Personal Development and Careers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words - 1

Personal Development and Careers - Essay Example The process of learning leads to acquiring of knowledge. Learning is commonly defined as the process that brings together cognitive, emotional, and environmental influences and experiences for acquiring, enhancing, or making changes in one's knowledge, skills, values, and world views (Illeris, 2000; Ormorod, 1995)’.Learning process focuses on what happens when the learning takes place. There are various Learning Theories which explore the process of learning. A learning theory is attempts to describe how people and animals learn; thereby helping us understand the inherently complex process of learning. Thus, through this process permanent change in the behavior and pattern is observed. The change, which comes through learning, is permanent in the sense that it improves one’s performance in his/her field. Learning theories have two main functions. According to the definition by Hill (2002). â€Å"One is providing us with vocabulary and a conceptual framework for interpr eting the examples of learning that we observe. The other is suggesting where to look for solutions to practical problems. The theories do not give us solutions, but they do direct our attention to those variables that are crucial in finding solutions.† David Kolb’s, a pioneer in the field of learning, developed a model, which he published in the year 1984.Through this model was originated the Kolb’s Experimental Learning Theory. This theory establishes four stage-learning styles which can also be called the Training Cycle. In this four-stage cycle of learning, â€Å"immediate or concrete experiences provide a basis for observations and reflections. These observations and reflections are assimilated and distilled into abstract concepts producing new implications for action that can be actively tested in turn creating new experiences†. Through the entire cycle of learning, the learner touches the basis, that is, a cycle of experiencing, reflecting, thinking , and acting. Immediate and concrete experiences lead to observations and reflections, these reflections are then absorbed or assimilated as abstract concepts which in turn help in creation of new processes. Thus, Kolb’s categorizes learners into four types according to his definition. Convergers, Diverger, Assimilator and Accommodator. A learning process must accomplish all these four responses. Convergers are characterized by abstract conceptualization and active experimentation; they are good at practical application of ideas and proficient at deductive reasoning. Divergers are reflective in observation and they are imaginative. They have concrete ideas. Assimilators are capable of crafting theoretical models by means of inductive reasoning and Accommodators are good at actively engaging with the world. Kolb’s learning style methods are acknowledged by the academicians, teachers, managers and trainers. This model has helped people in learning and understanding human behaviour. Another model of learning is Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory Model that offers simple and accessible methods to understand and explain people preferred ways to learn and develop. It is a classic model to understand and teach many aspects of human behaviour and intelligence, learning style and personality. It is also a widely accepted model in the field of academics and industry though developed initially for psychology. In simple terms this theory is based on cognitive perspective. Gardner discovered seven

International Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

International Management - Essay Example The firm needs to be restructured to keep up with its international growth and a plan needs to be developed to change the organization to fit its new multinational status. Tossavainen (2005, pg. 1) claims that, "the utilization of an enterprise resource planning system in an multinational enterprise can be explained by the following elements: 1) organizational awareness, 2) imperfect autonomy, 3) change orientation, 4) transformation triggers, 5) Enterprise Resource Planning system impact, and 6) successful performance. The implementing organization defines ERP, it must reflect the MNE strategies and management. Therefore, new organizational capabilities are required for the implementing organization to achieve the promised benefits associated with the ERP." In order to implement effective solutions, careful organization and planning must be followed. A model needs to be developed that can be followed carefully. An ERP must be enabled for long-term use. In order to accomplish this, one way is to implement it through "initial implementation, enhancements, deployment rollouts, support of the use, and upgrades" (Tossavainen, 2005, pg. 1). It is also suggested that organizational mechanisms are updated. Multinational enterprises are fascinating to research due to their state of constant change. The information systems that are used in multinational enterprises make it difficult for uniformity across the board since the branches of the organization are located in many different locations. Fortunately, new information systems are now being developed that solve this problem, such as enterprise resource planning systems. They are designed to "integrate operational data with logistics business processes" (Tossavainen, 2005, pg. 1). Thanks to enterprise resource planning solutions, businesses can now operate comfortably on a global scale. What the Literature Says About the Subject Research is being prompted in this area due to the increasing complexity of multinational enterprise management. It is also being prompted because much enterprise resource planning research that is already in existence is ambiguous in nature and there is much failure in implementation of the systems. According to Tossavainen (2005, pg. 1), "A new permanent organization structure that integrates business and information technology (IT) domains is needed to accomplish variety of tasks related to the ERP system." How a Firm Gains a Status of Multinational Corporation According to Tossavainen (2005, pg. 1), "An MNE has several units across separate geographical locations with different degrees of freedom in their activities. Hence, an MNE is geographically, time-wise and environmentally (both externally and internally) diverse." Part II Introduction This scenario introduces the case of a company that sells underwear for men and women. The manager has decided to invest into a firm in Romania that will produce the product for the company. As such, he is sending a manager for the subsidiary, an accountant, and an engineer for the Romanian firm. A Plan for Organizational Change in a Multinational Enterprise The basic outline for the organizational plan change in this

To what extent has self-regulation always been central to the workings Essay

To what extent has self-regulation always been central to the workings of health and safety legislation or is it mainly a post-Robens Committee development - Essay Example t of the private ends of its membership--or it may act governmentally in so far as public policy tasks are delegated to private actors or institutions. Both forms of activity may, indeed, be combined. The process of self-regulation may, moreover, be constrained governmentally in a number of ways--for instance by statutory rules; oversight by a governmental agency; systems in which ministers approve or draft rules; procedures for the public enforcement of self-regulatory rules; or mechanisms of participation or accountability. Self-regulation may appear to lack any state involvement but in reality it may constitute a response to threats by government that if nothing is done state action will follow.( S.Dawson, P.Willman, A.Clinton and M.Bamford, 1980). A second variable concerns the extent of the role played by self regulators. A full role may involve the promulgation of rules, the enforcement of these on the ground, and the monitoring of the whole regulatory process. Self-regulation, however, may be restricted to one of these functions where, for instance, rules are drafted by a self-regulatory organization but are enforced and monitored by a public agency. Self-regulation may merely operate as an element within a regulatory regime. (Bernardo Bortolotti, Gianluca Fiorentini, 1999). The degree of binding legal force that attaches to self-regulatory rules is a third variable to be noted. Self-regulation may operate in an informal, non-binding, voluntary manner or it may involve rules of full legal force that are enforceable in the courts. Finally, self-regulatory regimes may vary in their coverage of an industrial sector--they may apply to all those who participate in an activity (perhaps because screening or licensing of entry is applied) or they may cover only those who join an association voluntarily. (P.Bartrip, 1996). Following the failed laissez-faire experiment in the nineteenth century, a raft of regulation was created to protect the health and safety of

Ethical KM Training for Tata Steel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ethical KM Training for Tata Steel - Essay Example However, the essay will discuss how social, cultural and organizational issues affected system development process and information system. In addition to this, the essay will also focus on the taken measures by Tata Steel in order to overcome the ongoing issues. Earlier, Tata Steel was only a general manufacturing organization. But, the organizational management has realized that there are internal issues that may affect the business performance of the organization (McGrath, 2003). The management of the organization purposely adopted knowledge management aspect in the organization operational process to overcome organizational, cultural and social issues. In terms of organizational issues, the management of the organization was only focusing on the centralization process and strict hierarchical structure. This aspect affected system development process as centralized organizational structure and culture affected the motivation aspect of both employees other important organizational stakeholders. It is true that, The management of Tata Steel has adopted several programmes and development processes regarding knowledge management, but lack of employee engagement before the KM process affected strategy development and decision making process (Gr iffiths, 2012). Inadequate workplace diversity also created issues for the management of the organization. Before the implementation of knowledge management system in the other organizational process, the management of Tata Steel found out some culture related issues in the management (Hobhm, 2004). The employees of the organization were self-centric and they did not feel free to share their views and knowledge with others. It actually affected the collaborative workplace performance of the organization.  

The Medium Is the Massage Mcluhan Essay Example for Free

The Medium Is the Massage Mcluhan Essay This change in our perceptions of reality is the metaphor. â€Å"Our metaphors create the content of our culture. † (Postman, 1986) Postman compares the prophecies of George Orwell’s 1984 with the Aldus Huxley’s Brave New World. Orwell’s warning is of an â€Å"externally imposed oppression† while Huxley’s warning is of â€Å"people who will come to love their oppression, to adore their technologies that undo their capacities to think,† amusing their selves to death (Postman, 1986). Our culture is in danger of trivialization due to the distractions, amusements and limitations of our media today. It is our esponsibility to study the effects of our technologies to prevent any detrimental unanticipated consequences they may have on our society. Samuel Morse when he invented telegraphy, predicted that it would make â€Å"one neighborhood of the whole country. † According to Postman telegraphy â€Å"destroyed the prevailing definition of information, and in doing so gave a new meaning to public discourse. † It is with telegraphy and its union with the press that the value of information changed. Information became context- ­? free and a commodity. Information was bought and sold irrespective of its use or eaning, 1 and this is how the value of news has come to rely on its novelty, interest and curiosity and not on its functionality (Postman, 1986). â€Å"Television speaks in only one persistent voice – the voice of entertainment,† (Postman, 1986). Like the primitive technology of smoke signals, television is a medium restricted by its form. A Cherokee philosopher cannot communicate his ideas with smoke signals. Likewise, television with its inherent bias cannot be used for complex discussions. â€Å"The average length of a shot on network television is only 3. 5 seconds so that the eye never rests, lways has something new to see. † (Postman, 1986) Television favors fascinating dynamic visuals over ‘boring’ complexity and coherence- ­? which do not play well on television. All content is presented as entertainment, â€Å"requiring minimal skills to comprehend it, and is largely aimed at emotional gratification. † (Postman, 1986) However, this does not mean that there is anything wrong with entertainment or that all TV programs are useless. What is wrong is to turn to television for anything serious, expecting the meaningful. It is our obligation to be aware of the metaphor. The metaphor is new culture centered on the need to be entertained and incapable of filtering information, distinguishing what is relevant, or questioning what needs to be questioned. As we are now experiencing the boom in social media with 955 million active users on Facebook in June 2012 (Wikipedia, 2012), it is apparent that we should follow the advice of McLuhan and Postman, and study the elusive effects of social media on our culture today. Facebook tends to encourage people to only show how wonderful their life is. They engage in a form of personal propaganda, indulging in narcissistic behaviors n an environment where it is the norm to do so. It is true that social media brought the world closer together but it has also distanced us. We stay in touch without actually having a conversation through broadcasts and status messages. People compete to have as many friends as possible, making relationships shallow and communications superficial. With more than half of Facebook users accessing Facebook on their mobile devices, it is also important to note the distractions and disconnect these devices cause in our relationships in the real world. â€Å"People know what they do; they frequently now why they do what they do; but what they don’t know is what what they do does† Foucault (Mahon, 1992). In a world where technology is the way of life, it is crucial for us to investigate the effects these tools have on our societies. These tools are extensions of our human experience and therefore must be examined as phenomena that shape the very form of our existence, altering our day- ­? to- ­? day lives and dynamically influencing our culture. These influences maybe indirect and subtle and it is our responsibility to be simply conscious of their effects regardless of whether they are eneficial or not. It is through this awareness that we would be able to 2 prevent the changes that we decide do not suit our visions and goals for the human race. References: †¢ McLuhan, M. (1994). Understanding media: The extensions of man. (pp. 721). Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Postman, N. (1986). Amusing ourselves to death. New York, NY: Penguin Group. Mahon, M. (1992). Foucaults nietzschean genealogy: Truth, power, and the subject. (p. 130). Albany, NY: State University of New York Press. Wikipedia. (2012, August 20). http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Facebook    Facebook. Retrieved from †¢ †¢ †¢ 3

The Importance of Being Earnest Essay Example for Free

The Importance of Being Earnest Essay We live, as I hope you know, Mr Worthing, in an age of ideals what are these ideals in the context of the play in Act One, and how does Wilde present them to the audience?  In The Importance of Being Earnest, ideals are a dominant theme, and to that end are critical in determining the actions of the characters. Wilde is typically subtle in his presentation of these ideals, and consequently many of them come to be used as a means for satirising the society depicted. It is important to establish from the outset that Wildes presentation of ideals utilizes the different characters as bastions for the various ideals, and in doing that subjects them to scrutiny when ridiculing their respective characterizations. One of the most important ideals presented is fittingly one of the first to become apparent; that being the division of the classes and the social status that they entail. On line 1 of the play, Algernon asks Lane, after playing the piano in the adjoining room: Did you hear what I was playing. Lane? Lanes response: I didnt think it polite to listen, sir is indicative of various aspects of his position. Firstly, his butlership requires that he should abstain from partaking in any activity considered to be distracting to his duties, of which listening to the piano would be one. Secondly, his position in society, that of one of the lower classes, demands utter obsequiousness, hence any comment on Algernons playing would be risky in case it appeared to be unflattering. The ideal of social standing being absolute is immediately challenged by Wilde, as it is quite preposterous that Lane should think it not polite to listen, a distinctly ironic and seditious undertone is palpable. In this instance, Algernon represents the foppish dandy without a brain, whereas Lanes quiet obedience, representative of the downtrodden worker, whilst not perhaps admirable is at least sensible. Thus, Wilde establishes certain connections between the tenets of proper society, and its greatest protagonists, and hence weakens the establishment. The fact that this is done through the means of an implicitly comic exchange helps to alleviate any graveness associated with the matter. Connected to the ideal of status and society is the position of women, which is also a prevalent theme in Act 1. During the Victorian Age and before, it was considered proper practice that woman have an inferior position in society to men. This was effected by their disenfranchisement and their inability to ascend to high positions, whether it is in society or in the work place. It is therefore a shock to the system when Gwendolen challenges Jacks natural authority when speaking to him about their marriage. Whereas he is vacillating and circuitous in what he says: I do mean something else Personally, darling, to speak quite candidly, Gwendolen is forceful and direct: I thought so. In fact, I am never wrong I would certainly advise you to do so. By being so controlling, Gwendolen reverses the accepted patriarchy, and in doing so challenges the ideal. In this case in point, Wilde is quite prepared to dispose of any comic vignettes in order to make a point; instead the dialogue itself provides ample means for dismissing the given principle that women should be subordinate. The character of Lady Bracknell is another example of a dominating woman; a slightly more matronly persona gives some precedence for such commands as: Mr Worthing! Rise, sir, from this semi-recumbent posture however her assumption of authority is still contradictory to the established social norms. Her verbose and eloquent manner of speaking is also out of the ordinary, as it challenges the demure image normally associated with women. Lady Bracknell challenges the patriarchal society in a more forceful and deliberate way than does Gwendolen, as seen from her interviewing Jack: You can take a seat, Mr Worthing. Although this matronly caricature is somewhat trite by todays standards, at the time of writing it would have served to provide an original attack on the males dominance of the running of society.

The Ethnic Joke At Its Best Media Essay

The Ethnic Joke At Its Best Media Essay Ethnic jokes arent funny anymore. In fact, nearly one million adults in the tri-county area stated they personally experienced ethnic jokes, racial slurs, or verbal abuse. Thats not funny. Lets get serious. We can change that statistic. With a little more caring, understanding and compassion, we can all laugh with each other not at each other.' (Schutz, 1989). Ethnic and Racial Jokes has been the subject of a very controversial debate for quite a long time. As time progressed, peoples theories and attitudes towards ethnic jokes have evolved. The value of humor in the joke is more evident and the importance of this humor can be appreciated. Ethnic jokes, made in the right context, are acceptable in society pertaining to the particular place, time and surroundings of the person telling the joke. As human beings, we understand the gravity of the word respect; we have to respect every other living thing on this planet and no person or law or anything for that matter can change that fact. The idea behind the joke is not to offend people, cause disrespect and purposefully induce harm but to lighten up a dark ambience in a room its only a joke. I feel the need to emphasize the point that every ethnic joke should start with a look over your shoulder. (Wikipedia) Ethnic jokes make use of stereotypes, which is one of the gravest aspects that deter people from using them. Those not in favor claim that using stereotypes in the jokes can endorse a society in which negative ethnic stereotypes become socially acceptable making almost everyone racist. (Billig, 2001). Each person in society is afraid, even ashamed of being branded as a racist, which is one of the reasons why people have a very negative and wary attitude towards these jokes. People want to be able to laugh at race-based jokes without having to feel the guilt that plagues their conscience every time a giggle escapes their lips. This is still possible, if people try to become more mature and tolerant in accepting ethnic jokes and look at it in a more positive light somewhat like constructive criticism then everyone can have a guilt-free laugh at ethnic jokes. It is often said that Laughter is the best medicine; in the case of ethnic humor, this is true. Laughter reduces the tension du ring conversations and this can never be a bad thing. Laughter can bridge the gap between people from different ethnicities allowing them to understand the flaws of each others background as well as their own and interpreting these in a humorous manner will bring people closer together as friends. In his book, Peter Woods (1983) contends that Humour is power. It provides the strength that enables the individual to adapt to situations and, on occasion change them. (p. 112). Marty Beckerman, an author, journalist and humorist also sees the benefit; these jokes he admits are making people feel more comfortable with one another so they can get  past  their prejudices (Beckerman, 2008). A few studies have observed the relation of ethnic humor towards society. One such study is called The Joke Project a sociology professor in Rice University, Texas conducted a survey among his students on this subject. In The Joke Project, each student was told to ask a student from his/her own ethni city to tell them a joke. 90% responded with jokes out of which 42% of the responses had been racial or ethnic jokes. The remaining 48% who hadnt used ethnic jokes were asked whether they had recently heard a racial joke. 73% of these responded with racial jokes. (Davidson, 1987). The above evidence illustrates that ethnic jokes are used often in diverse multi-cultural places, especially in places like universities, since it helps bring people closer together; it helps when one has to make friends in a new place. Obviously, one does want to insult anyone when trying to make friends, on the contrary one tries to show that his understanding of another persons culture is deeper than the jokes with racial stereotypes make it out to believe. The opponents to this argument believe that racial and ethnic jokes are the cause for racial discrimination because ethnic jokes, in all their humor, present a severe reminder of past follies and struggles that people from various places in the world have faced over the years; in the words of Marty Beckerman (2008) poured salt into centuries-old wounds with cheap punch lines. The opposition suggests that these reminders are like adding cement to a wall that already divides us into different racial entities. On the other hand, the memories can help people. Memories can teach us what we need to know through our experiences. Remembering past struggles are not linked solely with recounting ethnic jokes, every history book has a story of past wars and conflicts, so then begs the question- why not stop reading history books? Answer, simply because it is illogical to do so. Professor Christie Davies (2000) says To become angry about such jokes and to seek to censor them because they impinge on sensitive issues is about as sensible as smashing a thermometer because it reveals how hot it is. (p. 116). In other words, just because something is out of favor with the general population, does not mean that one has to bar them entirely. Avoiding the past will not provide solutions to breaking down the metaphorical wall; with care and compassion and humor when we share the effects of past disputes using jokes, humorous stories and tales we can weaken that wall and join together to overcome issues of earlier times letting bygones be bygones. Racial jokes are insulting and demeaning claim the opposition for they employ the use of seemingly derogatory terms. In this case it is necessary to distinguish between racist jokes and jokes with race-based humor. There is a line between the two, albeit the line gets obscured and is hard to distinguish every now and then at these times extra caution is advised. The difference lies in the fact that jokes need not necessarily involve the defamation of a group; and merely because the joke contains references to a different ethnicity does not make it racist. There are several comedians such as Russell Peters, Maz Jobrani, Chris Rock and many others who have made successful careers making use of ethnic jokes. Their own success and the kaleidoscopic variety of people that turn up for their shows is proof of the effectiveness of these jokes. The entire people laugh together with each other at jokes about different ethnicities, there is no indication of any one race being singled out as su perior or inferior. This demonstrates that people are closer together at these shows and that for a joke to be an ethnic joke; it does not have to utilize offensive terms. Racism is a terrible thing but is forbidding the use of ethnic jokes really a way to put an end to it? There are good things as well as bad about ethnic humor. Ethnic jokes never did anyone harm on their own they are just jokes. We cannot blame the jokes but we can assume that the people who feel strongly disapproving about them as well as those who use them with complete disregard for others are the ones who need to change their perception. The solution depends entirely on perspective; the choice to be tolerant and to see the positive things can make all the difference. Imagine a world where people were not easily upset by ethnic jokes, a lot more smiles and laughter with less bickering and strife.