A Review on The Keita L'Heritage Du Griot Essay

A Review on The Keita L'Heritage Du Griot - Essay Example Others have already been assimilated into the western culture or the American way of life and have lost their identity as members of their original community. As such, they seek to spread the spirit of cosmopolitanism everywhere. This may be seen in the way the Europeans assimilated African societies and later the Africans chose to adopt almost everything that is western (Baaz and Palmberg 29). Others have imitated the western culture to some extent but retained their traditions when it comes to certain rituals that favor traditional points of view. The current globalization has made it difficult for many cultures to maintain their traditions and this has strained many relations. Those who live in rural areas are seen to be the greatest adherents of traditions and customs in many societies. However, the migration that has led many to leave the rural areas to the urban areas in search of greener pastures has come with its constraints (Howard 80). Many have abandoned their cultures and even forgotten about their traditional roots. They have been assimilated into other cultures that have come as a result of the different people that inhabit many of these urban centers. The media has also played a considerable role in eroding many beliefs that people held years ago in the name of civilization (Merlan 105). However, there are others who are termed as the indigenous people. These are groups of people who are said to have stuck to their traditional roots and continue to practice their cultures based on their historical ties that are said to have existed before colonization. These people maintain their cultures despite the big divide between theirs and the mainstream culture as well as political systems (WGIP 2). They have maintained their distinct social, economic and political systems that have remained relevant to them despite the civilization that has taken place around them. Many governments have tried to assimilate them into the mainstream societies but have met huge oppositions, and this has led to mistrust amongst the two groups (Clifford 93). For instance, the Aborigines of Australia have managed to get the backing of the Australian government after years of mistrust and arguments over their territorial boundaries. The Maori of New Zealand have also got the backing of the government and have even contributed in some nation building through their cultural activities (WGIP 3). Therefore, these indigenous persons are not a threat but an excellent way of maintaining national unity and peace. Governments need to understand the indigenous people, and should allow them to conserve the natural resources since they understand the importance of sustainable environmental practices. However, the problem that arises is the system that the government can utilize as a way of identifying these individuals. Defining the term may be quite challenging since different schools of thought bear different definitions (WGIP 3). However, experts in anthropology a dvise that it would be better to identify rather than define these people. If people would come forward and identify themselves with these communities and the communities accept the member as their own, it

Political Parties in the New Era Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Political Parties in the New Era - Essay Example Many studies have shown that the Political Parties of today have changed significantly in the past few decades, both in industrialized countries and in the developing nations (third world countries). The changes have inadvertently resulted in the weakening of connections between citizens and the state, however, there remains widespread consensus that political parties are essential elements in democratic societies. A statement made 50 years ago by E.E. Schattschneider was that, "Political parties created democracy and that modern democracy is unthinkable save in terms of parties. As a matter of fact, the condition of parties is the best evidence of the nature of any regime. The most important distinction between democracy and dictatorship can be made in terms of party politics. The parties are not therefore Recently, Alan Ware viewed political parties as pervasive elements in contemporary societies saying that, "In contemporary states it is difficult to imagine there being politics without political parties. Indeed, in only two kinds of states today are parties absent. First, there are a few small, traditional societies, especially in the Persian Gulf, that are still ruled by the families who were dominant in the region they control long before the outside world recognized them as independent states. Then there are those regimes in which parties and party activities have been banned; these regimes are run either by the military or by authoritarian rulers who have the support of the military."2 In consonance thereto, here are some prevailing views made by some of the participants in a conference convened by the National Endowment for Democracy's International Forum for Democratic Studies where in attendance were many of the world's leading political parties scholars and practitioners held in Washington DC to "Address the Current and Future Prospects of Political Parties." One of the prevailing views made as articulated by Juan Linz stating that," Today, in all countries of the world, there is no alternative to political parties in the establishment of democracy. No form of nonparty representation that has been advocated has ever produced a democratic government. Thus we are faced with a world of democracies based on parties." However, there were conflicting views made in the same forum to the effect that political parties are necessary for democratic development. Phillipe Schmitter on his part provided the most critical statement saying that, " Political parties are not what they used to be. They no longer structure electoral choices as clearly and decisively, command citizen attachments as passionately, form distinctiveness, or aggregate interests as widely and explicitly as they once did. Clearly, political parties everywhere, both in the industrialized countries and in the developing world, are becoming less and less able to Serapio 3 perform these core functions. In short, they are no longer indispensable for the consolidation and perpetuation of democracy." In view of the foregoing facts let us now analyze

Bronfenbrenner Ecological Systems Theory

Bronfenbrenner Ecological Systems Theory The microsystem is the most influential system because the child has direct interaction with these individuals; that interaction occurs on a consistent basis over an extended period of time (Brofenbrenner, 2004). Family is the most significant relationship of the microsystem; they play an intricate part in the ecological human development. The most time is spent at home with the family; they provide shelter and safety, and also provide emotional support for the child. The parent for example, interacts with the child on a daily basis, they provide a safe and healthy relationship and an environment for them to grow and prosper. The way the parent plays with the child, teaches them, and communicates with them has a lot of influence on their development. The parenting style a child receives paves the way in their ability to communicate with others, their self-esteem, and the attitude and behaviors they exude. The main parenting styles are authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and non-involved. The authoritarian parent is strict and demanding; this creates a child that grows up to behave withdrawn, fearful, and distrustful of others. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the permissive parent. The child raised in a permissive household is more likely to be aggressive, impulsive, and have little self-reliance. The healthy balance between the two styles is the authoritative parent who raises a content, cooperative, and self-reliant child (Berns, 2010). The parent gives the child the ability to create secure attachments with others and to have a healthy and positive disposition. The emotional connectivity of this relationship is a direct reflection of a childs ability to connect and communicate with all other systems. Parenting styles are not the only ways that family can influence development; family structure also has a great impact. The nuclear family consists of a mom, a dad, and the children, but not all households are structured this way. Divorce is an unfortunate reality in this day and age and the adaptation plays a large role for the child. Not only does the child not get to live in a household that has both parents which provides a healthy surrounding and assures the child of love, but they may have to listen to the consequences of how each parent deals with the divorce itself. Counseling, mediation, custody battles, and fighting are all situations that the child may be surrounded by. The financial consequences will affect the family and the child would not live in the same lifestyle as they would if both parents were together because the income would be cut in half. Peers, community, and schools also affect the child. The peer groups help the child gain independence and discover their sense of self. Negative experiences with peers such as bullying can hurt the childs self-esteem, affect how they interact with their others, and their ability to communicate and socialize with their peers with ease. School is another very important relationship. This gives the child a chance to learn the fundamentals needed as an adult and to help them develop different skills and appropriate behavior. Every child learns differently; they may be an auditory, visual, spatial, or kinesthetic learner. It is the teacher and schools responsibility to discover this and take the best course of action to implement and teaching style that works best for the child. The second system that influences development is the mesosystem. Mesosystems may be described a links in a chain. They consist of linkages and interrelationships that exist between two or more of the individuals microsystems. These interrelationships involve a variety of settings that the child is immersed in; the influences that bind us together (Feldman, 2008). Examples of this system may be the linkage between family and peers, family and school, school and community, and so on. Schooling is the perfect example of the mesosystems linkage between family and school. The more involved the parent is with the childs school, increases the likelihood of that child excelling in school, receiving higher grades, and attending college in the future. The involvement that the family has with the childs learning before they enter school creates a positive attitude towards their future learning. When it comes to the childs relationship with school, the more perceptive that the family and teachers are in their learning with affect their educational experience. They will learn how to complete tasks, problem solve, and understand rewards and consequences. There is also an important linkage between school and the community. Higher funded schools have more resources available to students; these resources extend the learning process. More books, informative television programs and movies, supplies, crafts, and the ability to go on field trips may provide a more stimulating environment and positive outlook on a childs involvement and learning at school. Community support and donations can help increase learning in the classroom. The exosystem is the third system of Bronfenbrenners theory of human development. These influences are indirect; the child itself is not an active participant, however it does have an impact on an active member of  their microsystem. This may consist of the parents career or financial situation, political systems, social support networks, etcetera. As stated above, exosystems have an indirect affect on the child through career, their socioeconomic status, or the government. A parents socioeconomic status affects the child because they may not have the means to purchase educational materials or live in a nice home, if they have a home at all. Children born into poverty statistically have lower self-esteem, are less likely to excel in school or are more likely to drop out, and they are more susceptible to violence and crime. A parents job may also influence a child indirectly. A parent that has to travel a lot for work or stay late hours must place their child in non-parental child care. Different forms of this non-parental care will affect that child differently. There are child care centers, family day cares, and in-home care of a nanny that may be used to watch over the children. The accreditations are different for each type, and there are different programs, such as health, nutrition, and learning programs. Although there are many different options that the family has when they do not have the ability to stay at home with the child, but it is still no substitute for being cared for by their parent. Although sometimes a parent has no choice but to place their child in a day care program, there can be some developmental consequences to this. The child will be able to socialize with peers more easily, but they tend to be less cooperative and unresponsive with adults. The longer the child stays in non-parental care, the more likely they are to develop insecure attachments, are at risk for problems with emotions and in behavior. They are also more likely to be aggressive and defiant. The final system involved is the macrosystem. This system is societal and has a larger context involved in culture. This type of system influences the developing child in a much broader context; the beliefs of the family and their lifestyle, education, religion, and mass media. What society places as the social norms, expected roles, and what a relationship is supposed to look like. Macrosystem influences come from cultural views in society. Views of roles, such as gender roles, have a set of associated behaviors that are expected in that individual. A boy must be a strong provider and shouldnt cry, or a girl should be a nurturer and domesticated are examples of these gender roles inflicted on society. Different values and lifestyle are also a large influence to that child. Believing in the necessity of owning a large home, having expensive cars, or that as adults, they need to be married with a white picket fence and 2.5 children. Morals and values stem from the familys beliefs and religious law; although sometimes the religious laws coincide with federal. Religions such as Catholicism, Lutheranism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Atheism, are all extremely different from one another and go along a different belief system with different sets of values which influence the individual. Children that grow up believing in some form of Christianity may have different values than a child that grew up in an Atheist household. Mass media and culture are intertwined, but the influence of media is widespread and comes in a variety of forms; screen media, print media, audio media, and interactive media. Media influences value, beliefs, attitudes, and behavior explains Berns (2010, pg 321). At least one form of media can be found basically anywhere and is used to communicate and spread information to a large group of people simultaneously. Screen media that comes in television form spreads so quickly and easily influences young and impressionable minds. In some respects the exposure can be a good thing; it is mentally stimulating, can be educational and useful in a classroom to help students understand information in a different way. Programs for younger children such as Dora the Explorer and Blues Clues are a great way to teach young children colors, numbers, mathematics, and linguistics. Unfortunately there are downsides to this. Not all programs are suitable for young children; they may contain graphic viol ence, foul language, and sexually explicit material that is inappropriate for this age group. This information can ingrain the idea of what life should be like or how the child should behave, this sets up negative associations and roles. Violent and graphic material could result in negative behaviors such as aggression or bullying others, it may also cause the childs imagination to run wild which may be scary, exciting, or intimidating for the child. Too much time in front of the television, or focused on any type of media really, can take away from time spent with the family and engaging in family activities, or it can also affect physical activity. Print media is found in books, newspapers, magazines, and articles. Print media is beneficial because it enhances language and reading skills, it helps with comprehension, and overall cognitive development. Children may understand the sense of who they are because of all the stories and tales they read. A downside to this is that the ch ild may confuse negative actions and material with reality and fantasy. Just as with screen media, print, audio, and interactive media instill the ideas behind different stereotypes; this can be a major concern for problems in the future and self-esteem. Overall between all forms of media there are positives and negatives. They increase cognitive functioning and development, but children are impressionable and graphically violent and sexually explicit material is not good for young children and should be monitored by the parent. It is now apparent that ecological systems affect development Urie Bronfenbrenner was correct in his theory of the bioecological model of human development. There is significant data to show how influential the four systems influence a child. The microsystem consists of close intimate relationships of those in direct contact with the child; they are involved on a consistent basis and appear to be the most influential relationship. Family, peers, school, and the community are all examples of a microsystem. They all have a large impact on the childs socialization skills. Because a child spends so much time with their parents, this is the foundation for success. Teaching their children early what behaviors are acceptable or not, having a comforting and balanced parenting style will really help the child be cooperative, self-reliant, and content. Placing a strong focus on the importance of academics will help the child to succeed in school, also choosing the correct school to help the st udent learning in an environment suitable for their needs. Peers have a massive impact on the childs communication and interaction with others so its important that the parent keep positive influences around that child. The microsystem is the primary system of influence so keeping secure, positive, healthy relationships will help the childs development as they begin to feel the effects of the other systems. Like the links in a chain, the mesosystem combines the importance of the  impact that the microsystems have on each other. Just as school and family influence a child, the relationships between the two systems also have a direct impact on the child. This does not only consist of the two relationships, but all relationships in the microsystem. The indirect affect of the exosystem, such as the stressors of a parents career, will have its own impact. Long hours at the job can result in the child being enrolled in some sort of non-parental child care. The type of care provided coul d benefit the child in their education and learning skills, but may also have a negative impact on their emotional comfort and attachment caused by the lack of the parent being around. Finally, the macrosystem is the combination of culture, religion, mass media, and other influences that are widespread. Mass media has many benefits to the childs development. Media is mentally stimulating, it can increase imagination, and teach the child different skills such as language, communication, mathematics, colors, and other skills. Parents do need to monitor the media that a child does interact with. The graphic violence and sexually explicit material can be damaging for young and influential minds. They can create different stereotypes that can affect the way the child socializing with others, or their sense of self. The more time spent around different forms of media can take away from the quality time spent with the family, and can decrease the amount of physical activity for the child. Overall, the four different systems involved in Bronfenbrenners bioecological model of human development massively impact the socialization and cognitive development of a child.

Flaws In Twains Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn :: essays research papers

Flaws in Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" Mark Twain's novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is by any means a classic. However, there are several flaws. First of all the coincidence that everything happens with in my mind detracts some from the story. The other major problem is that the book seems to drag on and on the closer you get to the end, as if Twain had a page quota to fill and was not worried about the story. The other problem brought up on our hand-out was Huck's lack of seriousness in what was a very serious situation for Jim. As for the coincidence part, it appears most obviously as you read towards the end. For example Huck ends up at Aunt Polly's, and I was thinking, yeah...right those chances are about one in a million. And then after Huck tells Aunt Polly that he is Tom, Tom shows up...uh-huh, I bet. It is things such as those I just mentioned that make it very difficult for me to read a book without becoming frustrated. It is probably because I am used to real life and like it or not real life is just not that perfect. My other gripe was that Twain seems to ramble on and on and on an..... To me it seems as if the story that he was writing became faint shortly after the time when Huck says, â€Å"It's me. George Jackson, sir†(pg. 95). I do have to give him that the feud was interesting filler, but you can only take so much filler. Then when John Wayne (The Duke) and Elvis (The King) come along there seem to be four or five stops along the river that except for one little detail, are the same. Please excuse the jump back, but how coincidental is it that you have a Duke and a King on the same raft in the middle of the Mississippi river (yes I do know they are not really royalty but that does not matter)? Even during all of this complaining I have done I did find humor in such things as when Huck was observing some local â€Å"loafers† and their discussions about borrowing and lending chewing tobacco. â€Å"Here, gimme back the chaw and you take the plug.† (pg. 138). I can just picture four or five guys laying around chewing tobacco with spit/tobacco juice running down their chins, probably in dirty overalls with no shirts on underneath and boots, to complete the look, three or four days of beard waiting to be shaved, and oh yeah, a nice old straw

Christianity in the first three centuries Essay

After the terror of September 11 the American people wanted to know what type of people would fly airplanes into buildings killing thousands of their good citizens. The left wing media and the Bush administration, which often patronizes left wing, political correctness, provided the most typical ‘spin’ for public consumption. This interpretation works within the typical left-wing paradigm, which deems all religions as essentially the same and politics as Ð ° separate category of life, removed from the private concerns of true religion. It is only when conservative religious-types attempt to impose their narrow minded beliefs upon the peaceable world of religious and political communities that problems arise. (Sherifa 2005 28) Therefore, it is not Islam that brought about September 11. ‘Islam is Ð ° religion of peace’. It is ‘fundamentalists’ who are most to blame for disturbing the peace. After all, the term Islam means ‘peace’. â€Å"Enhanced analysis is where â€Å"the rubber meets the road† Up to this point in the analytical process, personnel have primarily been cleaning data and analyzing information using broad approaches. Transforming the information into quality intelligence requires time and skill. Whether some forms of analysis are art or science is debatable. In the case of homeland security and terrorism analysis, it is both. Methods employed by an analyst can be replicated for use on many different fronts. In addition, there are numerous scientific models and tools available for analysts that can be utilized by anyone to prove or verify information. The data should yield the same results for whoever undertakes the process. (Paul 2002 31) Use of Ð ° checklist is encouraged due to the magnitude of events that can be faced by an analyst undertaking terrorism or organized hate group investigations. Too many steps are involved in the intelligence process, and information often arrives at intermittent times, making organization of the information difficult. Matrixes, link charts, time lines, and maps also play important roles in transforming information into enhanced intelligence. Whatever techniques are used to analyze the information, it is crucial to know one’s criminal data and what information is available. In warfare, one needs to know the enemy, and in the analytical world one needs to know the enemy (subject or target) as well as the data. If you do not know what you have, how can you transform it into intelligence? (Michael 2004) Today the term is used by the media and intelligentsia as Ð ° form of hate speech an epithet to curse those who disagree with them. In the present context it is used as Ð ° means of casting aspersions upon conservative Christians in relating them to terrorist activity. Stephen Schwartz serves Ð ° good example of this type of rhetoric. In his work on the Saudis and Wahhabis, The Two Faces of Islam, he skews an otherwise outstanding work with Ð ° continual reference to ‘fundamentalist’ Muslims as perverting ‘true’ Islam. The term serves as Ð ° source of pure rhetoric throughout the work, disembodied from any specific reference to Ð ° movement, group or set of beliefs. There is only one section where he even bothers to relate it to Ð ° specific viewpoint. In this place he condemns Muslims who limit ‘all historical and cultural development in Islam after its first two generations’. However, this understanding of fundamentalism in terms of literal interpretation and living-in-the-past contradicts the overall thesis of Schwartz and his liberal constituency that would characterize the religion of Muhammad the ‘true’ and ‘authentic’ Islam as Ð ° religion of peace. If Muhammad was Ð ° man of peace, literal Islam would have produced the same sort of pacifism that we observe among early Christianity in the first three centuries. But the real truth is that it produced much the opposite. Islam does not exist in the world of ideas as Ð ° disembodied, un-interpreted spirit, subsisting above and beyond the communities who represent the faith. ‘True’ Islam exists only in the mind of those liberals who wish that Muslims would find in Islam what they want them to believe. No religion, philosophy or political ideology exists apart from those who interpret it in accordance with their own purposes. For example, one could find Nazism within the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche if one wishes to use his writings to deconstruct certain themes in certain ways. His writings contain that possibility, even if Nietzsche himself was not an anti-Semite. All works contain enough tensions within them to allow the interpreter to choose this or that reading as more indicative of the true essence of the text, It is all Ð ° matter of choice, If Ð ° reader wishes to find the good things of liberalism within the Qur’an feeding the poor and helping widows and orphans in their distress, there is much in the text that lends itself to this direction. (Paul 2002 56) However, Ð ° liberal cannot deny that there is more Ð ° pretext for deconstructing the Qur’an and proceeding in the horrid direction of September 11 than there is in the Bible or the sacred texts of most other religions. The Bible certainly contains imprecatory psalms and holy wars, but within its writings, especially those of the New Testament, there is much to counteract the more bellicose verses of the old Testament and marginate them or treat them as Ð ° product of Ð ° bygone dispensation. Within the Qur’an there are Ð ° number of disturbing sections that could lead in the direction of September 11 if so interpreted, and little else to counteract them. There is no concept of the historical progress of revelation, as the divine revelation did not take place over Ð ° period of time. According to most Muslims, the Qur’an is an eternal and uncreated book. Its Arabic is God’s Arabic its words God’s Words. Nevertheless, Islam does not exist as Ð ° simple monolith, which demands our acceptance or rejection. â€Å"Since the events of September 11, the American people may have been treated to more truth from their government than ever before. In the post Vietnam era, when the notorious Phoenix program of assassinations finally came to light, public indignation was sufficient to empower investigation by the Church Committee, and Ð ° subsequent ban on foreign assassinations. Over the past decade and increasingly under the Bush Jr. administration, however, open talk of intended foreign assassinations, efforts to overthrow the leaders of other sovereign states, or invasions of an unspecified array of nations can reach the daily papers through on-record remarks by elected officials. † (Amit 2003 127).

HRD Sample

Drawing from theories and models that inform adults and organisational learning, critically evaluate an HRD program or intervention that you deliver or have personally experienced. Introduction This essay looks into a learning program which was personally delivered. It aims to critically evaluate the effectiveness of the program by drawing upon relevant theories and models revolving around adult and organisational learning.Theories are used to substantiate the step by step processes undertaken in the program as well as to critique the areas which could have been performed better or were carried out uccessfully by the program coordinators. This essay is told from the perspective of a facilitator's role in which I was primarily involved in. At the end of this essay, we hope to understand how a successful HRD learning program should be run and what factors significantly influence its success.Learning Program The selected program used throughout this essay as a case study is the ‘C ombat Medical NSmen Ops Refresher Training. The program involved me as one of the key facilitators which was conducted during my national service time. The objective was to ensure the competence of the National Service (NS) men in carrying out their edical responsibilities and performing up to expectations when the time arises for them to do so in future. This was carried out by first refreshing the NSmen's theoretical knowledge of specific medical subject matter, i. . various emergency surgical procedures, that was taught during their NS days. Typically conducted annually, the refresher training would see the NSmen undergoing classroom learning followed by a practical hands-on session of role playing, after which they would be tested under a controlled, simulated setting as a form of learning assessment. The refresher training was a one-day program carried out in the compounds of the Singapore Armed Forces Medical Training Institute (SMTI).The facilitators comprised of regular seni or medical officers and fulltime national servicemen (NSFs), of whom I was one of them. The seniors acted as supervisors while the NSFs were more primarily involved in running the program on the ground. Teaching and demonstrations were conducted by NSFs while assessment was done by the senior officers. The age group of the NSmen participants ranged from 30 to 40 years old, thus the target audience was specific to older adult learners who were most likely married or some even fathers.The program was catered to a batch group of 20 NSmen with 2 facilitators assigned. The four stages of HRD HRD is an ongoing learning process involving training and development activities which seek to groom individuals' skills for the purpose of enhancing organisational productivity (Swanson & Holton 2 ) Adult learning talls within the HRD learning process. Knowles (1998) mentioned that adults tend to follow andragogical assumptions of learning such that firstly, the learning should have practical value for applying in real-life situations and problems.Next is for the learning to utilise the knowledge inherent in the adult and lastly it should actively engage him/her. All hese are reflected in the medical refresher program and will be explained through a series of four step by step stages namely the needs investigation, design, implementation and evaluation stages. HRD Needs Investigation (HRDNI) HRDNI refers to the process of identifying how much is known by the participants prior to the program against what is expected of them to know based on the learning objectives set out (Tovey & Lawlor 2008; Rothwell & Kazanas 1989).It represents an organized way to determine if a HRD solution is needed in the first place. It helps identify the content and learning objectives, the population, resources required, as ell as context and organisational politics. Behind every successful HRD learning program is a good HRDNI carried out in the beginning. The refresher program showed that HRDNI was conducted successfully as clear learning objectives, competencies and learning outcomes were established (Delahaye 2011). The needs were determined through the two levels of HRDNI: surveillance and investigation (Delahaye 2011).Program coordinators had long been monitoring how competent NSmen were in carrying out their medical duties upon completion of their NS time. Through the observation of several past reservists' in-camp trainings where these NSmen were required to demonstrate their medical proficiency in a simulated battlefield environment, their quality and competencies were analysed. Data was gathered through the means of organisational records and observations (Delahaye 2011). It was found that most NSmen were unable to remember much of what they had learnt during their NS days and thus, lacked in several key competencies.One of which was the ability to remember the medical apparatus to be used in assisting the surgeon in the surgical procedures. Thus, as a result of HRDNI, the ‘Combat Medical NSmen Ops Refresher Training learning program came about as form of HRD ntervention. Its aim was to keep NSmen constantly up to date with their medical roles so that when a real emergency breaks out in Singapore, they would be ready for it. Although the need for refresher training was correctly identified by program coordinators, the HRDNI could have been more specific to seek the opinions of the participants as well.Conducting such a program meant that more time, be it for work or family, had to be sacrificed by the working adults so that they could attend. Moreover, not all might feel the need for the refresher as they might be confident of their own knowledge. Thus one investigatory method to gather their opinions would be through holding an online survey questionnaire weeks before the commencement of the program. The questionnaire could ask them for their current level of knowledge and ask if the refresher would be effectively catering to their needs, also for their level of interest in participation.Curriculum Design This is the second stage once HRDNI nas been completed Curriculum represents tn systematic process of putting the learner through action (Smith & Lovat 2003). This stage involves matching the learning structure to the characteristics of the adult learners (Delahaye 2011). To do this, constructive alignment needs to take place. This means that the expected actions the learner has to emulate based on the learning objectives must be coherent with the teaching and assessment style (Biggs & Tang 2007).The refresher program was successful in achieving constructive alignment as the objective to instil confidence in the NSmen to showcase their medical proficiency in carrying out the surgical procedures was well reflected by the practical role- playing sessions demonstrated and taught by the facilitators. The design structure of the refresher program followed closely to Delahaye's (2011) Hierarchy of Learning Outcomes (HLO) model. The model emphasizes the progression from explicit to tacit knowledge and this was seen in the program as facilitators made use of instrumental to communicative learning.The program outlined movements from basic to intermediate to complex, Just as how HLO mentions in its five categories of programmed knowledge, task, relationship, critical thinking and meta-abilities. The refresher program started off with programmed knowledge which was in the form of classroom-based learning to provide the factual and theoretical knowledge to the NSmen. It then moved into task where they were required to be analytical in a role- laying scenario. That involved a linear, diagnostic and complex analysis which in short, refers to using simple information-processing, interpretation, problem solving and decision making skills.The role-playing session incorporated discussions and effective team play as well, which in turn worked on a relationship level of interpersonal communication between partici pants. The program ended off with action learning where participants were encouraged to use mental agility under the meta-abilities category to be able to think clearly under pressure, when performing their learning assessment in a controlled environmental setting. The HLO progression was mapped in accordance to the learning characteristics of the NSmen participants.Facilitators took into consideration that because the participants were older learners, the learning environment created was a similar aged batch of between 30 and 40 years old so that they would feel more comfortable and safe (Delahaye ; Ehrich 2008). Older learners tend to be involved in complex learning, occasionally switching from being dependent to independent learners and thus passively seeking and actively seeking knowledge, respectively. Hence, the design of the refresher program ensured a combination of various learning trategies to meet to these adult learners' characteristics.These strategies will be covered u nder the implementation stage later. It was indeed a good initiative by the facilitators to find out the basic characteristics of their adult learners and thus used HLO as a step by step process to teach them. However, there is room for improvement. All adult learners have different learning styles and so a good HR designer would pay close attention to finding out what styles their participants fall under. This can be done by issuing out a learning style questionnaire which will seek o determine if a participant is a reflector, theorist, pragmatist or activist (Honey & Mumford 1992).Each learning style will differently influence the way an individual learns, and so will impact the design ot a learning program. However, an individual may also have at times a combination of both styles. Thus, a good designer should strive to integrate all four styles in any learning program. Implementation This third stage of the HRD process covers the skills required of a HR developer who is also kno wn as the facilitator. In other words, this section analyses how effective or killed the facilitators are in conducting the learning program, based on the participants' level of engagement.It also covers the various learning strategies used. As one of the facilitators of the refresher program, I exhibited strong micro-skills of questioning and responding, and a high level of enthusiasm, channelling the energy positively to the participants. Delahaye (2011) pointed out that such skills are important in the delivery of a learning program, but are often overlooked by HR developers. Feldman (2007) agrees that with greater enthusiasm demonstrated, the higher are the chances of learner accomplishment. As for the learning strategy, a structured style was used in the beginning stage of the refresher program.This took the form of lecture-style learning. Delahaye (2011) regards lecture as structured due to the teacher-student controlled form where the teacher assumes full responsibility over the learning of the student and controls what and how the student will learn. Facilitators conducting the lecture used PowerPoint presentation to recap the relevant theoretical knowledge of the emergency surgical procedures. The slides included detailed photographs showing how each procedure was to be carried out step by step. This was complemented with a set of the hardcopy handout slides so that the NSmen could write notes throughout.On top of that, the whiteboard was used simultaneously by the facilitator to Jot down the key points of the presentation. This ensured an appropriate usage of visual aids to appeal to the adult learners (Delahaye 2011). The lecture-style teaching made use of instrumental learning, one of the three transformational adult learning domains (Mezirow 2009). Instrumental allows learning to be controlled and can manoeuvre the environment. Under it is the knowledge generation process of combination which sees a transfer of explicit to ven more complex explici t knowledge (Nonaka ; von Krogh 2009).The PowerPoint presentation, for instance, got the NSmen to combine the explicit knowledge they were looking at and listening to with their own explicit knowledge, thus leading into a process of re-sorting and re-understanding of their inherent knowledge. Another point to make was that sufficient breaks were given throughout the lecture presentation so as to space out the learning and carry out part learning so that participants could digest the information better, especially since older learners dislike having big chunks of information (Grattan 1955; Miller 1956).These were some of the principles of learning highlighted during the structured strategy. Subsequently, in the refresher program, the learning strategy shifted from structured to semi-structured. After the theoretical bit was covered, facilitators proceeded onto the practical, hands-on session. The knowledge Just learnt or recapped was to be applied on mannequins which acted as causali ties. Here, the actual whole tray of medical apparatus needed for the surgical procedures is introduced to the NSmen participants, after seeing pictures of them in the PowerPoint slides and the hardcopy andouts.Participants were divided into 4 groups ot 5 in which each group nad a mannequin and a set of tools to work with. Each facilitator was assigned to 2 groups to firstly demonstrate the correct techniques and steps to perform the emergency surgical procedures, using the apparatus provided. Participants observed carefully to learn the steps that they would later be tested, in what was actually known as modelling, one of the 3 basic types of learning. Modelling refers to copying an action after observing how it is done (Bandura 1977; Gardner et al. 1981).Facilitators of the efresher program aimed to see an exchange of tacit to tacit knowledge between the participants and themselves in a socialisation process. This was achieved through the modelling learning behaviour. The semi-str uctured strategy using the mannequins was a form of role-playing as within each group, participants took turns to role play as surgeons and assistants to the surgeons. This role-playing also helped to strengthen the HLO in areas of forging better interpersonal relationships and the use of group processes, Just to name a few (Delahaye 2011).On a separate point, ole-playing illustrates that the NSmen participants also underwent communicative learning, which is known to be a learner's effort to relate to another to understand each other's viewpoints (Mezirow 2000). Evaluation This last stage of the HRD process signifies the importance for proper assessment methods. The evaluation technique that was used for the ‘Combat Medical NSmen Ops Refresher Training program was the assessment of learning.This assessment, as stressed by Delahaye (201 1), paves the way for measuring the effectiveness of the learning program, allowing the examiners to gauge how useful the program had een for t he participants as well as to see if the learning objectives set out from the start had been met in the end. In addition, assessment offers feedback for both the adult learner and HR developer. Through it, they can identify their strengths and weaknesses so that they can make necessary amendments to make their learning processes more effective in future.Out of the six types of assessment of learning methods available, the refresher program used performance tests, which proved to be the most suitable form of evaluation due to the complex nature of the program (Delahaye 2011). Following on after the role-playing session of using the mannequins and medical tools, the NSmen participants were made to undergo a performance test in the outdoors open field which simulated an actual situation of what it would likely be in an actual war zone battlefield environment where the NSmen would encounter multiple casualties suffering from different kinds of wounds and war injuries.They would be requi red to think on their feet using mental agility, under a stressful environment, of which of the following emergency surgical procedures learnt would be best used for treatments. As said by Delahaye (201 1), performance tests need to be conducted by highly skilled trainers whose evaluation makes use of their tacit knowledge. Thus, the assessment of the program was a success as it brought in the senior medical officers, who have years of experience in the field, to evaluate the performances of the NSmen. This also served to be a non-biased evaluation as the seniors were not involved in running the on ground training.In evaluation, a pre- designed evaluation criteria form was used by the senior officers so as to quantify the observed results (Thorndike 2007). The results were then snowed to the NSmen articipants during the program debrief. The outcome of the performance test showed a match to the adult learners' HLO, identified in the curriculum design stage, in the categories of progr ammed knowledge; and task and relationship. It also successfully tested the learners' action learning process of critical thinking and meta- abilities.Conclusion This essay has looked at the ‘Combat Medical NSmen Ops Refresher Training' as a learning program which served as an HRD intervention based on the needs investigation conducted. It found that a refresher program would be beneficial to the NSmen in helping them to familiarise with the medical proficiency knowledge they are required to demonstrate in their annual reservist in-camp trainings. This essay thus went on to elaborate the four stages involved in influencing this successful HRD learning program using theories primarily from adult learning.Following on from a thorough HRDNI, the design of the program saw that a necessary constructive alignment was made between the teaching style and the characteristics of the adult learners. The HLO model was used in this stage. As for the implementation, the acilitators of the p rogram demonstrated strong micro-skills as well as using structured and semi-structured learning strategies through a PowerPoint presentation and role-playing session which reflected on instrumental and communicative learning for the adult learners, respectively.The final stage was the evaluation of the program in which a performance test was carried out as a specific assessment of learning method. Word Count: 2566 Reference List Bandura, A 1977, Social learning theory, Prentice Hall, New Jersey. Biggs, JB & Tang, C 2007, Teaching for quality learning at university: what the student does, 3rd edn, Open University Press, Maidenhead. Delahaye, B & Ehrich, L 2008, ‘Complex learning preferences and strategies of older adults', Educational Gerontology, vol. 34, pp. 649- 662, viewed 30 August 2012, Emerald Database.Delahaye, B 2011, Human resource development: managing learning and knowledge capital, 3rd edn, Tilde University Press, Prahran Australia. Feldman, KA 2007, ‘Identi fying exemplary teachers and teaching: evidence from students' ratings', Perry, RP ; Smart, JC (eds. ), The scholarship of teaching and learning in higher education: an evidence-based perspective, Springer, AA Dordrecht, Netherlands. Gardner, G, Innes, JM, Forgas, JP, O'Driscoll, M, Pearce, PL & Newton, JW 1981, Social psychology, Prentice Hall, Sydney.Grattan, CH 1995, In quest of knowledge: a historical perspective on adult education, Association Press, New York. Honey, P & Mumford, A 1992, The manual of learning styles, Peter Honey, Maidenhead, I-JK. Knowles, MS 1998, The adult learner: a neglected species, 5th edn, Gulf, Houston. Long, HB 2002, Teaching for learning, Malabar, Florida, Krieger. Mezirow,J 2000, ‘Learning to think like an adult: core concepts of adult learning theory, in Mezirow, J (ed. ), Learning as transformation: ritical perspectives on a theory in progress, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.Mezirow,J 2009, ‘Transformative learning theory, in Mezirow, J & Taylor, EW (eds. ), Transformational learning in practice: insights from community, workplace and higher education, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco. M GA 1956, ‘The magical number seven plus or minus two: some limits on our capacity for processing information', Psychological Review, vol. 63, pp. 81-97, viewed 30 August 2012, Emerald Database. Nonaka, I & von Krogh, G 2009, ‘Tacit knowledge and knowledge conversion: controversy and advancement in organizational knowledge creation', Organization Science, vol. 0, no. 3, pp. 35-652, viewed 28 August 2012, Proquest Database. Rothwell, W] & Kazanas, HC 1989, Strategic human resource development, 4th edn, Englewood Cliffs, Prentice Hall, New Jersey. Smith, DL & Lovat, TJ 2003, Curriculum: action on reflection, 4th edn, Social Science Press, Tuggerah, NSW. Swanson, RA & Holton, EF 2001 , Foundations of Human Resource Development, Berrett-koehler, San Francisco. Thorndike, RM 2007, Measurement and evaluation in psychology and educatio n, 7th edn, Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. Tovey, MD & Lawlor, DR 2008, Training in Australia, 3rd edn, Pearson Education, Frenchs Forest, NSW.

The Six Sigma Improvement Methodology

The Six Sigma Improvement Methodology Discussion The DMAIC process is Six Sigma methodology which is used to improve accessible or established process of the projects in any organization. It contains five stages and every stage can be applied in repeated or iterative manner. Every step in these processes is connected to each other.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The Six Sigma Improvement Methodology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The first step is the definition of the process and depends on both sketching and Failure Modes Analysis. The objective for this step is a defined procedural map with all activities, outputs and inputs along with Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA) chart (Gygi, DeCarlo, Williams, 2005, p. 41). Measure Provided there is a defined process, this stage is intended to take metrics on every stage to establish if the process is taking place as designed. It also establishes if the process is taking place within the chosen quality conditions. A proper measurement plan should be defined to make sure that the measurements are not statistically tilted. The measurement step depends mostly on Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies for collecting information (Shanka, 2009, p. 11). Analyze After carrying out the process metrics, several analysis devices can be applied to determine the failures and barriers within the process to attain the performance conditions or where unpredicted action is taking place. Improve Once the process has passed through analysis stage, improvements of the process may be performed. These enhancements are derived from the data and analysis, and are intended to take the process to meet its declared goals. Control Once the process has been improved, the next step of the methodology concentrates on constant measurement to confirm that the process goes on to attain its final or production goals. The control step is intended to make sure that the process does not turn out as corrupted .Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More If environmental conditions change, the process is required to be restructured. The diagram below shows the processes of Six Sigama (Shanka, 2009, p. 95): TRMC’s Six Sigma Six Sigma has been used by Thibodaux Regional Medical Center (TRMC) since 2002 and they changed their management styles to cope with operational and medical matters (Palagyi Hamelynch, 2003). An example of an activity which is aligned with the strategic plan of the business was a proposal to decrease pressure ulcer or nosocomial. This is an example of the major performance metrics showing quality of care. Even though the rate of pressure ulcer at the health care facility was highly superior to the industry standards, the constant quality improvement data identified an increase between the 2004 and 2005 (Henderson, 2011, p. 6). In September 2005, a Six S igma project to tackle this problem was implemented by the hospital’s management and the team started to simplify the problem statement. Their target was to be effective and efficient by solving matters resulting to the growth of nosocomial pressure ulcers. To ensure that their plans are generating an optimistic change on the patient care setting, the hospital constantly measures worker and patient satisfaction through Press Ganey. Worker satisfaction is constantly graded in the 97th percentile and inpatient satisfaction is measured in the 99th percentile (Henderson, 2011, p. 6). TRMC also have been acknowledged for its success including awards such as Press Ganey Excellence Award and Louisiana Performance Excellence Award.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The Six Sigma Improvement Methodology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Black Belt and the head of pressure ulcer project, Sheri Eschete, claimed that the p roject is an excellent instance of the need to validate fundamental causes through application of valid data, instead of relying on first instinct only. Six Sigma has helped the hospital with several approaches to solve some real issues so that they can create appropriate improvements (Henderson, 2011, p. 6). Application of Six Sigma mechanism has extended into several areas beyond manufacturing. Regardless of various criticisms of DMAIC strategy, it remains to produce great impact on the way industries or organizations meet and maintain excellence. References Gygi, C., DeCarlo, N., Williams, B. (2005). Six Sigma For Dummies. Hoboken NJ: John Wiley Sons. Henderson, R. (2011). Six Sigma Quality Improvement with Minitab. West Sussex: ohn Wiley Sons. Palagyi, S., Hamelynch, A. (2003). Understanding the Value of Six Sigma. Supply Chain Forum , 4(1): 48-50. Shanka, R. (2009). Process Improvement Using Six Sigma: A Dmaic Guide. New York: ASQ Quality Press.

Recording of Music on CDs Essays

Recording of Music on CDs Essays Recording of Music on CDs Essay Recording of Music on CDs Essay In the early 1980s when CDs were first introduced, there were required to hold data (e.g. computer software, music etc) in a digital format! What do we all want in a CD? Well for the example we would use a music CD. The main aim would be to create a recording with very high fidelity which means the similarity between the original signal and the reproduced signal. The reproduction of sound which no matter how many times a track is played would still be the same quality as you first played it! In this report, it will show you how analogue and digital technology work with CDs. Analogue Just out of general interest, the word Analogue comes from two Greek words meaning word for word. An example of how another analogue device works is a clock. The hands of the clock make a complete circuit in a minute or in an hour or in half a day, depending on which hand it is. The hands would continually go around just as the Earth turns completely around on its axis in a day. Analogue recordings draw an impression of sound waves in the scribble channel in vinyl records or as variations of magnetic energy in cassette tape. The vinyl records and tape store these pictures of the sound patterns and allow them to be played back over and over again. Figure 1.1 shows a typical analogue cassette tape. There are some problems with this system that I will just highlight: * The information gets mixed up with the errors of the medium. A clock hand that does not keep up with the other hands gives inaccurate information. * Dust in a record groove causes sounds not meant to be there. * Tape imperfections cause hiss that was not part of the original sound. * Fidelity If you have music and play it over and over again on an analogue format then the sound would not be that of the original. In other words the quality of the sound would gradually deteriorate. The graph (Figure 1.0) shows what an analogue signal would look like scratching onto the tin cylinder can! The machine which records it is called Edisons phonograph. Instead of noting it down on a cylinder can, we can do it electronically! You can see an example of this on Figure 1.2 below. The graph is showing the position of the microphone diaphragm (Y axis) over time (X axis). The diaphragm is vibrating on the order of 1,000 oscillations per second. You can see that the vibrations that are noting down the sound are working very quickly! Even saying a hard like hello has a particular tone! The graph is showing it going up and down which resulted 500-hertz (500 oscillations per second) wave. Digital Data The word digital in Latin means digitus or finger, because everyone from an early age learns to count on his/her fingers. We have ten fingers, so with us humans, the common numbering system is to the base 10 (0 to 9). For computers, they use 0 and 1 because they dont have fingers! Usually 0 is off and 1 is on. This is what we call the binary system. With digital recordings, the computer uses the binary coding system to decode and encode. An example: How does it work? We can take a painting for example, if oil was spilled on the painting it is complex to restore what was there before because the oil has become part of the painting. However if someone recorded the painting with a paint-by-number scheme in great detail, the oil wouldnt matter there no numbers assigned to the oil! The artist could redraw the painting by following the number codes exactly. Only this time the oil spillage wouldnt be there! Identical copies can be made from here. Digital data works exactly like this which is why it can reproduce what it had originally just by using numbers. Digital recordings can that avoids the disadvantages that analogue get. It does not try to draw the information that is being saved. As an alternative, it converts the information into a mathematical code that ignores the flaws of whatever medium (The carrier between a source of information and its intended audience!) is storing the data. Figure 1.3 shows what a CD looks like: Converting Data To make output of sound better quality and efficient, we would have to convert an analogue sound into digital before it is outputted! How is this done might you ask? Well digital recording converts the analogue wave into a stream of numbers and records the numbers instead of the wave which we saw on the graph diagrams figures 1.1 and 1.2. The conversion is done by a device called an analogue to-digital converter (ADC). To play back the music, the stream of numbers is converted back to an analogue waves by a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC). The analogue wave produced by the DAC is put through an amplifier which produces the sound out through speakers. The sound of a CD would be of the same every time you play it unless for example the numbers that are being converted is corrupted. The analogue wave produced by the DAC will be the same or near enough original analogue waves if the ADC produces accurate numbers and it is sampled at a high rate. Compact Disk (CD) When CDs sampling rate and precision is working, it produces a lot of data. On a CD, the digital numbers produced by the ADC are stored as bytes! Just for fact, it takes just two bytes to represent 65,536 gradations. A CD can store up to 74 minutes of music. Therefore the total amount of digital data that must be stored on a CD is! How is this worked out is what you are thinking? Well the equation for this is by: 44,100 samples/ (channel*second) * 2 bytes/sample * 2 channels * 74 minutes * 60 seconds/minute = 783,216,000 bytes The CD player The CD player has the job of finding and reading the data stored as bumps on the CD. Considering how small the bumps are, the CD player is very precise when scanning the bumps! A laser and a lens system focus in on and read the bumps. A tracking mechanism moves the laser assembly so that the lasers beam can follow the spiral track which can move up and down the CD. Below on Figure 1.4 shows what is inside of a CD player. Some of the components are labelled so it is easier to distinguish what is what! Regeneration of analogue signals in the CD player Inside the CD player there is a DAC. Inside of the DAC, there is a clock that regenerates the digital data stream of the CD-player. Regeneration is done by something called Phase Locked Loop (PLL) which is located in the input receiver. However in this DAC design an additional PLL is applied between the input receiver and the DA converters. A disadvantage is the PLL has a very slow tracking of frequency changes but it is acceptable because the data stream is generated with very stable X-tal oscillator inside the CD-player. The PLL exists of a Voltage Controlled X-tal Oscillator (VCXO) which is compared with the regenerated clock from the input receiver. This error signal, filtered with a low pass filter with a very low bandwidth (far below the audio range), controls the VCXO. However, the unfiltered error signal is available as an output. We called this output PLL sound. With an ideal CD-player and ideal PLL this signal should be a constant voltage. However after measurement and listening we would know better. At the output a very small signal is present with noise and signal that is some how parallel with the analogue music signal. By connecting an amplifier with high gain to this output, differences between different players could be detected. It is even possible to determine differences between the original CD and several CD-ROM copies (the brand as well as writing speed). There is a link between the sound quality of the CD-player (used as data source only for the DAC) and the signal at the PLL sound output. This feature makes it possible for the DAC owner to listen to the quality of the CD-player and possibly to improve it. The PLL sound output is something like a subjective clock spectrum analyser. Conclusion Over the years, technology has moved very rapidly especially with the recording of music as a digital signal on a CD and the way analogue signal is regenerated on a CD player. Today most would listen to a digital form of music but the processes still involve analogue signals along the way! Here we have showed that although just playing a CD could be as easy as pressing the Play button, the logic and processes are somewhat unknown to many! At the end of the day these advances would only make listening to music more enjoyable for people.

What Does It Take To Get Into The University of Pittsburgh?

The University of Pittsburgh’s acceptance rate is 59.3%. What does it take to get in? Located in the bustling heart of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh (â€Å"Pitt†) attracts nearly 30,000 applicants each year. Of these, just over half get in. Self-declared a research powerhouse, Pitt is known for bringing hands-on learning to its classes and providing ample opportunity to explore one’s passions beyond classroom walls. Employers nationwide have their eye on this school, allowing Pitt to offer a valuable internship guarantee to its students. Perhaps one of the main attractions is the school’s location, however. Pittsburgh is home to a thriving economy, a vibrant art scene, and rich cultural diversity. It is fondly referred to by its residents as a hidden gem amongst cities. And Pitt, situated in the Oakland neighborhood, is at the city’s core. Interested in being a part of the University of Pittsburgh community? In this post, we’ll tell you how to stand out in a pool of thousands of applicants. Pitt employs a rolling admissions process. In place of predetermined deadlines and decision release dates, rolling admissions allows students to send their application in as soon as it’s ready. In turn, applicants will receive their decision shortly after the admissions committee has finished reviewing the application. That said, rolling admissions works on a space-available basis. That means it is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible, while more spots are available. You can apply via Pitt’s online application , The Common Application , or The Coalition Application . If you have other schools on the Common Application, we recommend the Common Application to save time. There is a $55 application fee regardless of which platform you use. Here’s a review of the steps to a complete Pitt application: Note that the priority review deadline for academic scholarships is December 15th. It is highly recommended that you apply by this date. The Regular Consideration Deadline is January 15th. Estimating your chance of getting into a college is not easy in today’s competitive environment. Thankfully, with our state-of-the-art software and data, we can analyze your academic and extracurricular profile and estimate your chances. Our profile analysis tool can also help you identify the improvement you need to make to enter your dream school. Percentage of the University of Pittsburgh freshmen who took at least one advanced course in high school: 93% The University of Pittsburgh does not have a minimum GPA for admission, but the average GPA of last year’s admitted class was a 3.97. This indicates that students are expected to be at the top of their class, with an average letter grade of A- and above. Pitt’s website states an interest in advanced level classes and a well-rounded curriculum. In other words, the admissions committee wants to see a transcript that shows you are challenging yourself to take rigorous coursework, but not to the extent that your grades are suffering. In the event that you do receive a grade lower than a C, it is recommended that you retake the class during the summer. Pitt also emphasizes a challenging senior year curriculum. As with most schools, the university values an upward trajectory in both grades and rigor, meaning a student is taking harder classes and receiving higher, or at least consistent, grades each year. This trend shows growth as a person and a persisting desire to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Whether you choose to take the SAT or ACT, you want to be towards the top of the middle 50% range. Pitt will superscore the SAT, which means the highest section scores from multiple administrations of the exam will be combined into a new, and usually higher, composite score. It is therefore to your advantage to take the exam more than once. The University of Pittsburgh offers five writing prompts to freshmen applications. Of these, two are required application components and the other three are optional but highly recommended. According to Pitt’s website, the most effective responses are typically around 200 to 300 words per question; however, there is no official word limit and quality is emphasized over quantity. Your responses should show careful thought and consideration, as this is one of only a few opportunities on the application where you have room to let your personality shine. Regarding the optional prompts, you can respond to as few or as many as you want. That said, this is a great opportunity to tell the admissions committee more about yourself and demonstrate serious interest in the school. Responding to optional prompts shows commitment to the school, while refraining from answering may be taken for a lack of genuine interest. We encourage you to consider these prompts as mandatory in order to optimize your chances of acceptance. For a full run-down on responding to the University of Pittsburgh’s short answer questions, check out this post . Admissions is a stressful time, and for most, a dose of rejection is inevitable. In the event that you do get rejected, know that it is going to be okay. Rejection can be a hard pill to swallow, but keep it in perspective: the University of Pittsburgh is just one school in a country full of thousands! You will find your school, and it will work out. Looking for more schools?   Here’s a list of universities that are similar to the University of Pittsburgh, and whether you’ve been rejected or not, they’re worth considering.

Starbucks Coffee Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Starbucks Coffee Company - Essay Example Starbucks Coffee Company A business plan is important for people wanting to start a business, improve, or expand an existing business. A good business plan should be realistic and enable achievement of the set goals. A business plan should depict the short term and long-term goals and how they can be achieved. Starbucks Coffee Company is a leading coffee retailer that deals with roasting and retailing of coffee beans, selling brewed coffee, coffee related equipment’s, Italian-style espresso beverages, other cold beverages and some food items. The company was opened in 1971 as a small coffee shop at Seattle. The company was opened in 1971 as a small coffee shop at Seattle. The company has over 14, 000 outlets across the globe. The main goal of Starbucks is to provide the finest coffee globally in addition to a pleasant environment where the customers can enjoy the coffee. This essay will explore Starbucks coffee retailer company to come up with a plan on how Starbucks can improve on its operations. Sta rted in 1971, Starbucks was initially owned by Gordon Bowker, Ziev Siegel, and Gerald Baldwin. As aforementioned, the first coffee shop was located in Seattle. In the 1980, Starbucks opened up other coffee shops in various regions but within the United States. In 1996, Starbucks started its expansion outside United States when it opened a coffee shop in Japan. This was followed by opening up of numerous coffee shops within and outside United States.... Like will be demonstrated in this paper, the quality of services is crucial and affects the sale of products in retail business. Although Starbucks remains one of the leading coffee retailers, it still has opportunities to improve on its products and services to maximize its sales, which will be discussed in this essay. There are certain issues and challenges facing Starbucks and will be addressed. Industry Analysis The coffee retailing industry is highly competitive. Starbucks competitors include McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts. Competition is mainly driven by the ease of opening retail business, which has led to flocking of retailers into the business. In the past, Starbucks has mainly focused on expansion of its outlets across the globe. However, the vast number of retails shops has resulted in management difficulties. Therefore, Starbucks plans should include improving the management of existing retail shops with reduced expansion. To understand the nature of coffee retail industry a nd the performance of Starbucks, the threats and opportunities of Starbucks were assessed (Khattab, Aziz and Naguib 1-5). Opportunities The coffee retail industry is expected to continue experiencing competition. Therefore, there if need for Starbucks management to identify the different opportunities. This will enable the company remain a successful competitor (Starbucks.com Web). Since Starbucks has gained wide popularity across the globe, it should focus on further expansion to regions such as Asia where coffee beverages gaining wider acceptance. However, improved management should accompany the expansion. Therefore, Starbucks should consider increasing the management team. This could be through categorizing its stores into

Using the I Can Problem Solve Program Research Proposal

Using the I Can Problem Solve Program - Research Proposal Example ICPS Program teaches the critical thinking skills children require to solve problems on their own. After receiving this program, children learn to generate solution and alternative solutions to problems. They learn to go one step ahead and think of the situation that will arise once the decision is taken. Ability to plan properly the steps to be taken to reach the main goal is developed on their own. How? Here, students are helped to solve problems on their own by using real life situations and using fun and exciting methods such as using colorful pictures, puppets etc. Discussions among groups of students and role plays are also done during the program to help them understand and come up with various solutions and alternative solutions to situational problems .They are then allowed to find out for themselves which would be the best solution to the problem considering the consequences. The program teaches students basic skills and problem solving language. They learn word concepts, how to identify problems, come up with solutions, find out factors behind problems, generate alternate solutions and also study consequences. Children learn to be sensitive. They recognize not only one’s own feelings but also others. Children tend to be empathetic and understand problems others face from their point of view. And hence they are able to respond to others problems and influence th eir responses in turn. Children become better decision makers. Many role plays are conducted during this program enacting problematic situations. They are requested to come up with solutions and alternative solutions to such situational problems. And they finally choose the best solution on their own after studying the consequences to their decisions. This enables them to manage and solve everyday problems more effectively. Relating lessons learned to other areas, extension activities, activity sheets and other interactive activities are included.

434Mod1Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

434Mod1Case - Essay Example Often cyber ethics education is based on one significant theory or combination of two theories. The two major theoretical approaches are teleological and deontological theories. Teleological theories states action’s consequences to be a measure of action’s good. On the other hand deontological theories consider action’s righteousness to be above goodness. Utilitarian foundation is a part of teleological theories. This foundation states that action of an individual should be able to maximize happiness and good for all who are affected by such actions. It highlights the factor that actions of a person should be based on probable consequences that may be resulted by the action before it is been executed. This theory claims that a person should think about each and every individual and not just person taking a decision. Deontological theory is an ethical study based on duties. It considers duty and fidelity toward principle to be most essential factors (Gold, 2010). This theory states that an action’s consequences are not that important in comparison to rightness of the action. As per this theory an action is said to be valid if actions that are taken by individuals do not lead to any form of contradiction. The basic concept of this theory is that individuals should work according to their intelligence and virtue; act justly, should tell truth and avoid any form of injury towards others. Both the theories have different elements which state the importance of cyber ethics. This form of education has gained its importance in the recent years where stealing music or video is considered to be equivalent to actual theft. Students are made aware about the different cyber crimes and its impact on others (Starr, 2011). Information technology in the present scenario has given liberty to individuals to access various data but also it has posed a threat to one’s privacy. In American schools

Section three of country study Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Section three of country study - Term Paper Example With this concern, this paper would primarily deal with the recommendations of the type of optimal international strategy and organizational structure which should adopt by Victory State Bank for its international expansion especially in China. Optimum International Strategy An optimum international strategy implies sound global strategies that answer the possible questions concerning the matter of foreign expansion programs. It is to be stated that international business is much more complicated than domestic business as international business includes the involvement of various countries and each single country has its own culture, rule and policies (Hill, 2012). Specially mentioning, development of optimum international strategy holds great significance in the subject of international business. Strategies made for a global dynamic setting implies mitigating the conditions accustomed within the prevailed global environment. Relating to optimum international strategy, Victory State Bank could establish foreign affiliates in order to avail strong ownership, internationalization and location advantages among others. In this regard, a model of foreign expansion needs to be prepared which will work as a blueprint of the planning procedure. The model relating to foreign expansion represents that Multi National Corporations (MNCs) thoroughly involve in conducting cost-benefit calculations for every probable entry methods like exports, hybrid modes and licensing among others (Spirig, 2011). The aforesaid elements would eventually support Victory State Bank to conduct its international venture effectively. Organizational Structure Organization structure generally comprises certain imperative activities such as allocating, coordinating along with supervising the tasks related to the attainment of organizational goal. Depending upon the aim of the organizations, organizational structure changes in every case. In accordance to this particular study, the primary task of t he Victory State Bank would be to analyze the business market of China where it tends to expand its different services. In this regard, initially the bank needs to allocate funds for making considerable investments in order to build dynamic infrastructures in China. With regard to the organizational research of Victory State Bank, it has been viewed that the bank has international presence especially in Europe along with different states of New York City. The organizational culture as well as the structure of the bank can be viewed as quite a flat one leading by Joseph J. LiBassi as the Chairman of the Board. The supply as well as the distribution channels of the bank are viewed to scatter in the region where it performs different operational functions It is to be stated that the operations of the Victory State Bank are highly affected by the competitive and economic conditions such as government policies, market interest charges and the policies of the regulatory bodies. Ss China i s often regarded as a politically stable country, so there must not lay big concern regarding this particular matter. It is worth mentioning that China is regarded as one of the highest growing countries with an impressive gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate along with enormous

The ethics of the earlier thinkers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The ethics of the earlier thinkers - Essay Example Still others have no real faith and try to build a moral foundation out of their personal experience adding rules and content to it as the years go by. Some philosophers have talked of two worlds existing. One the world we live in and another better, more perfect world that exists somewhere else. This way of thinking is also the foundation of much theological thought too. Plato, like Descartes, believed that the mind and the soul were basically the same thing. However, unlike Descartes, Plato thought that the soul was eternal and didn’t with the body but changed its form and shape, as it was a kind of opposite. One of Plato’s most important concepts was his belief in the existence of two worlds: one a world of real things that we can see and one a world of forms, or perfect representations of these things. Plato was always about duality, both in objects and forms, but also in body and soul. For example, a spoon would exist on your table, but also somewhere else as a kind of perfect spoon. The same idea would apply to things like colours or animals. Homer, too, shared this idea. He saw the world as divided between mortals and gods. But for him it was possible to cross over between the worlds. Odysseus, for example, was able to visit the Underworld; Achilles was half-god and half-man. This concept was also shared by Aquinas, but somewhat less imaginatively. He believed that God was perfect and that we are but a shadow cast by this perfection. There is so much to write about when it comes to this subject. Morality is all around us and affects everything we do, all of our actions and all of our interpersonal relationships. Our lives are also determined by our view of the division of the world and the possible existence of God. This has been a popular concept throughout history, even if it has been overcome by ideas such as moral relativism in today’s world. For those reasons, it is very important to study and think about. I personally do not

434Mod1Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

434Mod1Case - Essay Example Often cyber ethics education is based on one significant theory or combination of two theories. The two major theoretical approaches are teleological and deontological theories. Teleological theories states action’s consequences to be a measure of action’s good. On the other hand deontological theories consider action’s righteousness to be above goodness. Utilitarian foundation is a part of teleological theories. This foundation states that action of an individual should be able to maximize happiness and good for all who are affected by such actions. It highlights the factor that actions of a person should be based on probable consequences that may be resulted by the action before it is been executed. This theory claims that a person should think about each and every individual and not just person taking a decision. Deontological theory is an ethical study based on duties. It considers duty and fidelity toward principle to be most essential factors (Gold, 2010). This theory states that an action’s consequences are not that important in comparison to rightness of the action. As per this theory an action is said to be valid if actions that are taken by individuals do not lead to any form of contradiction. The basic concept of this theory is that individuals should work according to their intelligence and virtue; act justly, should tell truth and avoid any form of injury towards others. Both the theories have different elements which state the importance of cyber ethics. This form of education has gained its importance in the recent years where stealing music or video is considered to be equivalent to actual theft. Students are made aware about the different cyber crimes and its impact on others (Starr, 2011). Information technology in the present scenario has given liberty to individuals to access various data but also it has posed a threat to one’s privacy. In American schools

The ethics of the earlier thinkers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The ethics of the earlier thinkers - Essay Example Still others have no real faith and try to build a moral foundation out of their personal experience adding rules and content to it as the years go by. Some philosophers have talked of two worlds existing. One the world we live in and another better, more perfect world that exists somewhere else. This way of thinking is also the foundation of much theological thought too. Plato, like Descartes, believed that the mind and the soul were basically the same thing. However, unlike Descartes, Plato thought that the soul was eternal and didn’t with the body but changed its form and shape, as it was a kind of opposite. One of Plato’s most important concepts was his belief in the existence of two worlds: one a world of real things that we can see and one a world of forms, or perfect representations of these things. Plato was always about duality, both in objects and forms, but also in body and soul. For example, a spoon would exist on your table, but also somewhere else as a kind of perfect spoon. The same idea would apply to things like colours or animals. Homer, too, shared this idea. He saw the world as divided between mortals and gods. But for him it was possible to cross over between the worlds. Odysseus, for example, was able to visit the Underworld; Achilles was half-god and half-man. This concept was also shared by Aquinas, but somewhat less imaginatively. He believed that God was perfect and that we are but a shadow cast by this perfection. There is so much to write about when it comes to this subject. Morality is all around us and affects everything we do, all of our actions and all of our interpersonal relationships. Our lives are also determined by our view of the division of the world and the possible existence of God. This has been a popular concept throughout history, even if it has been overcome by ideas such as moral relativism in today’s world. For those reasons, it is very important to study and think about. I personally do not

Industry competitions Essay Example for Free

Industry competitions Essay As per the case provided by Lencioni (2005), the industry was faced with a 30 % excess capacity and too many companies were chasing fewer customers. The global economy experienced a sharp downturn in 2001 and this lasted will into 2003. Equity prices had fallen and this combined with concerns of oil supplies had created an atmosphere of uncertainty. Sales of automobiles had declined in almost all the markets. BMW was listed 6th in the largest manufactures list and had a sold 1. 12 million vehicles in 2003 with sales of 41. 52 billion Euros while General Motors which stood first had sold 8. 5 million vehicles and had sales of 157. 19 billion Euros (p. 735). Please refer to the following illustration for details. Figure 2. BMW and the Five Major Companies in 2003 (p, 735) There was bitter rivalry among the manufactures and they indulged in price wars and the bid to lower the price, while costs were rising were hurting the finances. All the manufacturers made good quality cars that had less than 53 defects per 100 vehicles and clearly the cars lacked unique differentiators and customers had little way of knowing which was what. Clearly only cars that had very good designs and looks were favoured. All the companies wanted to reduce costs and a few companies had shifted the base to China and India. BMW with its reputation for excellent German engineering and good designs had a slight edge (p 735). Suppliers The suppliers of the industry included the hundreds of vendors, job workshops, parts suppliers and so on. They did not have much of an advantage or bargaining power since the car manufacturers were themselves in trouble and they could easily switch suppliers if a need arose (p. 736). Potential Entrants The treat of potential entrants was not very strong as new manufacturers could not scale to the global level quickly. But companies such as Toyota had created a strong brand awareness for quality, fuel economy and service and cars made by Toyota had become increasingly popular, at least in the mid class of cars. Potential entrants would have to devote enough resources for the engineering and then again spend on advertisements and companies were spending up to 50 billion USD on advertising and marketing and this worked to $ 2, 900 for each car sold. BMW had already created an image for excellent quality cars that were powerful, had good design and also very less problems (p. 737). Buyers It was a totally buyers market and there were hundreds of varieties of cars made by leading manufacturers and they could demand excellent quality. In addition, the buyers also demanded discounts, free insurance, zero percent interest loans and many other services. BMW cars were priced at the mid and the upper levels and in this category, buyers were extremely brand conscious. BMW has new versions such as the X5 and Z6 models along with other brands, but it was seeing declining sales. Research conducted in 2003 showed that consumers based their indirect and direct experience measured different brands performance against the criteria of brand excellence and cost of ownership (p. 736). Substitutes The problem with the automobile market was that the customers could not make out any difference between the cars since all the manufactures gave an emphasis on quality and had dedicated design engineers. In the low and mid class segments, the problem was much worse but BMW did not operate in this class (p. 737). Future Changes The future changes as described in the case and with reference to BMW is the distinctive identity that young and affluent European professionals had a desire for. Most drivers perceived high performance saloon automobiles as synonymous with BMW and it was a sign of affluence to own one of the vehicles. There was a pressing urgency to control costs and BMW had manufacturing bases in countries such as China were skilled labour was available at lower costs. It had plans to produce 1,50,000 cars by 2008 from its plants in China and was planning to invest 480 million USD by 2005 (p 738). Figure 3. BMW Growth and Performance Figure (p. 738) However, there was pressure to reduce the costs and orders to divest the expensive and ill Rover acquisition that was bleeding talent and money. There was pressure to sell the expensive models in China since Europe was saturated with high brand vehicles. Q 2. WHAT DIRECTIONS AND METHODS OF STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT DOES BMW APPEAR TO FOLLOW? Lencioni (p. 740) has pointed out that that BMW was in a tight financial position. In spite of the great sales talk, it still lacked the big money required to get the better of the big companies. The company was still a niche player and did not have the large volumes required and it had only a few models. Also the size of the company was modest and the future lay in the hands of the Quandt family that had propped up the company. They were vulnerable to acquisition if the Quandt family decided to dispose of the company or sell of their shares. The company was actually operating in the niche segment and in 2002, it decided to roll out a new model every 3 months and the models would range from the mini size to the Rolls Royce Class of vehicles. There were certain risks as increasing the output at the level planned by the company could threaten the very reason for BMWs great success, a strong but simple theme summarized by the line the ultimate driving machine. The company had been able to exploit this brand identity very profitably and globally wherever their niche could be found. The brand could be extended but there was a fear of diluting the brand. Also there was a fear that by introducing too many closely positioned brands there was the fear that one brand would cannibalise the other. Also by increasing the production of smaller cars could have the effect of reducing the historically high margins enjoyed by BMW as moving into the smaller cars meant earning lesser margins. Competitions in this lower segment were volume driven and operated with much lesser costs. Another issue was quality and with pressure on costs, the risk of quality lapses was bound to increase. The consequences of quality defects in the premium segments could be very heavy. Another route was outsourcing of components but again this meant a compromise on quality (p. 741). REFERENCES Lencioni Valeriano. 2005. BMW Automobiles. (eds) Exploring corporate strategy, by Johnson, Scholes and Whittington. pp: 734-741 Mc Donald Malcom, 1996. Strategic Marketing and Planning. Cranfield Management Series. ISNB 0749420960.

Irish Free State And The Irish Civil War

Irish Free State And The Irish Civil War The Irish Civil War lasted from the 28 June 1922 to the 24 May 1923. It was a conflict based between two opposing Irish nationalists. One of which was the Provisional government in which supported the idea of Ireland as a free state, the other side being the Republicans which opposed the Anglo-Irish Treaty and wanted Ireland to still be part of the United Kingdom. In the end the war was won by the Free State forces, following under the Provisional government. The results of the civil war left Ireland divided for many decades afterwards and claimed many casualties. One factor which is believed to have been the biggest impact on the uprising of the Irish civil war is the Anglo-Irish Treaty which established Ireland as a Free State. The idea of the treaty arose after the Irish War of Independence, between Irish separatists and the British government, ended after 2 years in 1921. A truce was declared and a treaty was being negotiated. The idea of independence from the UK was after a massacre occurred in Ireland as retaliation to the fall of the British Secret Service in Ireland. Attacks like this turned the Irish against the English and therefore independence was asked for. However instead of creating an independent republic, Ireland had to sign an oath which would only give it the opportunity of freedom to be a self-governing authority within the British Empire with the British monarch as head of state. However at the same time, the treaty that was offered to the Irish also gave opportunity to countries in Ireland to give back its control to the UK within the following month after the treaty was agreed upon. In the end the treaty provided a self-directed Irish state, only in 26 of the 32 countries part of Ireland. Even though, originally, the treaty was greatly appreciated throughout Ireland, it created a split in opinion of government. The countries in the northern region of Ireland didnt agree to the Partition of Ireland from the UK and so with this the Home Rule and the Government of Ireland Act of 1920 were passed. These gave Ireland two different parliaments, each with its own Prime Minister. One was given for the Unionists and the other for the Nationalists. The citizens of six northern countries under the leader of the unionist group voted as part of a referendum for the creation of a Northern Ireland in May 1921. The Northern Ireland was run under a Prime Minister which followed the Unionist belief. The British always expected that the northern region of Ireland would comply with the party of the treaty which gave power and authority back to the British. However the expectancy grew even more certain when Sir James Craig, the PM of Northern Ireland announced during October 1922 that we will have to make the choice either to vote out or remain within the Free State hence showing that he was not with southern Ireland. He later then said that as soon as Northern Ireland is given the opportunity to make a decision it is important that it is made instantly, so to show the world that any decision made came with no hesitation. Eventually, in a written agreement with Britain, Northern Ireland gave back any agreement which they acquired in the treaty and was under the ruling authority of the UK. Afterwards the UK was renamed to The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to reflect the new ruling. Thus the separation in state due to the treaty was yet the beginning of the civ il war between Northern and Southern Ireland. As a part of the treaty, Ireland was given the right to its own army. At first when the British government was ruling Ireland, the IRA was but a rebellious guerrilla force that was dedicated to the establishment of Irish as a republic. The IRA -Irish Republican Army was the army that fought against the British in the war of independence. However afterwards, the war split the army into two; those that continued their support for the treaty, who then became the first official Irish army, and those that were anti-treaty, those that wanted complete freedom. Due to outrage from some citizens about the fact that the treaty was signed, which to them seemed treacherous; rebellious protest and conflicts arose. In April 1922, the anti-treaty IRA seized control of the Dublin Four-Courts and other key buildings. Gaining some control over what occurred in Ireland. However the actions and rulings that the anti-treaty IRA had produced were seen as unacceptable. At times the government tried to mediate with the IRA to make an agreement on some level rather than having unnecessary tension. However after the IRA made no budge, it then led to the government becoming impatient with dealing with the situation as the power was unbalanced. This then led to the command that the now official Irish Army Pro-treaty IRA was to then bomb the Four-Courts. This succeeding in the sense that it got what the government wanted, which was the IRA out of Dublin. The bombing led to however the aggression and battle of the Irish Civil war. Not only were there disagreements in military, but also voting and opinions of the citizens became a major impact on the governments actions. In Northern Ireland people were starting to become more and more with the treaty, as evident in votes. Yet another example of how the disagreement of the treaty impacted the occurrence of the Irish Civil war. Eventually, the disagreements and battle became a topic of religion. The Irish army on numerous counts attacked Northern Ireland when crossing the military border. They mainly attacked Protestants in the area, thinking they were main people who were against the treaty. Eventually the Protestants in Northern Ireland turned towards the Catholics thinking they were the ones to blame, as to why the IRA had started attacking them in Northern Ireland and started to abolish them from their homes and started to take over their land. As a result the Protestants began to attack the Catholics in the area. This was done so with a great rise in violence and rioting. Even though the violence from the IRA began to decrease with the dawning of the war, the revenge on the Catholics became serious. Because of disagreements about the treaty of Ireland as a free state, and military response and revenge, the Protestants began to then use military attacks on the Catholics killing 257 of them between July 1920 and July 1922. About 11,000 Catholics were forced to leave their jobs in factories due to attacks from Protestant colleagues. The government of Northern Ireland attempted to restore order by trying to set up a police force which was dedicated to making harmony between the Protestants and the Catholics, however this only yet intensified the violence rather than maintaining any form of order. Eventually the police were given the power to imprison people who they thought to be at fault without the need for a trial, due to the special powers act of 1922 and the offences against the state act of 1924. The establishment of Ireland as a free state from Britain had a great impact on the cause of the civil war. Due to dispute and unsettled disagreements, anyone that had an opinion on whether or not the situation at hand should be carried out to allow Ireland to become free or to keep it under British rule, voiced it for whatever consequence. From the beginning of the treaty, there was always a dispute as to whether the independence was one on a national agreement, since from the very start it was believed to be certain that the entire nation wouldnt agree upon the partition. It led to the separation of Ireland into two states. Two states with different opinions and directions in mind for what would happen with Ireland, and what results should be acquired from agreements with Britain and the UK. This led to radicals and desperate matters where the military and rebellious groups did what they thought was necessary to make sure that even though it would lead to other reasons of argument, it will ensure that everyone had an equal voiced opinion. Ireland desired to became a free state, however even though part of it had its own rule, and others received what they wanted as to be under British rule, the misunderstanding and unfortunate events, such as guerrilla attacks and religious attacks, turned the wish to fulfil the establishment of a free state into a battle which didnt allow much freedom within the nation. It turned into a battle between government, military forces, and religion. So the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the Irish state vs. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, was a great impact in influencing the cause of the Irish Civil war.