when a group of Americans gathered at a restaurant in Paris, France to celebrate the American Independence Day on that Fourth of July. They came up with a proposition to establish a national institution and gallery of art and convinced American civic leaders, art collectors, and philanthropists to participate in the project. In 870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art was finally established which was housed in two different locations in New York City. The first was in 681 Fifth Avenue which was later moved to 128 West 14th Street.1 It includes European paintings on display, an unparalleled Egyptian gallery, and Asian art, sculpture, photography, and armory in its more than 1.5 million square feet of exhibition space. More than 2 million works of art are kept in the museum, spanning 5,000 years of culture from different parts of the world and from different historical periods.2 The aim and thrust of the museum is to educate the public and cultivate a high standard of artistic taste. The museum does not merely aim to establish a great collection of art objects, but to pursue and develop the study of the fine arts. The inspiring thought it carries is â€Å"Art for humanity’s sake.†3 The New York City owns and

Critically evaluate information-processing accounts of cognitive Essay

Critically evaluate information-processing accounts of cognitive development - Essay Example The first major formulation of a developmental psychology was completed by Jean Piaget, who uses a system of schemas to describe the development of the mind from birth to adulthood. He broke this development down into four stages: the sensorimotor, the preoperational, the concrete operational, and the formal operational, each of which is described by a certain set of cognitive processes which are matched with an empirical task that can detect those processes in action (Hestenes). The driving force that makes a person progress within stages, or from one stage to the next, is called â€Å"equilibration† or â€Å"self-regulation† (Hestenes). In other words, a person finds a way to resolve apparent inconsistencies in the way in which s/he views the world, and this resolution brings progress. Another way to describe this process is defining growth as a â€Å"process resulting from the recurrent destabilization of the existing structure by novel and unexpected features of wo rld objects, followed by the subsequent generation of a more powerful structure† (Verillon). This sense of personal agency is crucial in the development of a healthy sense of dualism between self and world, and of the ability to make judgments about the physical and mental world (Russell). The idea of the learner as an active participant, rather than a passive receptacle for information, was revolutionary in educational circles in Piaget’s day, and eld to widespread revisions in the way that children were educated (Nurrenbern). This process is inconsistent in speed and can bring about quite abrupt transformations, in Piaget’s view. Information-processing approaches came about, as thinkers attempted to apply Piaget’s theories in ways that could be empirically tested. Some of these information-processing experiments found find nothing wrong with Piaget’s theories. Parisi and Schlesinger developed an Artificial

Analyze the given scenario Essay Example for Free

Analyze the given scenario Essay Analyze the given scenario and perform a K.T problem analysis to identify the cause of the problem. Sparkling mineral water is the primary product of Bubbles, Inc. This firm, which is based in France, serves three major markets— Europe, North America, and Australia. It collects water from a natural spring; the water is then filtered through a parallel array of three filter units, each containing two charcoal filters. The filtration process removes trace amounts of naturally occurring contaminants. The filtered water is stored in separate tank farms, one for each market, until it is transported by tanker truck to one of the three bottling plants that serve the companys markets. When the water arrives at the bottling plant, it is temporarily placed in 3500 m3 storage tanks until it can be carbonated to provide the effervescence that is the trademark of the producer. Some of the water is also flavored with lemon, cherry, and raspberry additives. Next, the sparkling water is packaged in a variety of bottle sizes and materials, ranging from 0-ounce glass bottles to 1-liter plastic bottles. The European market receives its shipments directly by truck, usually within three days. Products bound for North America or Australia are shipped first by truck to the waterfront and then by freighters to their overseas destinations. Business has been good for the last several months, with the North American and European markets demanding as much sparkling water as can be produced. This situation has required that Bubbles contract with additional plastic bottle suppliers to keep up with the increased demand. It has also forced regularly scheduled maintenance for the Australian and North American tank farms to be delayed and rescheduled because of the high demand for the product. There is also, of course, a larger demand placed on the spring that supplies the mineral water for the process.Unfortunately, the news is not all good for Bubbles. The bottling plant for the Australian market is currently several weeks behind schedule owing to a shipment that was lost at sea. This catastrophe has required that water from the companys reserve springs, which are located many miles from the bottling plant, be used to augment the water supplied by the regular spring so that the bottling plant can operate at an even higher level of production. The availability of water from the reserve springs is hindered by their remote locations, but  the water from these springs does not require filtration. In addition, contract negotiations are going badly and it appears there will be a strike at all of the bottling plants. Recent weather forecasts indicate that relief from the ongoing drought, which has already lasted three months, is n ot likely. Worst of all, customers in the North American and Australian markets are complaining that all shipments of the sparkling water in the last six weeks have contained benzene in unacceptably high concentrations. You know that benzene is often used as an industrial solvent but is also found naturally. A quick survey of the bottling plant managers shows that the North American- bound products that are currently packaged and awaiting shipment have benzene concentrations in excess of acceptable concentrations. However, the managers of the bottling plants that service the Australian and European markets report that no significant level of benzene was detected in the bottles that are currently stored. Authorities in the North American and Australian markets have already begun recalling the product, with authorities in the European market pressuring Bubbles for a quick solution and threatening to recall products as a precautionary measure. Information adapted from the following journal:American Chemical Society. (1992). When the bubble burst: The company’s response proved as the original contamination.

Goal Of Becoming A Developed Country Education Essay

Goal Of Becoming A Developed Country Education Essay Malaysia is on the verge of reaching its goal of becoming a developed country by the year 2020 where the people may enjoy high living standards and more competitive in the era of globalization. Developing the potential of individuals which stand on the global platform is the main concern of the country in producing skillful citizens that would become the basis in the transformation of country towards high income economy. The 21st century implies the changes on the demand of skills in order to succeed in job realm as well as in daily life. Individuals need to master the blending of content knowledge, specific skills, expertise and literacy (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2007) in their daily life rather than mastering them in isolation. The application of skills is one crucial step for a student to obtain a job in the industrial domain (Pandian, 2005; Wagner, 2008). The 21st Century Skills is a recent skill analogous to soft skills apart from it being more global. In Malaysia, more attention is put on soft skills compared to 21st Century Skills. Soft Skills is a skill which is emphasized in graduates of the present. Realizing the globalization of development in global technology, the education in Malaysia has changed the approach of teaching and learning to ensure effective productivity of individual potential that are knowledgeable and competitive globally. Revolution of technology in the digital era of the 21st century has brought changes in replacing soft skills with the production of individuals whom are equipped with the 21st Century Skills (KPM, 2010). The 21st Century Skills and Soft Skills have similar significance where both could contribute to the success of graduates in the industrial domain. In addition, the 21st Century Skills benefit students knowledge as well apart from its contribution in the industrial domain. The 21st Century S kills is a set of skills which is essential for students in order to succeed in their study, career and life in this century which is full of challenges (Trilling Fadel, 2012). In a technology based learning environment, the 21st Century Skills is an important skill which needs to be there. There are varieties of challenges for 21st century learning in education. Having students to acquire knowledge outside the classroom is essential in the 21st century. The 21st Century Skills is a skill which is far beyond technology skill; it completes students with real life learning skill which would help them to succeed in their profession or career (Krulock Hofreuter-Landini, 2011). Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is an environment which requires the adaptation of 21st Century Skills. Malaysia wishes to release VLE in every school under the Malaysia Ministry of Education (MOE) through 1BestariNet Project by using internet among the school communities. Through this project, it can be affirmed that integration of the 21st Century Skills is a need in realizing a technology based environment due to the important interaction of technology and 21st Century Skills blend ing in the educational world at this point. This is in line with Smart School Strategic Plan, 2011-2015 which in fact is practicing the technological approach in education to produce potential of individuals and capacity development which are skillful and professional in the integration of ICT in management and teaching and learning as well as the 21st Century Skills (MOE, 2011). In order to be outstanding on the universal platform, students of the cyber generation need to be knowledge literate and master the 21st Century Skills (Utusan Malaysia, 2011a). However, research on the integration of the 21st Century Skills in technology based learning environment has not been carried out as this is a new skill which need to be explored and learnt by Malaysian students of this century. According to Pandian (2005), it is important for follow-up research to be carried out in identifying the 21st Century Skills which are needed by the industrial domain in fulfilling the demand of the workforce since skill is an important criterion in obtaining a job. Despite that, there is no research related to the 21st Century Skills been performed yet. This phenomenon causes uncertainties from various parties and issue regarding the assurance for the convention of technology based environment could produce students 21st Century Skills in ensuring their employability after graduation begins to rise. Educators are responsible in playing the role of promoting knowledge and providing practice in order to polish students talent and skills so as to fulfill the demand of the industrial domain and the 21st century. In regard to the issue that arises, the initiative has been taken to help students in mastering the 21st Century Skills in teaching and learning in Malaysia. Integration of the 21st Century Skills in the educational curriculum is a way to ensure students being exposed and able to master the skill (Wagner, 2008). In identifying the learning skill which is needed by students in developing the 21st Century Skills, recommendation for follow-up research need to be carried out (Pandian, 2005). For that reason, the selection of technol ogy as a medium of integration of the 21st Century Skills among the students will be carried out through this research. In the 21st century which is quite similar to the digital era of ICT, skill in using the latest technology has been made an important aspect. ICT is one of the 21st Century Skills that are needed in producing potential of individuals of a global standard in line with the industrial demand apart from its major contribution in the economic sector. In relation to that, it is necessary for the integration of the 21st Century Skills to progress along with the current development of ICT. Both are significant in producing quality future graduates. The effectiveness of integration between technology and 21st Century Skills need to be further observed. The usage of Web 2.0 technologies is not something new for every student. However, the integration of Web 2.0 technologies is a new phenomenon in the learning environment of the educational field. This learning environment gives students the privilege to be in charge of their own learning more proactive in developing knowledge and acquiring skills (Haihong, 2007). Web 2.0 is a term which is newly created. It comprises a collection of web based tools which provides an individual with free social networking services such as blogs, wikis, pictures and videos sharing and others. Web 2.0 technologies encourage users to collaborate with each other and it also gives them the opportunity to amend, summarize and contribute to the production of a document of the content. Web 2.0 technologies are not only used in our daily life, but it is also essential in the industrial domain (Salomon Schrum, 2007). Web 2.0 is a strategic means of sharing information. Everyone could have access to this great technology which is indeed necessary in almost every task. Revolution of Web 2.0 usage in the learning process is a new revolution in improving students information searching. One could learn and understand techniques or new knowledge technology in the process of learning through the application of Web 2.0 (Wactlar, 2000). Incorporation of Web 2.0 technologies in the integration process of 21st Century Skills knowledge among students is due to the effectiveness of the technology as one of the teaching medium itself (Zhang, 2003; Salomon Schrum, 2007; Berk, 2009). Web 2.0 technologies such as multimedia technology has a dramatic effect on both learning process and product as this learning environment involves a variety of senses which could help in maximizing students potential in retaining the information acquired (Syed, 2001). The research found out that using multimedia could improve ones problem solving skill as full attention is paid to the task given through active, interesting and clear presentation of task using multimedia (Weston B aker, 2001). In spite of that, technology alone is still unable to create a meaningful experience for ones learning. It needs to go together with learning strategies. A student needs to make sure that the learning strategy which is used along with teaching and learning through technology is the main focus (Levine, 2005). This is because different media create different impact. The effectiveness of a technology based learning environment can be measured by looking at how the technology is used, users role, and the learning process itself. A good learning process depends on the knowledge on the principles of practice which are self, students, content and methods (Galbraith, 2004). Integration of Web 2.0 technologies in incorporating 21st Century Skills among students will not be a success without appropriate learning strategies. Self-regulation is important when learning process involves internet based environment (Shen, Lee, Tsai, 2007). Preparation of a technology based environment among students in incorporating the 21st Century Skills has a high probability to be ineffective if students themselves do not have the skills to be responsible for their own learning, learning strategies need to be integrated and practiced in preparing students towards achievement in their studies (Chang, 2005). Zimmerman Schunk (1989) defines Self-directed Learning as a systematic orientation of feeling and action to help students in achieving their aims. On the other hand, Driscoll (2000) claims that self-directive are a skill where students need to decide their aims and manage their own learning as well as their achievement. Students who are equipped with self-directed skill would usually achieve better achievement than those who do not (Zimmerman Martinez-Pons, 1986). This shows that Self-directed Learning strategy plays an important role in students achievement (Zimmerman, 1990). On top of that, concern over the improvement of students also gives a positive impact on students motivation. This is suitable with the Web 2.0 technology based learning which is motivating. Learning which practices Self-directed Learning strategy through Web 2.0 technologies is suitable with the context of technology based environment as students have more control over time and task that is given to them and they have to decide on their own learning strategies (Pintrich, 1995). In contrast, traditional way of learning rarely encourages the development of self-directed learning among students (Orange, 1999). Hence, this research will be focusing on the effort to identify the integration of 21st Century Skills among students using Web 2.0 technologies. This effort is an initiative in developing the usage of technology mechanism concerned such as Web 2.0 technologies in developing the integration of 21st Century Skills among students in line with the demand of industrial domains. This initiative is taken as the phenomenon of the 21st Century Skills which becomes important in the educational field in Malaysia has now been taken into consideration in assisting the implementation of the Smart School Strategic Plan, 2011-2015 in Malaysia. Background of the Study Technology based learning is gaining attention in recent times. This is due to the nature of the technology in todays economy. High demand on k-worker who has the expertise and skills to handle technology in the industry brings about the awareness on the importance of technology. Employees should be given training and education on the use of technology as technology is able to develop employees who work smarter in producing high-quality product and services especially for clients. Information and communication technology skills (ICT) is one of the 21stCentury Skills that is needed in producing a world-class individual in line with the demand of industry and it also offers significant contributions in the economic sector. The ICT industry in Malaysia is expected to generate U.S. $14.1 billion (RM43.71 billion) in 2012 (Utusan Malaysia, 2011b). This is an era of globalization which based on knowledge and k-economy. Therefore, adaptation of the fundamental principles of education needs to be implemented in order to cope with the current situation. The information technology which is growing so rapidly made it necessary for the Malaysian education to introduce and use computers. Education in this era of information is more concerned with the practice of ICT in teaching and learning process (Glancy Isenberg, 2011; Gill Dalgarno, 2008). Thus, in order to meet the challenges in this digital era, Malaysia has embarked on a paradigm shift in line with the development of ICT. The aim of Malaysia towards developing economy through ICT has enhanced the empowerment of the use of ICT in various sectors such as commerce, industry, education, health, and in all aspects of life. The implementation of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), which has seven applications of ICT-related activities in various sectors as major projects in Malaysia provides a platform and environment that can encourage and enhance the use of ICT can encourage change to promote this country towards a digital era which is global in the 21st century. Education is seen as an important sector in introducing the use of ICT. Integration of ICT has become important in the educational field particularly. Based on The Development of Education report by MOE in year 2004, MOE hopes that ICT could improve teaching and learning by promoting activities such as video conferencing and the Internet as a common practice in the Malaysian schools. It is expected that in 10 years time, the development of ICT infrastructure will be intensified by expanding access and equity for ICT facilities; develop ICT-based curriculum; and improve evaluation as well as the evaluation system using ICT. Thus, Computer Literacy, Smart Schools, and Computers in Education, which has become one of the agenda in promoting ICT in schools, are implemented. Smart School is a school which emphasizes the application of ICT as pedagogy and in the school management. Use of ICT in school management as well as teaching and learning process is a noble effort of the Ministry of E ducation Malaysia (MOE) in promoting integration and its optimal use among the school community. Malaysias effort in the integration of ICT is developing with the implementation of the 1BestariNet Project in January 2012 by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) for schools with the aim to reform and improve the SchoolNet project. 1BestariNet is an End to End (E2E) computer networking for the purpose of teaching and learning and management and administration of 10, 000 schools for the period of 15 years (1BestariNet, 2012). This project emphasizes on the major component of teaching and learning through internet access and services Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for the school. This shows that Malaysia is moving towards providing a learning environment with the concept of e-learning in schools. Teachers and students need to develop ICT skills together in order to achieve the aspiration of government in improving ICT through education and mastering the 21st century skill in order to comply with the demand of the current industrial domain. Teachers and students need to be exposed to the skill of using digital media in order to equip themselves in overcoming challenges in the future (Pandian, 2005; Dakich, 2005). Teachers are the main input of students exposure to the skill. A study done by MSC Malaysia suggests that Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) needs to plan for on-going professional development of teachers by providing and enhancing their knowledge and skills which can build their confidence in using the ICT. ICT skills are essential in order to meet the expectations of the country in producing creative and innovative nations with the use of ICT as the catalyst to the development of the countrys economy in achieving the status of developing country by the year 2020 (Ngah Masood, 2006; Park, Roman, Lee, Chung, 2009). In the context of vocational education, ICT is seen as having a great potential in providing students a broader acquisition of knowledge where students can learn something insightful and meaningf ul in line with the demands of the industry and the main aim of the Smart School Strategic Plan, 2010-2015 (KPM, 2010). Use of the Internet such Web 2.0 technology which provides services such as Facebook, Twitter, wikis, Blogs, YouTube and others has great potential to be used in the classroom and its benefit students learning in the process of teaching and learning (Harris Rea, 2009). Teaching and learning process needs to progress along with the rapid development of information and communication technology. Tradition way of teaching and learning process has now been regarded as irrelevant to the current practice (Marold, Larsen, Moreno, 2000). Current teaching methods need to be more flexible (Zhang, 2003). Traditional way of learning has now been adapted with technology based learning such as the use of video and text in lesson that simulates students participation in the real world (Beard, Wilson, McCarter, 2007). Web 2.0 provides a new alternative in shifting the traditional teaching and learning environment towards technology based education though E-learning environment which focuses on lifelong learning and on-demand learning (Zhang, Zhao, Nunamaker, 2004). E-learning has now become one of the evolutions in the educational field where information could be shared instantly and it becomes a medium of integration of learning materials which is effective, ef ficient, immediate and more economical (Ong, Lai, Wang, 2004). In the context of education, research on the use and impact of e-learning shows positive improvement (Akaslan Law, 2010). ICT in vocational education is an idea that is still new in Malaysia and it is not impossible to be implemented with the effort of the Ministry of Education Malaysia in providing a technology-based learning environment which involves the Technical and Vocational Education Division in the development of individuals. Lambert Cuper (2008) stated that students are exposed to the latest technology such as internet, computers, mobile phones, social networks and others since their early age. Therefore, it is not surprising that students will be able to understand the learning content delivered through simulations, video and audio as technology helps them to learn effectively (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory [NCREL] Metiri Group, 2003). Each student has different ways and the ability to acquire knowledge in the learning process. Thus, it is unfair if we a ssume that all students will be able to acquire knowledge at the same time, in the same manner and with the same method used in the past and provides the same effect in the world of learning today (Berk, 2009).The use of technologies such as visual, audio, graphics and simulation have significant effects on the students. As a result, students need an interactive teaching and learning process in helping them develop the knowledge. Educators need to have an effort in learning to use new technology in order to meet the demand of students in the 21st century. Through the use of Web 2.0 technologies, it brings benefits in the aspect of time and learning location, students motivation, facilitate basic skills acquisition among students and it could improve teacher trainees skills in a way which is effective and economical (Haddad Jurich, 2002; Brecht Ogibly, 2008). Integration of Web 2.0 technologies in teaching and learning process is one of the alternatives for the use of e-learning in education. Web 2.0 technologies provide various advantages for the students (Zhang, Zhou, Briggs, Nunamaker, 2006; Schmerbeck, 2000; Salomon, Perkins, Globerson, 1991). In the context of this research, Web 2.0 technologies are used in the teaching and learning process in order to inculcate 21st Century Skills among students. This approach is taken due to rapid advancement of ICT today and the changes of the 21st century students themselves. Todays younger generation, especially students are getting more occupied by the current world development of technology. Prensky (2001a) stated that students nowadays are the digital natives where they are born, grow and communicate using digital technology throughout their lives. It seems that technology and students cannot be separated because they grew up in an environment which is well equipped with the use of computer s, video games, digital music, mobile phones, e-mail, internet and others. Students of this era show significant differences due to the rapid development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that is happening throughout the world. Students of this generation have undergone a radical transformation. They could no longer receive teaching and learning activities which are traditionally proposed by the earlier education system. Transformation in the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the teaching and learning process is seen as an important aspect of the education today. Students understand the learning content delivered via simulations, video and audio better for the use of this technology can help them more effectively (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory [NCREL] Metiri Group, 2003). The concept of Web 2.0 technologies is not something new, but it is taking a new form of approach to be used in the teaching and learning process. The use of Web 2.0 technologies such as interactive video has been widely used in institutions of higher learning which is more on adult learning (Glancy Isenberg, 2011). Adaptation of Web 2.0 technology approach in learning environment for students in Malaysian schools will be conducted. Web 2.0 technology-based learning is still believed to have a profound impact on education despite the fact that this approach has limitations in terms of teaching and learning delay among students (Song Hill, 2007). This is due to the online learning environment itself which allows students to have full control over their own learning compared to the traditional learning (Elvers, Polzella, Graetz, 2003). Besides, the usage of Web 2.0 technologies is actually fostering self-directed learning among students (Song Hill, 2007). Self-directed learning allows a student to have the initiative and high self-motivation in the success of their learning. Self-directed learning is capable of nurturing individual skills among students. It also provides students room in planning, monitoring and evaluating their own learning. The success of online learning depends on the learning strategies used (Hill, 2002) as well as the students high level of motivation (Shapley, 2000). Therefore, the integration of Web 2.0 technologies with the emerging of self-directed learning in developing 21st Century Skills among students is in line with the demand of the industry domain of the 21st century is an alternative to ensure the effective use of technology in teaching and learning process can be achieved. However, the doubt on the effectiveness of Web 2.0 technologies in developing the 21st Century Skills is still unanswered. Development of information and communication technology has brought changes in Malaysia in various sectors, particularly in improving the education and economy sector (Salman Hasim, 2011). Various efforts have been made by the education sector in producing a workforce which could contribute in the Malaysian industrial sector, in line with the rapid development of current technology. Achievement in producing a variety of technological facilities in the education sector has begun to develop rapidly. However, will this technology help in improving students skills in line with the demands of the industry is still uncertain. The 21st Century Skills need to progress along with the current technology. This is because both elements are important aspects of todays digital era. However, todays graduates are facing problem in the lack of knowledge in information technology field (The Star, 2004). Knowledge of information technology is important in the 21st century. Students are not able to get jobs because they fail to exhibit their skills (Quek, 2005; Hussin, Zakaria, Salleh, 2008). Presenting a skill will not be successful if the person does not have the knowledge of the skill. Through this research, the production of 21st Century Skills which is becoming more important will be adapted and improved through the use of Web 2.0 technologies in ensuring that students who use this technology would indirectly be practicing the 21st Century Skills. Through the use of technology, students gain knowledge in skills such as solving complex tasks and make quick decisions (Prensky, 2006). This is due to the use of technology such as video games, music and others which require them to think and move fast. Students abilities will not bring significant benefits if it is not imparted in classroom teaching (Berk, 2009). Therefore, the use of Web 2.0 technologies in teaching and learning process is a recommended alternative in bringing benefits for teachers and students (Berk, 2009). Web 2.0 technologies are an innovation in e-learning. This innovation should be practiced by teac hers and students in teaching and learning activities. However, the use and acceptance of Web 2.0 technology among teachers and students is still unknown. An innovation of technology will not bring much knowledge to the consumer if the factor of acceptance is not identified (Glancy Isenberg, 2011; Rogers, 2003). This 21st Century Skills can actually be improved from time to time. Sanders Morrison-Shetlar (2000) stated that the integration of ICT in teaching and learning process not only enhances students achievement, but it also improves their skills such as critical thinking skills and problem solving skills which are skills needed in the 21st century. ICT has great potential in producing students equipped with the 21st Century Skills. Students of the 21st century need skills such as: 1) study skill and innovation (including the skills of creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as communication and collaboration skills , 2) information and communication technology (ICT) skills (includes information literacy, media literacy, as well as information, communication and technology literacy skills), 4) life and career skills (including flexibility and adaptability, initiative and self-directed, social and cross-cultural, productivity and accountability skills as well as leadership and responsibility skills) (Partnership for 21st Century Skills, 2007). This is in line with Malaysias vision of producing potential of individuals who are equipped with the 21st Century Skills which is global in preparing students for the future. Employers in Malaysia need graduates, who are equipped with skills such as communication skills, problem solving skills, computer literacy, teamwork and management skills.The demand of employers in Malaysia towards the desired quality of graduates is still an issue today. Educational institutions have been given the responsibility to produce graduates who have 21st Century Skills as well apart from technical skills with the aim to produce outstanding individuals. However, educational institutions are still having problems in realizing the demand (Suratman Mohd Rosli, 2010). As mentioned, the problems encountered in information and communication technology are strongly related with the development of 21st Century Skills among students. E-learning which is already being practiced in institutions of higher education actually has a great potential in developing students 21st Century Skills (Jones Fitzgibbon, 2006). In spite of that, the method and approach in integrating e-learning wit h the development of 21st Century Skills need to have proper planning. The elimination of e-learning from students skills development agenda is a big mistake made now (Jones Fitzgibbon, 2006). Teachers need to play a role in the integration of 21st Century Skills through the use of Web 2.0 technologies. Teachers need to adopt ICT technology and apart from that, adaptation and innovation need to be done as well. This is a challenge taken in producing skilled manpower in the economy in realizing Vision 2020 and to create a learning environment that is compliant with the 21stcentury. With the current development of technology, Malaysia has moved towards producing k-worker which emphasizes the skills and expertise to handle technology in the industry. Economic revolution has brought demand on a new and different set of skills such as innovation, communication, interaction, and so forth. The current education system needs to take a paradigm shift in producing students who are in line with the 21st century and not simply producing workforce but not in accord with the current demand of industry. However, there is still not much research is related to this issue among students either within or outside the country. Therefore, a study should be conducted to survey the implementation of that strategy. This is an effort to help the education sector in producing skillful students in line with the demand of industry to fulfill the need for workforce who are successful in their studies apart from their achievement in their careers. The aim of this research is to identify to what extend the use of Web 2.0 technologies-based Virtual Learning Environment (WVLE) in teaching and learning process and could 21st Century Skills be instilled among students through WVLE. Limitations of this study are as listed below: Time constraint The duration of time given to finish this research is 6 months; this limits the collections of the data because of problems likely to arise during collecting the data. Because of the constraint, the data cannot be accurately evaluated. Cost constraint The researcher will have financial constraint if all of the schools in Malaysia were included in this study. This is because researcher needs to choose a random location to carry out observation on respondents. Therefore, only selected schools will involve in this study depend on the location of the schools. Probity constraint In the quantitative phase of study there is a potential risk of a non-response error i.e. problems caused by differences between those who respond and those who do not in the event of a low response rate (Dillman, 2000). Besides, the researcher also has the risk in trusting the data collected from the respondent because of the sincerity factor. Distance constraint The distance between researcher and respondents is one of the limitations in this study. The researcher can only select nearest schools as the study location in order to collect data directly from the respondents. Population constraint Because of the convenience sampling will be used in the quantitative phase of the study, the researcher cannot state with confidence that the sample will be representative of the population (Creswell, 2002). While in the qualitative phase of the study, researcher only can select a few students from nearest schools to be the respondents. This is because researcher needs to collect data directly from the respondents. This study would be significant in a number of ways. The significance of this study is closely related to the benefits or contribution obtained through the study. The contributions of the study are as listed below: Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Introduces and defines the concept of VLE, discussing how a VLE differs from the traditional classroom and differentiating it from related, but narrower.Students need a transformation in their studies, from traditional to online learning in obtaining a more effective learning experience (Mezirow, 1990). This research can help in identifying whether a VLE can be created more effectively with the integ

Discipline In The Classroom: Past And Present Essay -- corporal punish

Discipline in the Classroom: Past and Present Throughout the history of classroom education, many different types of disciplinary systems have been applied by teachers and other authority figures in schools for the sole purpose of controlling student behavior. These systems include corporal punishment, psychological abuse or neglect, and assertive discipline. Although two of these three topics are illegal at this time, they were all widely used in schools across the country a short time ago. Corporal punishment in general can be defined as the infliction of pain or confinement as a penalty for an offense committed by a student. During the time that corporal punishment was used by schools all over the United States and Canada, parents did not have any say in school discipline. It was completely up to the school authority figures on the type of punishment and the severity of the punishment given to the student. The classroom teacher had the most say in the matter since it was the teacher who usually administered the punishment to the students. Because of this, some teachers (who especially liked the idea of physical punishment) took advantage of the minor guidelines set by the principal to protect students from excessive physical beatings. These guidelines varied from school to school, but often included length, width and thickness of the paddle or any other weapon used, the amount of times the student may be struck by the weapon, and other minor details about other types of physical punishment. The list of weapons that were acceptable for teachers to use include long: rubber hoses, leather straps and belts, sticks, rods, straight pins, hard plastic baseball bats, and arrows. If at the time a teacher did not have his/her weapon, they would often resort to punching, kicking, slapping and shaking as ways to "get children's attention". Besides these common manoeuvres of punishment, other and often more painful techniques were used by teachers. Children in a class for the learning disabled claimed that their teacher, and her aide banged their heads into their desks until some students were unconscious, twisted their arms, and even tried strangulation. Another teacher shook hot tabasco sauce in the mouths of the troublesome student and smeared it in their faces. When parents found out about this specific act of cruelty, they we... ...hment. This includes writing certain things out 1000 times, to copying a page of a dictionary for homework. This is an all around unpleasant thing to do, and is probably one of the better systems used. Throughout all the different discipline plans, each teacher must be positive but stern while punishing students. Verbal apprehensions in private also may have a positive effect on misbehaving students. Of all the different types of discipline studied, Assertive discipline has the most positive results on students. It has been proven to be better at stopping students from unacceptable behaviour, as well as not damaging them emotionally, or physically. Both Physical and emotional abuse have a very negative effect on students at the time, and the emotional scars created last a life time. Bibliography Canter, Lee and Marlene Canter. Assertive Discipline. Santa Monica, CA: Lee Canter and Associates, 1992 Hyman, Irwin A. Reading Writing and the Hickory Stick. Toronto: Lexington Books, 1990. McManus, Mick. Troublesome Behaviour in the Classroom. New York: Nichols Publishing, 1989. "World Book Encyclopedia". Toronto: World Book Inc, 1991 edition. pp.88- -89

war on cocaine :: essays research papers

â€Å"The potential supply of drugs is virtually unlimited; trafficking routes and points of entry into the U.S. are multitudinous; and once destroyed laboratories, drug shipments, planes, money, chemicals, and other trafficking assets can be replaced easily.† Robert L. Clawson and Rensselaer W. Lee give their readers insight into cocaine trafficking, the effects of cocaine on the Andes, and what has been done to lower the amount of cocaine produced and exported. Together the authors paint a picture that the cocaine trade is here to stay and that it has not fundamentally changed since the 1980s. They are realists about the severe limitations on any element of U.S. and international strategy to control supplies of coca and cocaine in countries such as Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru. Clawson and Lee state, â€Å"Our suspicion is that the most effective counter narcotics program for the Andean nations will be ones that are designed by and implemented by governments concerned, rath er than by the United States or International Aid Agencies.† When the counter narcotics efforts were initially implemented they sometimes seemed successful, but the drug traffickers quickly learned how to beat the system. International counter narcotics efforts in the 1980s and 1990s have been unsuccessful in eliminating the drug cartels by extraditing, eradicating coca, or having a strong, counter trafficking effect on the supply of drugs in the Andean countries. These counter narcotics efforts are the best examples of the poor performance level of International cocaine control.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the counter narcotic efforts was to eliminate the drug cartels, which were revolutionizing the production and transport of multiton loads of cocaine to foreign markets. The Medellin cartel and the Cali cartel are often remembered as two of the more dominant drug trafficking organizations in the 1980s and 1990s. The Medellin Cartel is considered to be the more violent drug organization. Followed by the less violent organization, known as the Cali cartel, which took over the cocaine trade after the Medellin cartel fell apart. Pablo Escobar was the original pioneer of the Medellin Cartel. He also was the leader of it from the mid eighties all the way till his assassination by the Medellin Search Bloc in December of 1993. Pablo Escobar and other members of the Medellin cartel successfully accomplished their political objective, which was to defeat the U.S.-Colombian extradition treaty and dominate the Colombian justice system. The U.S. extradition treaty was important in that it allowed for Colombia to send traffickers to the United States for trial and sentencing.

Reward and Motivation Essay -- essays research papers

The purpose of this paper is to write about roles of reward systems in the 10th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) located at the United States Air Force Academy. I will discuss whether I believe in the current reward system and whether the reward system motivates employees to achieve the unit’s organization goals. Moreover, from my opinion, I will discus whether employees are satisfied with the current reward system and what I would do to improve the current system to make more effective.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Currently, the 10th Security Forces Squadron has many reward systems in place. One of which is a 100 percent tuition assistance program (TA) for all active duty military members who attend college. Tuition assistance helps motivate all types of active duty military members to complete their college degree with hardly any out of pocket expenses to the military member. Even though the TA program is widely disseminated throughout the Air Force Academy, not many members in the 10 SFS take advantage of TA. Many of the members at the 10th SFS work 12 to 14 hour shifts and these shifts vary every week creating the issue of not having set days off, therefore, creating schedule conflicts. Moreover, when reading further into TA, what’s not widely disseminated is that there is a capitation for the cost of college that the government will pay. Beginning October 1, 2002, TA will be capitated at $3,400, meaning if an active duty military member uses the complete total of $3,400 in less than one year, that military member will have to find a way to pay for the rest of his or her college until the next fiscal year, which is from October to October. Many employees in the 10th SFS are young troops that live in the dorm. The question has been asked at dorm meeting why the troops do not take advantage of TA and the response that troops do not want to pay any out of pocket expense because they cannot afford books and tuition, has been overwhelming. The second reason for not going to college and using TA was shift work that most troops have to endure. Most of the troops flight chiefs will work with a school schedule; however, the flight chief cannot guarantee that the military member can be let off work to attend every class. Therefore, most troops feel that TA and college is too much trouble and do not want to bother with it. A second form of reward is fringe comp... ...A and complete a college program.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The fringe benefit of time could not be better. Making recommendations on improving the system would be difficult at this point and time. Since, the program is new and working very well, it is very hard to say what would make the system work better. As of now, the people in the 10th SFS are showing better customer service base wide, increased work production, decreased stress on day-to-day issues and increase quality of work. Currently, I could not make any recommendations to make the system better.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Throughout this paper we’ve discussed two different types of benefits that the 10th SFS offers to their employees, how these benefits work with the unit and how the reward affect the people in the unit. I have made recommendation on bettering one system but could not make any suggestions for the other. I hope this paper has been able to give the reader a clear understanding of the 10th SFS reward and motivation program that are offered. Reference   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Martoccho, J. (2001). Employee Motivation and Compensation. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, Prentice-Hall.

Drug Testing for Welfare

The Push for Drug Testing of Welfare Recipients United States lawmakers face one of the most pressing issues of our time-welfare reform. New screening processes, often considered a direct violation of constitutional rights, have already been enacted in many states. Strong evidence exists, asserting that the practice of administering drug testing to welfare recipients will cost the U. S. taxpayers more money in the long run, stigmatize applicants and participants, and serve only the purpose of making the pharmaceutical companies more powerful.In order to protect the constitutional rights of potential welfare recipients, United States awmakers should avoid further criminalizing the poor by submitting them to drug testing and/or a nationwide welfare registry. This year, 29 states have either proposed or already passed legislation calling for drug testing to receive welfare benefits. Brian Kelley reports that of those 29 states, several are seeing a great deal of financial loss as a resu lt of this legislation: During the past year, the state of Utah has spent over $30,000 giving drug tests to welfare recipients.In that time period, only 2. 6 percent of those tested were found to have used illegal substances † well below the national use rate of 8. 9 percent (1). Kelley goes on to report: In 2012, three years and 87,000 screenings later, only one person had failed a drug test. Total savings from denying that one person benefits? $560. Total benefits paid out in that time? $200 million. Even if we include the savings from cutting benefits to the 1,633 people who didn't return the pre-test survey, it brings the total to only 0. percent of the amount distributed over that period (1). The numbers do not lie†little evidence exists that supports the claim that drug testing recipients will save money. Striving to prove that the main source of the drug problem in the United States lies in he recipients of the welfare program, policymakers continue to work ferven tly. The overgeneralization of the poor as drug users has become common practice in Washington. Lawmakers seem to feel that because recipients receive government funding, they in turn give up their constitutional rights as U. S. citizens.The practice of criminalizing the poor has become commonplace in the creation of U. S. governmental policy. Karen Gustafson is someone who knows a lot about the criminalization of the poor. She has spent much of her time researching and writing about Just that. According to Gustafson, â€Å"The public desire to deter and punish welfare cheating has overwhelmed the will to provide economic security to vulnerable members of society (644). † Because of the misuse of welfare funds by a few, the entire underprivileged population has been targeted as criminals†as lazy, drug abusing sponges.Over the past several decades, the United States government has spent billions of dollars in an effort to catch and prosecute those who are abusing the wel fare system. This practice is necessary in order to rid the welfare system of abusers. However, often verlooked is the fact that there are many recipients who are not drug users and are still in need of aid. It is the duty of the U. S. government to provide aid without encouraging potential participants to teel like they are being considered as potential criminals from the very beginning of the application process.The cross-agency process involved in the welfare and criminal Justice systems is unconstitutional and an invasion of the privacy of the American underprivileged. As welfare reform began to take place so did the social misconception that recipients are criminals did as well. In fact, welfare recipients often receive the same treatment as parolees and probationers. This is in part due to the fact that too many law enforcement techniques are embedded in the welfare system.Gustafson tells us: Her social security number has been matched against state and national criminal recor ds The financial information she has provided has been matched against various employment databases, IRS records, and Franchise Tax Board records Her personal information has been entered into the welfare system's database, which may be accessed by law enforcement officers without any basis for suspicion All f this has occurred before she has received a single welfare check (645). There is no doubt that those Americans in need of assistance have been subjected to unconstitutional treatment by the welfare program.As a result of the criminal actions of a few, all of the needy are being unfairly scrutinized. The implementation of unfounded drug testing in addition to the already criminalizing application process will only serve to further stigmatize the needy†and all in the name of the mighty dollar. Some believe that it is not the quest to save money that is the driving force behind the push for this legislation. Rather, it is a desire to make millions for the pharmaceutical com panies that lawmakers are seeking to achieve.Lobbyist interference from multi-million dollar pharmaceutical companies has heavily influenced Washington lawmakers' policymaking. These pharmaceutical companies have their hand in much of the United States lawmaking practice. These powerful corporations stand to make a lot of money from the sale of drug testing supplies and services to the U. S. government. Macdonald reports: several Republican lawmakers in Congress have pushed hard for the mandatory drug testing of anyone, nywhere, applying for welfare.Leading the charge in the senate is Orrin Hatch who received $8,000 campaign contributions in 2012 from the political action committee of Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp), $3000 from another political action committee to which LabCorp contributes, as well as $4000 in campaign contributions from another company with major interests in drug testing, Abbott Laboratories (15). According to Macdonald, Orrin Hatch is not the only la wmaker with these corporations in his pocket. â€Å"GOP Congressman Charles Boustany received $1 5,000 from Abbott Laboratories (15).The fact that Congressmen and women are receiving contributions from pharmaceutical companies is disturbing to say the least. The American underprivileged do not stand a chance at ever overcoming their circumstances as long as lawmakers continue to be driven by greed, rather than their best interest. If United States lawmakers really had the best interest of the underprivileged in mind, they would be focusing fewer resources on treating those who test positive for substance abuse and more on the underlying mental and physical causes for the abuse.Pollack tells us, â€Å"Even among women who eported recent illicit substance abuse, depression, physical health problems and limited education were actually more common barriers to self-sufficiency and social tunctioning(2) † Pollack turtner states, â€Å"Most weltare recipients [ . ] were casual mar ijuana users who didn't meet screening criteria for marijuana (or other substance use) disorders. Ironically, chemical testing technologies were most sensitive to identifying marijuana users who rarely needed addiction services (2). Mental and physical disabilities and the lack of healthcare are often the underlying cause of drug use to begin with as a means of self-medication. These issues receive far too little attention in the U. S. government policy decisions, unlike that of drug use. Pollack's research outlines the statistical data on illicit drug use as it compares to mental and physical health problems: However one runs the numbers, illicit drug use disorders are not common among welfare recipients. Other physical and mental health problems are far more prevalent. Drug Testing for Welfare The Push for Drug Testing of Welfare Recipients United States lawmakers face one of the most pressing issues of our time-welfare reform. New screening processes, often considered a direct violation of constitutional rights, have already been enacted in many states. Strong evidence exists, asserting that the practice of administering drug testing to welfare recipients will cost the U. S. taxpayers more money in the long run, stigmatize applicants and participants, and serve only the purpose of making the pharmaceutical companies more powerful.In order to protect the constitutional rights of potential welfare recipients, United States awmakers should avoid further criminalizing the poor by submitting them to drug testing and/or a nationwide welfare registry. This year, 29 states have either proposed or already passed legislation calling for drug testing to receive welfare benefits. Brian Kelley reports that of those 29 states, several are seeing a great deal of financial loss as a resu lt of this legislation: During the past year, the state of Utah has spent over $30,000 giving drug tests to welfare recipients.In that time period, only 2. 6 percent of those tested were found to have used illegal substances † well below the national use rate of 8. 9 percent (1). Kelley goes on to report: In 2012, three years and 87,000 screenings later, only one person had failed a drug test. Total savings from denying that one person benefits? $560. Total benefits paid out in that time? $200 million. Even if we include the savings from cutting benefits to the 1,633 people who didn't return the pre-test survey, it brings the total to only 0. percent of the amount distributed over that period (1). The numbers do not lie†little evidence exists that supports the claim that drug testing recipients will save money. Striving to prove that the main source of the drug problem in the United States lies in he recipients of the welfare program, policymakers continue to work ferven tly. The overgeneralization of the poor as drug users has become common practice in Washington. Lawmakers seem to feel that because recipients receive government funding, they in turn give up their constitutional rights as U. S. citizens.The practice of criminalizing the poor has become commonplace in the creation of U. S. governmental policy. Karen Gustafson is someone who knows a lot about the criminalization of the poor. She has spent much of her time researching and writing about Just that. According to Gustafson, â€Å"The public desire to deter and punish welfare cheating has overwhelmed the will to provide economic security to vulnerable members of society (644). † Because of the misuse of welfare funds by a few, the entire underprivileged population has been targeted as criminals†as lazy, drug abusing sponges.Over the past several decades, the United States government has spent billions of dollars in an effort to catch and prosecute those who are abusing the wel fare system. This practice is necessary in order to rid the welfare system of abusers. However, often verlooked is the fact that there are many recipients who are not drug users and are still in need of aid. It is the duty of the U. S. government to provide aid without encouraging potential participants to teel like they are being considered as potential criminals from the very beginning of the application process.The cross-agency process involved in the welfare and criminal Justice systems is unconstitutional and an invasion of the privacy of the American underprivileged. As welfare reform began to take place so did the social misconception that recipients are criminals did as well. In fact, welfare recipients often receive the same treatment as parolees and probationers. This is in part due to the fact that too many law enforcement techniques are embedded in the welfare system.Gustafson tells us: Her social security number has been matched against state and national criminal recor ds The financial information she has provided has been matched against various employment databases, IRS records, and Franchise Tax Board records Her personal information has been entered into the welfare system's database, which may be accessed by law enforcement officers without any basis for suspicion All f this has occurred before she has received a single welfare check (645). There is no doubt that those Americans in need of assistance have been subjected to unconstitutional treatment by the welfare program.As a result of the criminal actions of a few, all of the needy are being unfairly scrutinized. The implementation of unfounded drug testing in addition to the already criminalizing application process will only serve to further stigmatize the needy†and all in the name of the mighty dollar. Some believe that it is not the quest to save money that is the driving force behind the push for this legislation. Rather, it is a desire to make millions for the pharmaceutical com panies that lawmakers are seeking to achieve.Lobbyist interference from multi-million dollar pharmaceutical companies has heavily influenced Washington lawmakers' policymaking. These pharmaceutical companies have their hand in much of the United States lawmaking practice. These powerful corporations stand to make a lot of money from the sale of drug testing supplies and services to the U. S. government. Macdonald reports: several Republican lawmakers in Congress have pushed hard for the mandatory drug testing of anyone, nywhere, applying for welfare.Leading the charge in the senate is Orrin Hatch who received $8,000 campaign contributions in 2012 from the political action committee of Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp), $3000 from another political action committee to which LabCorp contributes, as well as $4000 in campaign contributions from another company with major interests in drug testing, Abbott Laboratories (15). According to Macdonald, Orrin Hatch is not the only la wmaker with these corporations in his pocket. â€Å"GOP Congressman Charles Boustany received $1 5,000 from Abbott Laboratories (15).The fact that Congressmen and women are receiving contributions from pharmaceutical companies is disturbing to say the least. The American underprivileged do not stand a chance at ever overcoming their circumstances as long as lawmakers continue to be driven by greed, rather than their best interest. If United States lawmakers really had the best interest of the underprivileged in mind, they would be focusing fewer resources on treating those who test positive for substance abuse and more on the underlying mental and physical causes for the abuse.Pollack tells us, â€Å"Even among women who eported recent illicit substance abuse, depression, physical health problems and limited education were actually more common barriers to self-sufficiency and social tunctioning(2) † Pollack turtner states, â€Å"Most weltare recipients [ . ] were casual mar ijuana users who didn't meet screening criteria for marijuana (or other substance use) disorders. Ironically, chemical testing technologies were most sensitive to identifying marijuana users who rarely needed addiction services (2). Mental and physical disabilities and the lack of healthcare are often the underlying cause of drug use to begin with as a means of self-medication. These issues receive far too little attention in the U. S. government policy decisions, unlike that of drug use. Pollack's research outlines the statistical data on illicit drug use as it compares to mental and physical health problems: However one runs the numbers, illicit drug use disorders are not common among welfare recipients. Other physical and mental health problems are far more prevalent.

Personnel Management vs Human Resource Management

Personnel Management vs. Human Resource Management Word count 2500| January 30 2012 | HNBS 121 HRM Mr. Nick Pronger Diana Carvalho 09607 | | Self evaluation Prior to starting my assignment, I have researched and assessed various organisations to develop my case study and my choice was based on the proximity to one organisation I currently volunteer. Gathering information from the charity I volunteer was rather easy having access to the date I found it easy to select which information to collect and apply into my assignment.However, I had also provided information based on my personal experience. Through my assignment, I have used varied material sources such as, the lecture handouts, text books, the internet, articles, journals and personal experience. However, the lecture handouts were the most effective and straight forward as I was able to follow the template and apply it into my assignment by giving examples, where as text books had broader information, where I was able to get fu ll extended information but had to do more reading that I would like to in order to gather one aspect of a concept.In addition, my internet research reservations was the accuracy, validity as well as how updated it was, therefore, I looked for definitions rather than theories online, due to the language barrier and English not being my mother tongue, I was required to use dictionaries very often to define certain terms, I was unable to understand otherwise and could undermine further the assignment content and would ultimately lead me to the wrong direction and deliver wrong information.My time management was poor, which I intend to improve on my next assignments in other to give myself the spare time necessary researching, gather relevant information and receiving lecturers’ feedback before submitting my assignments. IntroductionOver the past twenty two years, since the world moved from personnel management, traditionally defined as â€Å"the task of ensuring the optimum us e of human resources to the mutual benefit of the enterprise, each person and the community at large† Armstrong (1997), to embrace human resource management, defined as â€Å"a strategic approach to acquiring, developing, managing, motivating and gaining the commitment of the organisation’s key resource – the people who work in and for it† Armstrong (1997), which functions are primarily concerned with putting â€Å"people first† and at the same time securing management objectives by maximising the ROI (Return on Investment). The manager in HRM is recognised as a holder of an organisation, which achieves organisational objectives through people, therefore, the support of a skilled and motivated workforce to put goals, knowledge and experience into practice, the complementation of efficiency levels can make or break an organisation. Personnel manager’s main job was to ensure that the needs of the workforce as they relate to their immediate conc erns were taken care of, it was more administrative, which included recruitment and selection, payroll, contractual obligations and other administrative tasks.Further, personnel managers typically played the role of mediators between the management and the employees and hence there was always the feeling that personnel management was not in harmony with the objectives of the management and many employers today have no training or knowledge of how to reward and treat employees as the key resource, for developing mutuality by concentrating on fostering their commitment and identification with the organisation through communicating well, involving them in organisational decisions, emphasising management and motivation strategic approach in order to retain them, even though most workplaces increased the importance of these concepts. Research methodology Secondary research * Books; * Articles; * Reports; * Online CIPD In order to acquire these resources I have gone to the Kensington & Ch elsea Library as well the British Library. Research findings In the 70s employment started to develop significantly as shown in figure 1. 1.Personnel techniques developed using theories from the social sciences about motivation through performance appraisal and manpower planning, which included the implementation of organisational behaviour through sophisticated systematic training (under the influence of the training boards), where selection testing became more widely used. Personnel management has gone through a period of major concern about the so-called demographic time bomb, referring to impeding unwelcome shortages of younger people entering the labour market. The recession of the early ‘90’s was affected by this problem, which is still a common place today, and the need to concentrate more on strategies for attracting and retaining high quality staff is just as urgent.The mentality of individualism and unjustifiable greed of the 80’s made way for the spiri t of consent and the value of teamwork as well as the concern for employees who were essential to the operation of the organisation since high commitment was required from these employees please refer to figure 1. 2. Recognition of personnel function as a contribution to bottom-line performance have become a more important strategy where an employer is a business partner sharing responsibility with his employees; the most important assets in an organisation, which their effective management will contribute to organisations’ success and it is most likely to be achieved if policies and procedures are closely linked with the achievement of organisational objectives and strategic plans. The organisational climate and managerial behaviour that originated from corporate culture and values will bring a major influence on the achievement of excellence. Strategic HRM is the process of linking the human resource function with the strategic objectives of the organisation in order to imp rove performance† Bratton & Gold (2007) Hestia is an empowering organisation, whom welcomes everyone, especially members a minority background. Human resource management department assists in developing volunteers’ skills through training in order to retain and empower them but as well achieving as Hestia organisational goals through a competence and motivated workforce. Hestia priority is to hire competent workforce and hire the right person for the right job, after that manpower decides about other tangible and intangible resources.Essentially, other resources rely on HRM to plan, organise and monitor human resources. HR department contribution to overall strategy is crucial for Hestia’s ultimate success and effectiveness, from areas ranging from strategic planning to image, the areas in which HR maintains control can enhance Hestias’ perception of the department throughout the workforce, improving Hestia’s essence and running with the knowledge o f how human capital affects organisational success. Strategic management takes part in organisational decision-making which underlies present staffing assessments and projections for future workforce needs based on organisations demand.From a financial perspective, skills and experience are necessary in order to set realistic development structures in regards to wages competition with organisations competing for employees with similar skills, the extensive conduct salary surveys in order to maintain costs in line with the organisation's current financial status and projected revenue, as well as the reduction of costs associated with turnover, attrition and hiring replacement workers, the ability to negotiate group benefit packages for employees, within Hestia’s budget and consistent with economic conditions, the department is also are familiar with employee benefits most likely to attract and retain workers. Under The Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) 1974 Hestia is boun d to provide safe working conditions and HRM manages and ensures that the organisation complies with the regulations by maintaining accurate work logs and records and developing programs that reduce the number of workplace injuries and incidents by engaging employees in promoting awareness and safe handling of dangerous machinery and hazardous chemicals under The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 1998 legislation.In case of dispute, HRM department investigates and attempts to mediate workplace issues, which unresolved, may escalate and place the Hestia in a legal dispute, which can stain its image as well as compensation pay outs to employees if found accountable. HR assists Hestia achieve high performance, morale and satisfaction levels throughout the employees, by promoting ways of strengthening good working relationships by administering employee opinion surveys, conduct focus groups and seek employee input regarding job satisfaction, also provides training that s upports the company's fair employment practices and employee development to prepare ambitious leaders for supervisory and management positions. They provide guidance to line managers who are not familiar with HR or standard hiring processes and determine the most effective methods for recruiting applicants best suited for Hestia’s needs.In HRM, â€Å"reward refers to all of the monetary, non-monetary and psychological payments that an organisation provides for its employees in exchange for the work they perform† (Bratton & Gold, 2007) â€Å"The average worker dislikes work and avoids it if possible – will only be made to work by control and threats. Carrot and stick approach; use of payments system to provide incentives† McGregor (1960) and its management process designs, implements, and maintains policies and systems in order to assist on organisational strategic plans, which are appointed to improve performance and productivity by attracting talent, ret aining, encouraging a committed and efficient workforce according to their value and contribution to the organisation. The role between managers and HR department leads to effective HRM practices, e. g. , performance appraisals.The success of Hestia’s performance appraisal system depends on the ability of both parties to do their jobs appropriately. HR department develop the system, while line managers provide the actual performance evaluations. Line managers direct employees' day-to-day tasks. From an HRM perspective, line managers are responsible for implementing HRM practices and providing HRM with necessary input for developing effective practices. Managers carry out many procedures and methods devised by HR professionals such as: * Placing the right person on the right job * Starting new employees in the organisation * Training employees for the jobs that are new to them * Improving the job performance of each person Gaining creative cooperation and developing smooth wor king relationships * Interpreting the organisation’s policies and procedures * Controlling labour costs * Developing the abilities of each person * Creating and maintaining department morale * Protecting employees’ health and physical condition * Interview job applicants * Provide and communicate job performance ratings * Recommend salary increases * Carry out disciplinary procedures * Investigate accidents * Settle grievance issues Hestia Legal Framework: Hestia operates policies and practices in line with statutory requirements. The present statutory framework applied includes e. g. , the legislation bellow: Gender: * Code of practice – sex discrimination Code of practice on equal pay * Gender Equality pay – Code of practice of England and Wales Race: * Statutory code of practice on racial equality in employment * Statutory code of practice on the duty to promote race equality * Statutory code of practice on racial equality in housing: England Disabilit y: * The duty to promote equality; statutory code practice: England and Wales * Code of practice: Employment and occupation * Guidance on matters to be taken into account in determining questions relating to the definition of disability Hestia legal and regulatory framework on human resource management has a great impact especially among the minority group.Being a charity assisting people gaining control over their lives, guiding and providing housing support as well as empowering mainly homeless, ex offenders, people mental health and HIV issues, service users get attached to the organisation and tend to volunteer, and in some cases end up getting paid employment within the organisation, therefore, a strong legal framework emphasis, specially confidentiality, it is crucial, due to the nature of service users situation. Motivation is defined as McGregor (1960) stated in, theory Y, the mental process also called as â€Å"Intrinsic motivation† which, is the motivation that come s from the inside of the individual due to self gratification of completing or carrying a task rather than the external factors, such as pay and rewards and theory X; the social process also called as â€Å"Extrinsic motivation† which, is the motivation that comes from the outside of an individual due to external factors, such as pay and rewards being the main gratification, thus tasks are carried and/or completed as a result.Within an organisation different individuals and teams are motivated by different factors, these factors have different levels as shown below on figure 1. 1 on Maslow’s need theory (1954), which suggests that people’s ultimate goal is to fulfil each level of need until self actualisation is satisfied, different ways of motivation, flexibility and commitment as McKenna and Beech (2002, p. 189) suggested such as the â€Å"appropriate management style, competitive compensation package and supportive culture† (cited by Armstrong and Murl is, 1994) will promote organisation success. Some would disagree with Maslow’s theory due to the fact that individuals’ needs vary, e. g. self-actualisation is not imperative to being successful for everybody, or an individual’s needs that are being met at home do not need to be met at the workplace but the theory establishes that ‘higher order needs’ will have to be aligned with rewards and incentives in order to motivate and satisfy and this approach enables organisations to understand the sort of rewards employees need to receive in order to have the following needs met: Training, opportunities for promotion and career progression| Recognition, the chance to make a difference| Staff room, team working opportunities | Health and safety provision, job security| Pay, decent working conditions | Figure. 1. 3 Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs & the Workplace Figure 1. 4 Herzberg’s Two-Factor TheoryHerzberg’s theory defined Motivators as factors, also called intrinsic rewards which can motivate employees to greater performance and positive attitude by offering job satisfaction of ‘higher-level needs’ associated with recognition, responsibility, achievement and career progression, proven to be effective. Hygiene factors, also called extrinsic rewards, which can only cause dissatisfaction if not fulfilled, needs associated with company policy, pay, working conditions and organisations, must ensure that motivators exit so that employees are satisfied and that hygiene factors are met so that employees are not demotivated. Herzberg’s theory has also been criticised particularly of job satisfaction on work performance â€Å"A satisfied worker is not necessarily a high producer and a high producer is not necessarily and satisfied worker† Armstrong, 2003).The two factor theory, focused mainly on job design, challenge, empowerment, responsibility, recognition and contentment of the work. Based on McClelland theory, high achievers are unlikely to remain in jobs that do not pay them well, reinforcing pay as a hygiene factor but total reward concept, seems to be the most effective in order to motivate employees as it combines extrinsic and intrinsic rewards. Most people aim when applying for employment is to secure an income, Taylor approach known as scientific management â€Å"What the workmen want from their employers beyond anything else is high wages, and what employers want from their workmen most of all is low labour cost of manufacture. (Taylor, 1911), his theory, was further explained as instrumental orientation, when people saw work as purely a form of income that may provide them with the opportunity in obtaining the things that the worker really wants, even though they might not necessarily like their job. The essence of scientific management is regarded as efficiency, which is the greatest output per unit of input, and workers get good rates of pay based on their p roductivity, demonstrating that output was influenced on other factors other than pay, although the size of income will impact on employees’ standard of living, most employees are mostly concerned with earning enough income to meets their needs, and know that their pay is fair in comparison with others, where legislation come into play under the equality Act 2010, the employment rights Act 1996 and the national Min wage Act 1998.Job evaluation is a systematic assessment of the respective worth of various jobs within organisations or industries in order to determine relationships between jobs and establish an internal outlook and design impartial wage rates structure and managing view. It is concerned with the internal outlook, which is, employees doing the same kind of work, receive the equal rewards. Job evaluation quantifies differences between jobs and lays them into groups and ranking order and can be categorised as follows: Scheme | Characteristics | Advantages| Disadvan tages | Factor comparison| Each job is compared individually in turn with all others being evaluated.Points awarded according to whether the job is more, less or equally demanding than the jobs with which it is being compared, points are added to determine the rank order and the scores are analysed and discussed. | Easier to compare a job with one other job than with whole range of jobs. | It neither explains why one job is more important than the other nor assesses differences between them. | Points rating| Separate factors are scored to produce overall points. | Consistency in judgement is assisted by having defined factor levels. Considered the best system in equal value. | Complex to maintain. Objectivity is apparent, subjective judgement required to rate jobs of different factors. Ranking| Whole job comparisons made to place them in order of importance| Simple, cheap, and easy to understand| Complex, whilst determining middle range jobs, and bias whilst assessing of the perform ance of the employee rather than the job itself| Job classification| Job grades defined and slotted into grades by comparing the whole job description with the grade definition| Simple, judgment is provided in the shape of grade definitions | Difficult to fit complex jobs into a grade without using elaborate grade definitions. | Competence & skill grading| Jobs placed in grades in accordance with level of competence/skill| Based on one input factor. Direct pay structure. Non-analytical, difficult to differentiate clearly between competence/skills levels. | Other factors determining pay Competence and skill analysis: Employee’s competence relevance to the needs of the organisation based on operational significance. External systems: when examining job evaluation is not longer the direct consideration where rewards is concerned, eternal market and environment conditions are of greater importance. A large number of employers have taken steps to move away from collective bargaini ng systems to a more individualised reward system. Performance related pay is a good example of this, which is a payment that takes into account the quality of performance instead of being related to a wage grade.External competiveness associated with a job evaluation scheme is a issue in determining rewards and this is evident when organisations adopt market driven reward systems where the rate for the jobs reflects the rate required to attract rather than being based on a payment that is undermined by an internal grading structure. Market rates of pay system: the collection of data on the pay rates for similar jobs with competition to establish their market rate and track movements in those rates. The aim is to assist set the organisation’s own pay rates at the suitable level in order to recruit and retain the staff. Although the concept of a market rate for a job is fairly common, there is no such thing as an accurate or scientific single rate of pay for a job or role, and rates may vary even for the same occupation and in the same location.A central decision relates to how the data will be interpreted, and for this organisations need to consider where they wish to position their pay levels in relation to the market – for example at the median or the upper quartile level of pay in the external labour market. Most organisations use pay surveys to get current and updated pay rate and the sources of information on market rates include: Published data from paid surveys and similar organisations give indication of going rates, it is limited because of problems in comparing like with like, but can help with periodic reality checks on levels and movements, and are valuable sources of data on specific occupations or localities. Pay clubs of employer groups that regularly exchange information on pay levels. These only allow participants access to the data.Special surveys launched by individual organisations from specialist pay consultancies but access is limited to the contractor and participants. Consultants’ pay databases containing data collected on a systematic or ad hoc basis which they relate to the results of their job evaluation schemes to compare pay rates across organisations on a common basis: this ability is one of the attractions of job evaluation to many organisations. To be viable it is important that the factors measure common job/role characteristics and can enable comparisons to be made across different jobs/roles and organisations; the data is based on an adequate sample; and the job analyses are carried out systematically and conscientiously.Market rates of pay will vary on supply and demand in the open market, factors such as: 1. Relative scarcity of particular skills 2. Sensitivity of employees to pay, as it may or may not be an incentive 3. Affordability 4. Culture and value system 5. Bargaining (trade union) 6. Government intervention Internal comparison: It is possible to use job evaluation as a wa y of matching jobs to enable market pricing to take place (although other approaches also exist to comparing jobs, as detailed below). However, there are certain tensions between job evaluation and market pricing approaches. Job evaluation has an internal focus as it ranks jobs and their relative mportance within an organisation – whereas the main focus of market pricing is external as it aims to compare the pay rate for an organisation’s jobs with those in the wider labour market. Employers may need to seek resolutions to such tensions if they wish to ensure that pay rates remain both internally equitable and externally competitive. For example, where higher earnings are commanded in the external market for a particular position than justified by an internal job evaluation exercise, one approach would be to use temporary market supplements to top up earnings for that role as necessary. Hestia aims to be a learning organisation with cultures of continuous improvement a nd staff development.To achieve this aim Hestia is committed to supporting everyone who works for the organisation to develop their professional skills and to achieve their full potential and that is achieved by rewarding and enhancing the contribution employees make to assist Hestia achieve their goals. The process is implemented through policies such as the work based learning policy, which is defined as any on-going and continuous activity that contributes to the development needs of the individual, team and organisation, where the responsibility for work based learning is that of the individual workers supported the line manager. These learning needs will be indentified and the objectives set at the following levels: Level| When set | Objectives set by|Individual| * Induction: when a new workers starts, or an existing worker transfers to a new post * Supervision: when learning needs will be identified to achieve job requirements, or, a requirement to improve performance has been identified * Appraisal: when longer term development learning needs are identified| * Individual & Line Manager| Team| * To enable the team to meet recommendations made by external stakeholders, e. g. CSCI, NOMS, Supporting People * To implement identified efficiency improvements * To implement changes to local working practice| * Project/Department Manager through annual team development team | Organisational | * Implement changes to organisational strategy *Ensure compliance with new, or changes to legislation * To implement the reorganisation of management or work practices | * Corporate management Team| Classification of Work Based Learning Needs: Core| Specialist | Professional| * Essential for all workers e. g. health and safety, induction, implementation of organisational changes| * To meet requirements of specialised work within different projects at a central team or individual level| * Link to relevant national occupational standards recognise the diversity of the work un dertaken within Hestia | | | | Professional Development Fund & Loans – This where Hestia invites employees without outstanding disciplinary actions whom passed their probationary period to apply for funding for a course lasting no longer than two years.Hestia commits to contribute up to a maximum of 50% of the cost of the course fees, which may be recovered if the applicant does not complete the course, or leaves the organisation within completing the course. In addition, Hestia will give an interest-free professional development loan of a relevant extended course, which the Human Resource Manager will determine whether or not the course is relevant. Study Leave & Day Release – Up to five days study leave per year can be agreed where an employee is studying a relevant course. The line manager will determine course relevancy and potential for disruption within the working team and where it does not does not disrupt, Hestia will allow paid day release for employees to at tend extended courses in a relevant area of work.The line manager will need to ensure that the cost of relief staff is within the budget and the Corporate Services Director must approve to the leave and budget release. Evaluation of Work Based Learning Activity – costs and benefits are evaluated in order to assess how effective work based learning activities have been in meeting organisational aims and objectives. The evaluation process is undertaken at a variety of different levels and the output is used to: validate the core plan for the previous year, identify any learning from evaluation that needs to be incorporated into following years core learning plan. Evaluation Level| Undertaken By| Timescales|Individual| Individual and Line Manager| * Immediately after activity (individual) * Two months after learning (line manager)| Team| Line Manager| * Annual to be completed by project/dept manager | Organisational| Corporate Management Team| * Annual to be completed by Human R esources | â€Å"A sample was selected using a random sampling procedure. Population frames were developed based upon geographic regions. A random selection was made of two or three offices within each sales region. A package of the appropriate number of surveys was then sent to each of the selected offices. Further, it was decided that questionnaires would be sent to each of the 75 district managers, regardless of whether their office had been selected for the study. Therefore, 100% of the district managers, 25. 2 1% of the sales mangers and 25 . 4% of the sales agents were surveyed for a total sample size of 534. † Shinew, (1993), The Attractiveness and effectiveness of Incentives Reward Options. Willingness To Increase Productivity On a 7-point scale anchored by â€Å"no additional effort at all† and â€Å"a great deal of additionaleffort,† respondents were asked to indicate how much additional effort they would be willing to exert in order to achieve each in centive reward. Their responses are displayed on the right. They were most willing to exert extra effort for cash, followedby sales conference trips and personal vacationtrips, respectively. These differences are statistically significant. Motivational EffectRespondents were asked to indicate on a 7 -point scale ranging from â€Å"motivating† to â€Å"not motivating,† their reaction to each of the incentives. When simply examining the â€Å"motivating† response category, sales conferences had the highest rating. Almost 65% indicated that they found the reward motivating. This was followed by cash and personal vacation trips, respectively. One of the objectives of the present study was to examine differences in levels of organizational commitment between employees who had received an incentive award in the past two years and those who had not. These two groups are referred to as recipients and non-recipients.In this analysis, only the achievement of cash, merchan dise and conference trip awards were considered. As illustrated in the graph on the right, the two groups differed in their levels of organizational commitment. Therecipients indicated higherlevels of organizationalcommitment than did the non – recipients. The difference between the two groups is statistically significant. â€Å"The three recipient groups were then compared in terms of their levels of organizational c commitment. The cash recipients indicated the highest level, followed by merchandise and conference recipients, respectively. † Shinew, (1993), The Attractiveness and effectiveness of Incentives Reward Options. The returned questionnaires provided valuable information regarding the effectiveness of the incentive rewards at the Company. The findings indicated that: * Sales conferences and personal vacation trips were the most attractive incentive rewards to the respondents. * Travel rewards were followed in attractiveness by cash, merchandise, recognition and status awards, respectively. These findings suggest that in terms of attractiveness, travel rewards were superior to the other incentive options. However, when asked to indicate how much additional effort they would be willing to exert in order to achieve each of the incentives, the respondents were most willing to exert extra effort to achieve cash, followed by sales conference trips and personal vacation trips. Shinew, (1993), The Attractiveness and effectiveness of Incentives Reward Options. Hestia Competence-based appraisal The appraisal is a two-way meeting between employees and the line manager once employees have completed the probation with Hestia. Pos probation period, it is several months until the annual appraisal, employees will be set a work-based and development plan following his/her probation review The annual meeting will usually take place each June/July to provide the employees the opportunity to: * Express how employees have performed in the previous year and to provide examples of how employees have met their outcomes and core competencies. Receive constructive feedback from the line manager on how employees have been performing, both to recognise and assure employees in what they are doing well and to guide them in their on-going work performance and continuous professional development * Discuss how employees are working through a competence-based review, * Identifying learning and development needs and agree the resources they require meet those needs, and * Agreeing relevant and realistic outcomes to achieve over the next twelve months At the end of the meeting employees should develop and work-based development plan which will be signed off by the line manger and reviewed (or possibly amended in light of changes) regularly through the year during employees supervisions.Employees appraisal plan will be review and signed by a a second line manager for consistency and to provide any additional comments. Timeline (Appendix 5) Conclusio n The present analysis was undertaken to answer the question of the value of rewards as motivators for employees. Intrinsic motivational factors have been found to be significant, in both the presence of Hestia’s training scheme and in its absence, this finding of the motivational importance of intrinsic factors within the organisation. Intrinsic rewards dominate extrinsic. Extrinsic motivators do play a role, but not to the extent that classical agency theory suggests a people are motivated by non-economic rewards.In addition, the importance of intrinsic motivators highlights the importance of context in the motivation of staff. It is through the organisation that employees are able to work with clients whom witness their successes, achieve a good work/life balance and have fun at work. Appendixes Figure 1. 1 Employment development Figure 1. 2 Referencing McKenna, E. , Beech, N. (2002) Human Resource Management a concise analysis. England. Armstrong, M. (1991) A Handbook of Personnel Management Practice. London BPP, (2010) Human Resource Management. London Shinew, (1993), The Attractiveness and effectiveness of Incentives Reward Options. NY. Available from: [30/01/2012]